In The Dark
69 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 25.5K ratingsIn the Dark, hosted by Madeleine Baran, is an award-winning investigative-journalism podcast that started in 2016. Its first season looked at the mysterious abduction of Jacob Wetterling in rural Minnesota and the lack of accountability that sheriffs face when they fail to solve cases. Season 2 examined the case of Curtis Flowers, who was tried six times for the same crime. In 2020, In the Dark released a special report on the coronavirus pandemic in the Mississippi Delta. In 2023, In the Dark joined The New Yorker and Condé Nast. “The Runaway Princesses,” In the Dark’s first collaboration with a New Yorker staff writer, is a four-part series that asks why the women in Dubai’s royal family keep trying to run away. Season 3 of In the Dark is currently in production.
In the Dark is a two-time Peabody Award winner and, in 2019, became the first podcast to win a George Polk Award, one of the top honors in investigative journalism. The program has also received an Edward R. Murrow Award and a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award.
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Episodes
The Runaway Princesses, Episode 4: Hostage
February 20, 2024 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MBSecret recordings reveal what happened to Latifa after armed men stormed the yacht she was hoping would bring her to freedom. "The Runaway Princesses" is a four-part narrative series from In the Dark and The New Yorker. To read Heidi Blake’s reporting on the princesses of Dubai, visit newyorker.com/princesses.
The Runaway Princesses, Episode 3: A Nice Lunch
February 13, 2024 10:00 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBLatifa has made it to international waters, but she’s not out of danger. Her father has powerful forces at his command. "The Runaway Princesses" is a four-part narrative series from In the Dark and The New Yorker. Subscribers to The New Yorker have early, ad-free access to all episodes. Visit newyorker.com/dark to subscribe.
The Runaway Princesses, Episode 2: Escape
February 06, 2024 10:00 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBPrincess Latifa is desperate to help her sister Shamsa, who’s been captured, drugged, and imprisoned on her father’s orders. She makes a plan to flee Dubai. "The Runaway Princesses" is a four-part narrative series from In the Dark and The New Yorker. Subscribers to The New Yorker have early, ad-free access to all episodes. Visit newyorker.com/dark to subscribe.
The Runaway Princesses, Episode 1: Sisters
January 30, 2024 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBAs sex workers flee Sheikh Mohammed’s U.K. estate bruised and weeping, no one is held to account. British authorities look the other way after one of the sheikh’s own daughters tries to escape. "The Runaway Princesses" is a four-part narrative series from In the Dark and The New Yorker. Subscribers to The New Yorker have early, ad-free access to all episodes. Visit newyorker.com/dark to subscribe.
Want all episodes of The Runaway Princesses today?
January 25, 2024 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.11 MBNew episodes of “The Runaway Princesses” will drop each week in the In the Dark feed. But if you want to listen right away, you can get the whole series now. Just visit newyorker.com/dark to subscribe for $1/week. If you’re already a New Yorker subscriber, download the app for iOS or Android to listen.
Trailer: The Runaway Princesses
January 23, 2024 10:00 - 3 minutes - 3.09 MBThe wives and daughters of Dubai’s ruler live in unbelievable luxury. So why do the women in Sheikh Mohammed’s family keep trying to run away? The New Yorker staff writer Heidi Blake joins In the Dark’s Madeleine Baran to tell the story of the royal women who risked everything to flee the brutality of one of the world’s most powerful men. In four episodes, drawing on thousands of pages of secret correspondence and never-before-heard audio recordings, “The Runaway Princesses” takes l...
An Announcement
March 09, 2023 14:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBBig news! In the Dark has a new home and a new team of partners. The podcast now comes to you from The New Yorker—the legendary home of extraordinary journalism. ____ In the Dark is a Peabody Award-winning podcast that tells deeply reported stories. Season 1 investigates lapses by law enforcement after the kidnapping of eleven-year-old Jacob Wetterling. Season 2 examines the case of Curtis Flowers, a Mississippi man tried six times for the same crime. In the Dark journalists have ...
