Dakota Spotlight
•🇺🇸 AmericanDakota Spotlight is a true crime podcast that dives into unsolved murders, mysterious disappearances, and crimes in small communities across North Dakota and the upper Midwest. Created and hosted by James Wolner, the series combines thorough research with atmospheric sound design and a compassionate storytelling style as it investigates cases that have gripped and haunted the region.
The podcast spans twelve seasons, featuring both standalone stories and limited series, with Season 12 launching in November 2024. James Wolner now produces the podcast independently after regaining full creative control in 2024, and the show is expanding into a broader podcast network. Listeners can access episodes on all major podcast platforms or directly at dakotaspotlight.com, with ad-free listening available through the Spotlight PLUS subscription service.
The podcast's approach to true crime emphasizes thorough investigation and respectful treatment of victims and their communities. With a dedicated audience across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms, Dakota Spotlight has established itself as an essential resource for anyone interested in regional criminal cases and unsolved crimes.
About the podcast
HostJames Wolner, with Hayley Fox and Betsy Shepherd
NetworkIndependent (produced by James Wolner)
PodcastDakota Spotlight
HostJames Wolner
GenreTrue Crime
RegionNorth Dakota and the upper Midwest (USA)
Seasons12
Season 12 releasedNovember 2024
Available onApple Podcasts, Spotify and more platforms
Websitedakotaspotlight.com
Ad-free subscriptionSpotlight PLUS
Episodes
3
Danish Police Scandal: Officer Exposed Undercover Informant
A Boston Globe podcast investigation has exposed how a Danish police officer in Massachusetts compromised the identity of a confidential informant during a routine traffic stop, raising international concerns about informant protection protocols and police accountability in law enforcement agencies.
March 17, 2026
American Police Scandal Echoes Global Concerns Over Informant Abuse
The Boston Globe's Spotlight team has exposed widespread abuse of confidential informant systems within the New Bedford Police Department in Massachusetts, revealing how officers coerced informants and stole drugs. The investigation, released in March 2025 as a podcast series called 'Snitch City,' highlights vulnerabilities in law enforcement oversight that resonate far beyond American borders.
March 17, 2026
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime Podcast Investigates Upper Midwest Cold Cases
Dakota Spotlight is an investigative true crime podcast created by journalist James Wolner that focuses on unsolved murders, cold cases, and missing persons across North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. The series has produced Emmy award-winning documentary content and covers cases spanning from the 1960s to recent years.
March 1, 2026
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