The Best New News Podcast Right Now – February 2026
Dive into the gripping world of true crime and compelling stories with Dateline's latest podcast episodes. This week, we unravel the mysteries of unsolved murders, from the chilling case of "The Girl in the Blue Mustang" to the intricate murder-for-hire plot targeting the Latham family. We also revisit the shocking story of Helen Gollay and Olga Rutterschmidt, the elderly women who preyed on the homeless, and follow the investigation into Jay Lee's disappearance and murder. Plus, get updates on ongoing legal battles and a fascinating look at the resurgence of VistaVision filmmaking. Tune in for in-depth investigations, expert insights, and the stories that keep you on the edge of your seat.
The 10 Best News episodes
The Girl in the Blue Mustang – Ep. 1: Michelle's Last Day
This podcast explores the tragic murder of Michelle O'Keefe, detailing the investigation, her background, and the lingering questions surrounding her death.
This podcast delves into the unsolved murder of Michelle O'Keefe, an 18-year-old found deceased in her blue Mustang at a Palmdale park and ride in February 2000. It introduces Dateline's \"The Girl in the Blue Mustang\" podcast, recounting Michelle's life, aspirations, and her final day leading up to the discovery of her body. The narrative follows homicide detective Richard Longshore as he tackles the perplexing case, highlighting the challenges of a crime scene with limited leads and the emotional toll on investigators and Michelle's grieving parents. The podcast also touches upon witness accounts, forensic evidence, Michelle's own premonitions of her death, and the eventual scrutiny of the security guard present at the scene, leaving many questions unanswered as the investigation continues.
The Thing About Helen & Olga – Ep. 1: Nothing to Lose. Everything to Gain
Two women, Helen and Olga, help homeless individuals but their benevolence turns sinister as suspicious deaths and insurance fraud emerge.
This Dateline podcast episode, hosted by Keith Morrison, explores the story of Helen Goley and Olga Rudderschmidt, two women who dedicated themselves to helping the homeless. They offered support and shelter to individuals like Paul Vados and Kenneth McDavid. However, the narrative takes a dark turn as both Vados and McDavid are found dead in alleys, initially ruled as hit-and-runs. Further investigation by private investigator Ed Webster reveals suspicious circumstances, including inconsistencies in the accident reports and significant life insurance policies taken out on the victims with Helen and Olga as beneficiaries, suggesting a more sinister motive behind their charitable acts.
Bringing Jay Home
Dateline's "Bringing Jay Home" chronicles the disappearance and murder of Ole Miss student Jay Lee, the investigation leading to Tim Harrington's arrest, and the eventual discovery of his remains.
This Dateline episode, "Bringing Jay Home," details the perplexing disappearance and subsequent murder investigation of Jay Lee, a popular Ole Miss student. The narrative follows the initial alarm raised by his mother when his location tracking was turned off, the discovery of his abandoned car, and the deepening mystery surrounding his whereabouts. Key developments include the review of security footage showing Jay leaving his apartment and his car being found towed off-campus. The investigation gained traction with testimony from Jay's friend, Khalid Fears, who revealed Jay was on the phone discussing an argument with someone identified as "Red Eye 24." This led to the identification of Tim Harrington, a fellow Ole Miss graduate, as "Red Eye 24." Despite initial denials, Harrington eventually admitted to a sexual relationship with Jay and was arrested. The case faced challenges due to the lack of Jay's body, leading to a mistrial. However, the discovery of Jay's remains, coupled with crucial forensic evidence—duct tape matching Harrington's apartment—led to a plea deal. Harrington confessed to strangling Jay and dumping his body, pleading guilty to second-degree murder and tampering with a body, receiving a 40-year sentence. Jay's family continues to advocate for the "Jay Lee Information Act" to aid future missing persons cases.
Talking Dateline: The Girl in the Blue Mustang
This Dateline podcast delves into the complex \"Girl in the Blue Mustang\" true crime case, exploring Raymond Jennings' wrongful conviction and exoneration, and the enduring pain of Michelle O'Keefe's family.
This Dateline podcast, \"The Girl in the Blue Mustang,\" investigates the murder of Michelle O'Keefe and the subsequent conviction and exoneration of Raymond Jennings. The narrative highlights the complexities of the investigation, including accusations of tunnel vision, lengthy jury deliberations, and cultural differences impacting trials. It introduces Clint Ehrlich, an autodidact whose investigation, spurred by a Dateline episode, played a crucial role in uncovering new perspectives on the case. The podcast also touches upon other Dateline productions and emphasizes the profound and lasting grief of Michelle O'Keefe's family, while acknowledging Raymond Jennings' resilience and lack of bitterness despite his years of imprisonment. The case's unresolved aspects and Dateline's commitment to long-term storytelling are also discussed.