Introducing: Sent Away
March 08, 2022 06:05 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBMadeleine chats with her colleague Curtis Gilbert about his new show Sent Away, a deep investigative dive into the troubled world of the troubled teen industry. Episode 1: A dark cave. A tragic accident. A new treatment center. The state of Utah tries to hold it accountable. But that turns out to be harder than you’d think. Subscribe to the whole series: Sent Away Support investigative journalism: Donate to In the Dark and Sent Away
Introducing: In Front of Our Eyes from MPR News
March 30, 2021 18:06 - 3 minutes - 3.4 MBIn March 2021, the trial of Derek Chauvin, the first of the former officers charged in the killing of George Floyd, began. Police officers are rarely prosecuted in such cases — and the world is watching. The Minnesota Public Radio newsroom, which has followed this case in detail from the beginning, will bring listeners updates on this monumental case, and the consequences it holds for the city and the country. Created in collaboration with American Public Media. Learn more and subs...
S2 E20: Curtis Flowers
October 14, 2020 05:05 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBDuring three years investigating the Curtis Flowers case, we’d talked to nearly everyone involved: lawyers, witnesses, jurors, family members, investigators, politicians, and many, many people around town. But there was one person we hadn’t yet interviewed — Curtis Flowers. That is, until one day in early October, a few weeks after he’d been cleared of all charges. For the final episode of Season 2, we at long last talk to the man at the center of it all. Read: Will Doug Evans face...
S2 E19: Freedom
September 04, 2020 17:05 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBAfter 24 years, the case against Curtis Flowers is finally over. Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch asks the judge to dismiss the charges against Flowers for lack of evidence. Flowers is released from house arrest and free – truly free – at last. Read the story.
Coronavirus in the Delta E6: Delta State
June 11, 2020 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBCollege football is practically a religion in Mississippi. And for the players, it's life. As Covid-19 upended their world, the teammates at Delta State struggled to find structure and support for an off-season like no other.
Episode 6: Delta State
June 11, 2020 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBCollege football is practically a religion in Mississippi. And for the players, it's life. As Covid-19 upended their world, the teammates at Delta State struggled to find structure and support for an off-season like no other. Support journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
Update from Minneapolis
May 29, 2020 22:02 - 1 minute - 1.46 MBOur last episode in this series will be a little late. Support investigative journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
Coronavirus in the Delta E5: Geno
May 28, 2020 05:00 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBAs the coronavirus swept into the Mississippi Delta, a judge in the small city of Indianola decided to release every inmate she had in jail. That is, every inmate except one.
Episode 5: Geno
May 28, 2020 05:00 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MBAs the coronavirus swept into the Mississippi Delta, a judge in the small city of Indianola decided to release every inmate she had in jail. That is, every inmate except one. Support journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
Episode 4: Watermelon Slim
May 21, 2020 05:00 - 20 minutes - 20.1 MBIn the middle of a pandemic, with so many people suffering alone, it seemed an appropriate time to hear from a Delta blues singer. Enter Watermelon Slim. Support journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
Coronavirus in the Delta E4: Watermelon Slim
May 21, 2020 05:00 - 20 minutes - 20.1 MBIn the middle of a pandemic, with so many people suffering alone, it seemed an appropriate time to hear from a Delta blues singer. Enter Watermelon Slim.
Episode 3: The Hospital
May 14, 2020 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBThe doctors and nurses at Greenwood Leflore Hospital brace for the pandemic, cordoning off their ICU and preparing for an influx of patients. Then the virus strikes one of their own. Support journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
Coronavirus in the Delta E3: The Hospital
May 14, 2020 05:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBThe doctors and nurses at Greenwood Leflore Hospital brace for the pandemic, cordoning off their ICU and preparing for an influx of patients. Then the virus strikes one of their own.
Episode 2: Parchman
May 06, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 28.9 MBHow do you self-isolate when your home is a single room that you share with 107 men? That's what inmates at Mississippi's infamous Parchman prison have been wondering for six weeks. Support journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
Coronavirus in the Delta E2: Parchman
May 06, 2020 05:00 - 30 minutes - 28.9 MBHow do you self-isolate when your home is a single room that you share with 107 men? That's what inmates at Mississippi's infamous Parchman prison have been wondering for six weeks.
Episode 1: Greenville
April 30, 2020 05:00 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBA storm hits Greenville just in time for Easter. Two pastors and a mayor clash over how to do church during a pandemic. Support journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
Coronavirus in the Delta E1: Greenville
April 30, 2020 05:00 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBA storm hits Greenville just in time for Easter. Two pastors and a mayor clash over how to do church during a pandemic.
