The Best New News Podcast Right Now – January 2026
Dive into the compelling world of true crime and current events with our latest podcast episodes. This week, we unravel the intricate details of the Pam Hupp case, explore the controversial "garage hopping" incident involving Deere and Day Day, and dissect the U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. We also examine the impact of expired ACA subsidies, the threats facing Somali American daycare centers, and the suspicious deaths of Joe Hartzfield and Patricia Lee. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these gripping stories and the justice system.
The 10 Best News episodes
Cases to watch in 2026: Pam Hupp and Kouri Richins. Plus, home burglars going high-tech
Dateline previews 2026 trials like Pam Hupp and Cori Richens, discusses high-tech crime, and explores legal strategies and evidence in complex murder cases.
Dateline True Crime Weekly looks ahead to significant trials in 2026, including Cori Richens and Rex Heuermann. The podcast delves into the intricate Pam Hupp case, detailing the murders of Betsy Faria and Louis Gumpenberger, Hupp's alleged motives of financial gain, and the evidence against her. It also previews the Cori Richens trial, focusing on allegations of fentanyl poisoning for financial benefit and legal challenges regarding witness testimony. Updates are provided on other major 2026 trials, such as the Paul Canale quadruple murder, Brendan Banfield's alleged plot, Matthew Farwell's grooming accusations, and the Rex Heuermann serial killer case, highlighting the use of new DNA technology. Finally, the segment addresses the rise of high-tech thieves and offers advice on home security.
Deadly Exchange
A German exchange student's fatal mistake of entering a neighbor's garage for alcohol leads to a controversial trial over self-defense and justifiable homicide.
This podcast recounts the tragic story of Deere and Day Day, a German exchange student in Montana, who was shot and killed by homeowner Marcus Karma after entering his garage. The incident, initially perceived as a home invasion, was later revealed to involve Deere and and his friend Robbie engaging in "garage hopping" to steal alcohol. The narrative explores the escalating fear of the Karma family due to previous burglaries, leading to the installation of a security system. Marcus Karma claims self-defense, stating he feared for his life when confronting Deere and in the garage. However, the prosecution argued for deliberate homicide, presenting evidence such as Deere and being shot in the back and a recording of Janelle Karma hearing Deere and plead for his life. The trial became a battle between the "Castle Doctrine" and premeditation, with the defense highlighting Deere and's intent to steal and the prosecution emphasizing Karma's alleged premeditation and vengeful actions. Ultimately, Marcus Karma was found guilty of deliberate homicide and sentenced to 70 years in prison, sparking national debate on self-defense laws and gun culture. The story concludes with reflections on Deere and's life, the impact of his death, and the fading trend of garage hopping.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is in New York City, faces narcoterrorism charges
US forces capture Venezuelan President Maduro, facing narco-terrorism charges, while his VP defies US plans, highlighting legal precedents and international reactions.
This podcast details the U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has arrived in New York facing federal charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy. The operation involved extensive planning, air support, and special forces. Despite Maduro's capture, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has declared herself interim president and publicly defied U.S. intentions. The podcast also explores the legal basis for such extraterritorial arrests, drawing parallels to the capture of Manuel Noriega, and touches upon the economic significance of Venezuela's oil reserves and the mixed reactions from the Venezuelan diaspora.
The U.S. strikes Venezuela, captures President Maduro
US strikes Venezuela, capturing President Maduro on narco-terrorism charges, leading to regional reactions and uncertainty.
The US has conducted large-scale military strikes in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The operation, described as brilliant by President Trump, targeted areas including the La Carlota military airport. Maduro faces US charges for narco-terrorism and weapons trafficking, with the International Criminal Court also investigating him for crimes against humanity. Venezuela's Vice President confirmed Maduro's capture, demanding proof of life and vowing to execute defense plans. Eyewitnesses reported explosions and circling aircraft in Caracas. Cuba condemned the strike, while Colombia braced for refugees. The US operation is compared to the capture of Manuel Noriega, and Maduro is being flown to the US to face trial. Uncertainty remains about Venezuela's future leadership and the actions of loyalists and the military.
U.S. In Venezuela, Future Of Venezuela, Maduro In NYC Court
The U.S. asserts control over Venezuela, indicting Maduro for narco-terrorism while engaging with the current government, drawing parallels to historical interventions.
