EVERY WEDNESDAY World Events

Discover the real story behind the rise and fall of empires, from historic to holy. Witness the seismic events that created shockwaves spanning continents and centuries.

WEDNESDAY ON STORY

December 31, 2025

All times Eastern
Change Time Zone

8:00A

4:00P

12:00A

The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America

Secrets and Sins

Jack Daniel pioneers American whiskey; Adolphus Busch creates an iconic beer; Buck Duke innovates the modern cigarette; and Julius Schmid skirts the law selling his new condoms.

10:00A

6:00P

2:00A

The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America

Empires Lost

One of the richest men in the world may lose his tobacco empire, while alcohol titans fight for their lives against the growing threat of Prohibition. New York City becomes ground zero in the battle to legalize contraception.

12:00P

8:00P

4:00A

The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America

Sin Cities

The invention of the luxury resort casino helps birth Sin City; a Harlem woman goes to war for what will become the state lottery system; an alluring magazine like no other is launched.

2:00P

10:00P

6:00A

Story Feature

The Rise and Fall of El Chapo

Killer, drug smuggler, folk hero, Houdini of jailhouse escapes--the legend of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman is well known. But now this two-hour documentary special reveals an unprecedented look at the man behind the myth and how his international drug cartel impacts us right here at home.

By using our site, you agree that we and third parties may use cookies and similar technologies to collect information for analytics, advertising, and other purposes described in our Privacy Policy and agree to our Terms of Use