Wednesday, September 25, 2024

In this week’s Beyond The Headlines newsletter, we tackle mysteries: Was this man a cannibal or a victim? What are ‘witch bottles’? Where did the scientific search for extraterrestrial beings begin? Why are Helene and other hurricanes strengthening so quickly? Plus, Brett Favre and Parkinson’s elusive diagnoses.

These days, this Rocky Mountain town hosts a Cannibal Grill, runs coffin races, and has mystery meat competitions.  In 1874, outside of town, a legend was born amid six men stuck in brutal weather, trying to survive. One emerged, suspiciously plump and full of cash. 

Was Al Packer the dreaded Colorado Cannibal? Or was he a disliked man with epileptic seizures who killed just one man in self defense? Do the bones of the five dead men provide clues? 

Forget Advil: Once upon a time, ’witch bottles’ were thought to repel evil that already was suspected—not merely to keep potential evil spirits at bay. Many things were placed inside the bottles.  What could they include?   

A. Bones
B. Bent pins
C. Urine
D. All of the above

Related: The 5 scariest witches in modern memory

Anybody out there? Sixty-four years ago, a radio astronomer jammed himself into a trashcan-sized piece of equipment and launched humanity’s first scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Where was he?  

A. Chile
B. Kazakhstan
C. Puerto Rico
D. West Virgina 

Related: Where earthbound travelers can search for extraterrestrial life

Also: The next ways to search for life in the cosmos

 Today’s Soundtrack: On The Radio, Regina Spector  

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter, which was edited and curated by David Beard and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Got an idea or suggestion for us? Let us know.