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THE LOST CITY OF Z

Monday, June 17, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we profile the queen who outlasted Henry VIII, examine an explorer’s tragic quest for a city of gold ... and learn what happened when these Americans put their trust in an absolute ruler. Plus, scroll down to test your knowledge on Florida’s tiny reptiles.

Percy Fawcett poses in a 1911 photograph.

BRIDGEMAN/ACI

A Portuguese document claimed the existence of a golden city hidden in the Amazon, with Roman-like spires, holding untold riches.

Over 18 years, Percy Fawcett (pictured above) searched relentlessly for what he called the Lost City of Z. Then he disappeared. What happened?

THE JUNGLE MYSTERY

Related: Paddling the Amazon’s ‘River of Doubt’ a century after Teddy Roosevelt almost lost his life there

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

The Wadi Sura site

PHOTOGRAPH BY EMMANUELLE HONORÉ

An analysis of these tiny ‘handprints’ (above) show that they may not even be human. So what are they?

Endless scrolling through social media can literally make you sick

Rare—and sacred—white bison calf born in Yellowstone

What is kratom? The risks and benefits.

How the jungle mission of Jonestown turned into a cult massacre

Meet Catherine Parr—the queen who survived Henry VIII

Beyond extra sunlight: How to take advantage of summer to boost your spirits

Ancient cannabis ‘burial shroud’ discovered in desert oasis

Love summer but hate pesky bugs? These predators are nature’s pest control Related: You really are a mosquito magnet. Here’s what you can do about it.

Scientists are finally studying women’s bodies. This is what we’re learning.

In the hunt for alien life, this planet has become a top suspect

How to get rid of shoe odor

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

A native florida gecko sitting on a branch

PHOTOGRAPH BY J.D. WILSON

A rare native species in a state run by invasive ones? These tiny Florida reptiles (above) are a rarity. As one of the smallest and fastest in the U.S., they’re also nearly impossible to find. Measuring two inches from nose to tail, their size helps them blend into their environment exceptionally well. But they’re now threatened by the weather events slowly encroaching the state. What are they?

A. Laguna lizards
B. Salamanders
C. Reef geckos
D. Baby alligators

CLICK FOR THE ANSWER

LAST GLIMPSE

Black and white image of the end of the tunnel looking out

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID HAAS

Where does ‘The Road to Nowhere’ go? Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, the Road to Nowhere (pictured above) has been the subject of generations of speculation and storytelling. As ghostly tales try to complete the unfinished road, its unsettling history haunts visitors from across the country.

FOLLOW THE ROAD?

Related: Why are the Appalachian Mountains home to so many supernatural legends?

Today’s soundtrack: Help Me Mary, Liz Phair

Tomorrow: Everything you need to know about health in your 20s

Today’s newsletter was curated and edited by Nishita Naga, Nancy San Martín, and David Beard. Let us know if you have any suggestions for us.

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