August 23
2002
The Ariel Castro Kidnappings
A chilling account of three young women abducted by Ariel Castro in Cleveland, Ohio, held captive for years, and their eventual escape in 2013, which shocked the nation and prompted vital changes in missing persons' case handling. Read more
1973
The Stockholm Syndrome Hostage Standoff
In August 1973, a seemingly routine bank robbery in Stockholm turned into an international spectacle, capturing the world's attention and giving rise to the term "Stockholm Syndrome." Over the course of six tense days, the bond between captors and hostages defied expectations, challenging the boundaries of fear, survival, and human connection. Read more
1942
The Battle of Stalingrad
From August 23, 1942 to February 2, 1943, the fighting for Stalingrad on the Volga became a grinding, city-sized crucible. German aims for oil and a symbolic victory met Soviet determination and a carefully planned encirclement. The result was one of the bloodiest, most decisive battles of World War II — a military turning point that left a city in ruins and shaped the course of the war and memory for generations. Read more
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