modern history

How Stephanie St. Clair Became The ‘Numbers Queen’ Of Harlem

In the 1920s, Stephanie St. Clair built a gambling empire in Harlem — and left an unforgettable mark on New York City history.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • Jan 12, 2022

How Stephanie St. Clair Became The ‘Numbers Queen’ Of Harlem

In the 1920s, Stephanie St. Clair built a gambling empire in Harlem — and left an unforgettable mark on New York City history.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • January 12, 2022

The Controversial Story Of The Élan School, The ‘Last Stop’ For Troubled Teens In Maine

First opened in 1970 and shut down in 2011, the Élan School was the "last resort" for parents of teens with behavioral problems — and allegedly a site of systemic abuse.

By Kaleena Fraga • Jan 12, 2022

The Controversial Story Of The Élan School, The ‘Last Stop’ For Troubled Teens In Maine

First opened in 1970 and shut down in 2011, the Élan School was the "last resort" for parents of teens with behavioral problems — and allegedly a site of systemic abuse.

By Kaleena Fraga • January 12, 2022

The True Story Of John Douglas, The FBI Agent Who Profiled History’s Most Notorious Serial Killers

From Ted Bundy to John Wayne Gacy, John E. Douglas has interviewed just about every serial killer in recent history. Here's how he learned what made them tick.

By Jaclyn Anglis • Jan 12, 2022

The True Story Of John Douglas, The FBI Agent Who Profiled History’s Most Notorious Serial Killers

From Ted Bundy to John Wayne Gacy, John E. Douglas has interviewed just about every serial killer in recent history. Here's how he learned what made them tick.

By Jaclyn Anglis • January 12, 2022

Why Ted Bundy’s Car Was More Than Just His Getaway Vehicle

An unassuming tan 1968 Volkswagen Beetle, Ted Bundy's car played a pivotal role in his murder spree — and it may have been one of his best weapons.

By Kaleena Fraga • Jan 11, 2022

Why Ted Bundy’s Car Was More Than Just His Getaway Vehicle

An unassuming tan 1968 Volkswagen Beetle, Ted Bundy's car played a pivotal role in his murder spree — and it may have been one of his best weapons.

By Kaleena Fraga • January 11, 2022

Meet Kendall Francois, The ‘Poughkeepsie Killer’ Who Monitored Students By Day And Brutalized Sex Workers By Night

For two years, the humble New York town of Poughkeepsie was terrorized by a 250-pound serial killer named Kendall Francois, who murdered eight women before he was caught in 1998.

By Marco Margaritoff • Jan 11, 2022

Meet Kendall Francois, The ‘Poughkeepsie Killer’ Who Monitored Students By Day And Brutalized Sex Workers By Night

For two years, the humble New York town of Poughkeepsie was terrorized by a 250-pound serial killer named Kendall Francois, who murdered eight women before he was caught in 1998.

By Marco Margaritoff • January 11, 2022

How Alexandra Feodorovna Became The Last Empress Of Russia

Though born and wedded royal, the life of Tsarina Alexandra proved to be anything but charmed.

By William DeLong • Jan 11, 2022

How Alexandra Feodorovna Became The Last Empress Of Russia

Though born and wedded royal, the life of Tsarina Alexandra proved to be anything but charmed.

By William DeLong • January 11, 2022

Inside The Chilling Crimes Of John Joubert, The Eagle Scout Who Became A Serial Killer

Known as the Woodford Slasher, John Joseph Joubert IV was just 16 when he stabbed a pencil into a six-year-old girl — before going on to murder at least three young boys.

By Marco Margaritoff • Jan 10, 2022

Inside The Chilling Crimes Of John Joubert, The Eagle Scout Who Became A Serial Killer

Known as the Woodford Slasher, John Joseph Joubert IV was just 16 when he stabbed a pencil into a six-year-old girl — before going on to murder at least three young boys.

By Marco Margaritoff • January 10, 2022

Inside Turkmenistan’s Gates of Hell, The Massive Smoldering Pit That’s Been Burning Since The 1970s

Turkmenistan's "Door to Hell," also called the Darvaza gas crater, is fueled by a reserve of methane gas below the surface — and scientists have no idea how long it will take to burn out.

By Katie Serena • Jan 9, 2022

Inside Turkmenistan’s Gates of Hell, The Massive Smoldering Pit That’s Been Burning Since The 1970s

Turkmenistan's "Door to Hell," also called the Darvaza gas crater, is fueled by a reserve of methane gas below the surface — and scientists have no idea how long it will take to burn out.

By Katie Serena • January 9, 2022

Inside The Haunting Disappearance Of Etan Patz, One Of The Original Missing Milk Carton Kids

On May 25, 1979, six-year-old Etan Patz disappeared in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. He was never seen alive again.

By John Kuroski • Jan 9, 2022

Inside The Haunting Disappearance Of Etan Patz, One Of The Original Missing Milk Carton Kids

On May 25, 1979, six-year-old Etan Patz disappeared in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. He was never seen alive again.

By John Kuroski • January 9, 2022

Who Was Mark David Chapman, The Man Who Killed John Lennon?

A born-again Christian obsessed with "The Catcher In The Rye," Mark David Chapman killed John Lennon outside his Manhattan apartment on December 8, 1980.

By Marco Margaritoff • Jan 8, 2022

Who Was Mark David Chapman, The Man Who Killed John Lennon?

A born-again Christian obsessed with "The Catcher In The Rye," Mark David Chapman killed John Lennon outside his Manhattan apartment on December 8, 1980.

By Marco Margaritoff • January 8, 2022