President Trump declared U.S. control over Venezuela, threatening consequences for non-compliance. The U.S. strategy involves shaping Venezuelan policies through sanctions and potential investment, rather than direct intervention or installing a new government. Venezuela's acting leader, Delcey Rodriguez, offered cooperation after U.S. threats. Nicolás Maduro and his wife face drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges in New York, with the U.S. citing "Absolute Resolve" and a 1989 memo as legal justification for the operation. This approach is compared to an updated Monroe Doctrine, with historical parallels to interventions in Iraq and Libya. The U.S. operation resulted in Cuban casualties, and Venezuelans expressed defiance against U.S. interference. Maduro may attempt to claim head-of-state immunity, though U.S. legal precedent suggests this may be difficult.
Healthcare Subsides Expire, Trump and Minnesota, Mamdani Takes Office In NYC
New Year brings higher ACA premiums, a child care funding freeze, and Eric Adams' historic NYC mayoral inauguration.
The podcast opens with New Year's greetings and transitions to the significant impact of expired pandemic-era Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, leading to increased health insurance costs for millions. Simultaneously, a federal freeze on child care funding, triggered by accusations against Somali-run centers, threatens families relying on subsidies, with Minnesota's officials exploring legal and political recourse. In New York City, Eric Adams is sworn in as the youngest and first Muslim mayor, representing a political shift with potential influence from the Democratic Socialists of America. The discussion also covers the political landscape surrounding healthcare costs and options for those struggling with unaffordable insurance premiums.
Daycare Fraud Claims Fallout, Epstein Files Mess, Swiss Nightclub Fire
Podcast covers Somali daycare threats, delayed Epstein files, a Swiss nightclub fire, and liberals arming themselves.
The podcast discusses the threats and vandalism faced by Somali American daycare centers in Minnesota following allegations of fraud, leading to a halt in federal funding. It also addresses the controversial and delayed release of the Epstein files, noting their heavily redacted and disorganized nature. A tragic New Year's Eve fire at a Swiss nightclub that killed dozens is reported, with investigations ongoing. Finally, the podcast touches on a trend of liberals arming themselves due to fears of civil unrest and political violence.
The Trouble with Sarah
Sarah Hartzfield, a manipulative woman, is convicted of murdering her husband Joe, with a history of abuse and suspicious deaths surrounding her.
This podcast chronicles the investigation into the suspicious death of Joe Hartzfield, who was found unresponsive and later died. His wife, Sarah Hartzfield, is introduced as a manipulative individual with a complex past. Detective Skyler Rocks takes on the case, uncovering inconsistencies in Sarah's story and her controlling behavior towards Joe and his family. The investigation delves into Sarah's history, revealing multiple aliases, previous troubled marriages, and allegations of abuse towards her children. Suspicion also falls on Sarah in the death of her lover, David Bragg, though her account is questioned. Further revelations expose Sarah's plot to have her husband Chris's new wife killed, which leads to an FBI investigation that ultimately collapses. Detective Rocks revisits Joe's case, finding evidence of Sarah's manipulation. Sarah is eventually arrested and tried for Joe's murder. Despite the defense's attempts to discredit the prosecution's evidence by focusing on Sarah's past, the jury finds her guilty. The case highlights the impact of an all-female investigative team and leads to the reopening of other suspicious cases linked to Sarah.
Secrets in the Ashes
This Dateline episode investigates the suspicious death of Patricia Lee, exploring accusations against her husband Delbert and later, his second wife Allison, revealing a complex web of manipulation and alleged murder plots.
This Dateline episode chronicles the suspicious death of Patricia Lee, initially ruled an accident due to smoke inhalation. As the investigation unfolds, suspicions arise about her husband, Delbert Mills, particularly after his swift remarriage and the family's doubts about the fire's cause. The narrative then shifts to Delbert's second wife, Allison, who eventually implicates Delbert in Patricia's murder. Years later, Allison herself becomes the focus when recordings reveal her allegedly soliciting the murder of her third husband. The episode delves into Allison's history of alleged scams and manipulation, contrasting her claims of innocence with damning evidence and witness testimonies. Delbert Mills is convicted of Patricia's murder, while Allison faces charges for solicitation of murder. The story highlights the complexities of truth, deception, and the pursuit of justice across multiple alleged crimes.
Maduro Pleads Not Guilty, Congress On Venezuela, Vaccine Schedule Overhaul
Maduro pleads not guilty to charges, sparking debate on international law and congressional consultation, while U.S. vaccine recommendations are significantly reduced.
Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to federal charges in New York, claiming he was kidnapped. This event triggered protests and discussions about international operations and congressional consultation. Simultaneously, U.S. health officials drastically reduced routine childhood vaccine recommendations, shifting some to a "shared clinical decision-making" category, a move influenced by President Trump and causing parental confusion.
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