Coronavirus in the Delta: The Trailer
April 23, 2020 06:00 - 3 minutes - 2.98 MBA new limited-run series from In the Dark, reporting on Covid-19 in the Mississippi Delta. Episodes every Thursday, beginning April 30. Support journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
Mississippi prosecutor Doug Evans takes himself off the Curtis Flowers case
January 06, 2020 06:00 - 18 minutes - 17.7 MBDistrict Attorney Doug Evans has prosecuted Curtis Flowers for 23 years and six trials. Now he says he's done. Support investigative journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
S2 E18: The Recusal
January 06, 2020 06:00 - 17 minutes - 17.7 MBDistrict Attorney Doug Evans has prosecuted Curtis Flowers for 23 years and six trials. Now he says he's done.
S2 E17: Home
December 22, 2019 06:00 - 41 minutes - 40.9 MBAfter almost 23 years, Curtis Flowers is no longer behind bars. For his family, it's a long-awaited reunion. But not everyone in Winona is happy.
Curtis Flowers released on bail
December 16, 2019 06:00 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBAfter nearly 23 years locked up, Curtis Flowers has a chance to get out on bail -- if his lawyers can convince the judge to rule in his favor. Support investigative journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
S2 E16: A Hearing
December 16, 2019 06:00 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBAfter nearly 23 years locked up, Curtis Flowers has a chance to get out on bail -- if his lawyers can convince the judge to rule in his favor.
S2: Donor Episode Preview
September 10, 2019 21:01 - 2 minutes - 3.8 MBAs a special thank you for our donors, we're releasing an exclusive, donors-only episode of In The Dark on Sept. 17. Get an inside look at the day of the Supreme Court's decision, including exclusive audio from our reporting and an interview with the In The Dark team led by the host of the podcast Crime Writers On..., Rebecca Lavoie. Donate now to get the exclusive donors-only episode on Sept. 17.
S2 E15: Revelations
July 02, 2019 05:00 - 55 minutes - 51.5 MBIt's been 11 days since the U.S. Supreme Court threw out Curtis Flowers' conviction. But the story didn't end there. In recent days, there have been three other significant developments, including new details from a key witness, that may determine Flowers' fate.
Curtis Flowers wins appeal at U.S. Supreme Court
June 21, 2019 05:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBOn Friday, June 21, after months of deliberation, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its opinion in the Curtis Flowers case. In a 7-2 ruling, the justices threw out the conviction from his sixth trial, in 2010. The decision of what happens next -- whether to release Flowers or begin a seventh trial -- now lies with the same prosecutor who's pursued him from the beginning: Doug Evans. Support investigative journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
S2 E14: The Decision
June 21, 2019 05:00 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBOn Friday, June 21, after months of deliberation, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its opinion in the Curtis Flowers case. In a 7-2 ruling, the justices threw out the conviction from his sixth trial, in 2010. The decision of what happens next -- whether to release Flowers or begin a seventh trial -- now lies with the same prosecutor who's pursued him from the beginning: Doug Evans.
S2 E13: Oral Arguments
March 26, 2019 05:00 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBAfter nearly nine years of appeals of his sixth trial, Curtis Flowers finally had his case argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. At issue was whether DA Doug Evans tried to keep African-Americans off the jury in the 2010 trial. Flowers wasn't at the Supreme Court -- he remains on death row in Mississippi -- but the In the Dark team was. This is what we saw.
S2 E12: Before the Court
March 19, 2019 05:00 - 40 minutes - 38.5 MBWe resume Season Two with the U.S. Supreme Court weighing Curtis Flowers' case. We preview oral arguments and delve into the allegations at the heart of the appeal: that Doug Evans tried to keep African-Americans off the jury in Flowers' sixth trial.
Coming Soon: New Episodes of Season Two
February 19, 2019 06:05 - 2 minutes - 2.08 MBOur second season spanned a year in Mississippi where we revealed misconduct, injustice and racial divide in the six trials of Curtis Flowers. The U.S. Supreme Court will now decide if the prosecutor racially discriminated in jury selection. In four new episodes starting March 19, we'll go into the courtroom for oral arguments, report the decision and examine the effect of the ruling. Support investigative journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
S2 Update: Q&A + A Fire in Winona
November 27, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBWe answer your questions and report on a fire in Winona.