Murder & Magnolias – Ep. 1: Marked for Death
A murder-for-hire plot targeting the Latham family unravels through Aaron Wilkinson's confession, revealing marital strife and criminal connections.
This podcast delves into the complexities of a murder-for-hire plot targeting the Latham family, a prominent Charleston couple whose marital issues and impending divorce became a backdrop for criminal conspiracy. The narrative follows Aaron Wilkinson, a convicted felon and drug addict, who, under pressure from his cellmate Sam Yenowine, becomes entangled in the plot. Wilkinson's arrest during a traffic stop in Charleston leads to his confession, revealing that Yenowine was hired to kill a member of the Latham family. The investigation uncovers details of the plot's origin in Louisville, the payment received, and the chilling "hit packet" containing photos of the target family. The podcast also touches upon other Dateline offerings, including "The Road to Milan" and "The Drink with Kate Snow," and revisits the Martha Moxley murder case.
Michigan husband on bodycam. Trial of former college football player. Plus, stadium safety tips.
This podcast covers true crime cases, stadium safety tips, and promotions for other Dateline and Today Show podcasts.
This podcast episode features updates on several true crime cases, including the Michigan farmer trial for the murder of Dee Warner, the trial of Rashawn Jones for the murder of his college football teammate, and the sentencing of an au pair involved in a double murder. It also includes a segment on stadium safety tips from NBC News correspondent Vicky Nguyen and promotions for Dateline and The Road to Milan podcasts.
Talking Dateline: The Thing About Helen & Olga
Dateline podcast "The Thing About Helen and Olga" details the chilling true crime story of two elderly women who murdered homeless men for insurance money.
This Dateline podcast, "The Thing About Helen and Olga," chronicles the disturbing true crime story of Helen Gollay and Olga Rutterschmidt, two elderly women who systematically murdered homeless men to collect on life insurance policies. The narrative follows the meticulous investigation by an insurance investigator and the eventual formation of the "Granny Task Force" to uncover their elaborate scheme. The podcast details their modus operandi, including staging deaths, exploiting vulnerable individuals, and engaging in fraudulent activities like the Royal Lighting store incident. It explores the challenges faced by law enforcement due to the suspects' age and deceptive nature, the discovery of further victims like Fred Downey, and the eventual trial and conviction of Helen and Olga for murder. The episode concludes with their life sentences and the ongoing mystery surrounding their full criminal history.
The search for Nancy Guthrie. Drama in a Georgia courthouse. And an ice skating scandal.
This podcast covers Olympic athlete spotlights, true crime cases, and legal updates, including the Nancy Kerrigan scandal and the Alec Murdoch appeal.
This podcast features Adam Rippon's "My Favorite Olympian" series and the "Today" show's "The Road to Milan" podcast, both focusing on athletes preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics. It also delves into true crime with "Dateline True Crime Weekly," discussing the Tara Baker murder trial, the Nancy Guthrie disappearance, and the Nancy Kerrigan/Tanya Harding scandal. Legal updates include the Alec Murdoch appeal and Corey Richens' murder trial.
Hollywood’s Love Affair with VistaVision
VistaVision, a 1950s analog film format, is experiencing a revival for its superior image quality and immersive cinematic experience, despite technical challenges.
This podcast explores the resurgence of VistaVision, a vintage widescreen film technology from the 1950s, highlighting its technical advantages and unique appeal in modern filmmaking. Originally developed by Paramount Pictures to compete with television, VistaVision uses 35mm film horizontally, producing exceptionally clear and grain-free images that rival natural vision. Despite facing competition from formats like CinemaScope and later falling out of favor due to advancements and costs, VistaVision found new life in special effects, notably for "Star Wars." Today, directors and cinematographers are embracing it for its distinct analog aesthetic and immersive quality, though they face challenges with the vintage cameras' noise and mechanical issues. The discussion also touches on the broader context of preserving film craft and the enduring value of the theatrical experience.
Verdict in double murder trial. Olympian accused of being drug kingpin. Plus, catfishing.
This episode covers the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, a former Olympian turned drug kingpin, a double murder trial verdict, and expert advice on catfishing.
The podcast begins with a plea for information regarding the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie. It then previews upcoming stories, including the case of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympian accused of drug trafficking and murder, and legal updates on Luigi Mangione and Charlie Adelson. The trial of Brendan Banfield for a double murder plot concludes with a guilty verdict. Ryan Wedding's alleged transition from Olympian to drug kingpin is detailed. Further legal updates on Luigi Mangione and Charlie Adelson's fight for a new trial are provided, followed by an in-depth discussion on catfishing with cybersecurity expert Cody Brunig, who explains the phenomenon, its red flags, and offers advice.
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