S2 Update: You asked, we answered
November 27, 2018 06:00 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBWe answer your questions and report on a fire in Winona. Support investigative journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
Supreme Court agrees to hear Curtis Flowers appeal
November 02, 2018 21:38 - 9 minutes - 9.02 MBThe U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Curtis Flowers' appeal. Now the justices will examine if District Attorney Doug Evans had a history of racial discrimination in jury selection. Support investigative journalism with a donation to In the Dark.
S2 Update: SCOTUS Takes the Case
November 02, 2018 21:38 - 8 minutes - 9.02 MBThe U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Curtis Flowers' appeal. Now the justices will examine if District Attorney Doug Evans had a history of racial discrimination in jury selection.
S1 Update: The Wetterling File
September 20, 2018 21:52 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MBIn Season 1 of our podcast, we reported that the Jacob Wetterling case was a botched investigation. Just yesterday, law enforcement acknowledged it too.
S2 Update: Back to Winona
September 18, 2018 05:00 - 32 minutes - 30.9 MBTwo months after the season ended, we return to Winona to see what has changed. Turns out, a lot. Curtis Flowers' mother has died. The whole town is talking about the case. Flowers' defense lawyers are including our findings in their legal filings to the Supreme Court. Citizens are trying to file bar complaints against the district attorney, Doug Evans. One man has gone into hiding, his personal safety threatened because he spoke to us. In this update episode, we look at what's happ...
Lola Flowers dies, mother and source of spiritual support to son, Curtis, imprisoned on death row
July 14, 2018 19:47Lola Flowers, who devoted the last two decades of her life to faithfully supporting a son tried six times for the same crime, died Saturday at a hospital in Greenwood, Mississippi. Flowers, 70, had been admitted after experiencing a sudden decline in health. Her daughter, Priscilla, said her mother died early Saturday after suffering complications from surgery. Lola Flowers, a spiritually devout woman, spent much of her time focused on her son, Curtis, who was convicted of murder...
S2 E11: The End
July 03, 2018 05:00 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBFor the last episode of the season, we went to meet Jeffery Armstrong, who, a few years after Curtis Flowers first went to prison, found what might have been a key piece of evidence. What he found -- and where he found it -- offers hints that someone else may have committed the Tardy Furniture murders. Armstrong turned the evidence into the cops. And then, he says, it disappeared.
S2 E10: Discovery
June 26, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBProsecutors have always said that Curtis Flowers was the only serious suspect in the Tardy Furniture investigation. But we found a document showing that another man, Willie James Hemphill, had also been questioned just days after the murders. Who was he? Why was he questioned? When we finally found Hemphill, living in Indianapolis, he had some very surprising things to say about the case.
S2 E9: Why Curtis?
June 19, 2018 05:00 - 56 minutes - 51.8 MBAfter re-examining the case, we'd found no direct evidence linking Curtis Flowers to the murders at Tardy Furniture. But we had one lingering question: How did Flowers become the main suspect? Why would investigators focus so much on Flowers based on so little evidence? In short, why Curtis? We decided to find out.
S2 E8: The D.A.
June 12, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBAfter investigating every aspect of the Curtis Flowers case, we were nearly ready to present what we'd found to District Attorney Doug Evans. But first we tried to learn all we could about him: his childhood, his years as a police officer and his record as district attorney. Then, finally, we met the man who's spent more than two decades trying to have Flowers executed.
S2 E7: The Trials of Curtis Flowers
June 05, 2018 05:00 - 1 hour - 56 MBThere's one critical aspect of the Curtis Flowers case that we haven't looked at yet -- the makeup of the juries. Each of the four times Flowers was convicted, the jury was all white or nearly all white. So we decided to look more closely at why so few black jurors had been selected. And it wasn't always happenstance.
S2 E6: Punishment
May 29, 2018 05:00 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBOdell Hallmon, the state's key witness in the Curtis Flowers case, is serving three consecutive life sentences. We wondered what he might say now that there are no deals to cut, and he will spend the rest of his days in prison. Would he stick to his story that Flowers had confessed to the Tardy Furniture murders? We wrote him letters and sent him a friend request on Facebook. Weeks went by and we heard nothing. And then, one day, he wrote back.