THE EAGLE: A Times Union Podcast

On the night of May 2, 2024, police forcibly removed an encampment of students, faculty and community members protesting the war in Gaza at SUNY New Paltz. It was the largest encampment clearing on a state university campus, and 130 people were arrested. Four student journalists reported on the events of that night for the school's newspaper, The Oracle. On this episode of they join the Times Union's Phillip Pantuso to look back on that night, and how what happened has affected their lives, their career aspirations, and their campus. Also on this episode, a teenager has been charged in the death of 14-year-old Samantha Humphrey in Schenectady. Reporter Paul Nelson gives us an update. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Times Union business reporter Larry Rulison had a way more exciting week than you. He joins us this week on “The Eagle” to discuss his epic triumph on an episode of “Family Feud” that aired Tuesday. Also on this episode, our features editor Gary Hahn looks back on his impressive four-decade career with the paper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News that a biotechnology company is claiming to have brought back the long-extinct dire wolf got us thinking about creatures that used to roam upstate New York. Times Union reporter H. Rose Schneider joins us to talk about those critters, which include 8-foot-tall beavers, 10-foot-tall sloths, and some very dapper-looking waterfowl. Also on this episode, Capitol Confidential's Dan Clark and Capitol Bureau reporter Raga Justin talk about what's next for New York lawmakers now that they finally have a budget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, two local actors join us on the show to celebrate the Bard of Avon's 461st birthday. Also, education reporter Kathleen Moore discusses the latest shake up in the Capital Region higher education scene: the announcement that The Albany College of Pharmacy and Russell Save College intend to merge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The judge declared a mistrial after a jury couldn't reach a unanimous decision in the trial of Edward Holley, the Middletown man accused of murdering 20-year-old Megan McDonald in 2003. Times Union reporter Lana Bellamy was in court every day of the 7-week trial, and joins us to go over how it all went down. Also on this episode, Capitol Confidential's Dan Clark sits down with New York State Budget Director Blake Washington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While it's rare, there are thousands of documented incidents of surgeons leaving items inside patients' bodies by accident each year in the United States. On this episode of “The Eagle,” Times Union reporter Emilie Munson talks about her recent investigative work looking into these medical errors, and how doctors and hospitals are trying to avoid them. Also on this episode, we'll hear an addiction policy specialist's views on allowing wine in New York grocery stores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Sullivan is one of 10 woman drivers on the current Monster Jam circuit, driving the popular pastel-hued, unicorn-shaped monster truck Sparkle Smash. She joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to talk about driving up interest in the sport for women, and what it's like to be behind the wheel of her truck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How much of what we're throwing in our single-stream recycling bins is actually recycled? Turns out, only 5% to 6% of plastic used in the United States gets recycled. Times Union reporter Lucy Hodgman joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to share what she learned after a recent visit to an Albany recycling facility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olympic Champion figure skater and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to look back 45 years at his first Olympic experience in Lake Placid, to discuss the state of figure skating today, and to talk about his efforts to raise money for cancer research to improve the lives of patients going through life-saving treatment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A cult-like group of ultra-rationalist vegans is now connected to five deaths across the country. On this episode, we attempt to unravel the bizarre and convoluted story of the Zizians. Also on this episode, our in-house movie buffs make their Oscar predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Kathy Hochul has decided not to remove New York Mayor Eric Adams from his elected office, despite the mounting pressure to do so after the U.S. District Attorney dismissed his federal corruption charges this month. Meanwhile, she is fighting to save controversial congestion pricing, putting her at increasing odds with the president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former local news anchor Anne McCloy left the business in 2023 after two decades in news. Two years later, she's got a new perspective on life that she's eager to share with the world. On this episode of “The Eagle,” she joins the Times Union's Kristi Gustafson Barlette for an update. Also, we'll go over the latest in education news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reporter Kelsey Brown gives us a download on local business news, including her thoughts on the much-anticipated return of Stewart's cult classic beer Mountain Brew, and trouble with Albany's Lark Street Business Improvement District. Also on this episode, editor Casey Seiler and managing editor Brendan Lyons discuss the fate of U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik's seat in Congress.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Singer and actor Tituss Burgess, who rose to fame following his Emmy-nominated performance in the Netflix series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” says he tries to find musicality in every life experience. He's headed to Saratoga Springs this week to perform his stage show “An Evening with Tituss Burgess,” and joins us on this episode of “The Eagle.” Also on this episode, we'll go over the week's top headlines, which include a foiled murder-for-hire plot and a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can't buy wine in a grocery store or supermarket in New York. Sporadic efforts in the last 40 years to change state law to allow it have all failed. But a recent poll says New Yorkers are largely in favor of a change, and some momentum is building. On this episode of “The Eagle” Table Hopping's Steve Barnes talks to an upstate liquor store owner about the potential implications of allowing wine sales in grocery stores. Also on this episode, we'll talk about this year's Times Union Best of the Capital Region contest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A good magician relies on sleight of hand, misdirection and creating false reality to trick their audiences. But in a fun way. That's what professional magician Ben Seidman believes. Seidman, who has worked with the likes of Criss Angel, is bringing his act to Saratoga Springs this week. He joins us on this week's episode to talk magic, and perform one of his impressive tricks. Also on this episode, we'll discuss Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State address. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Marcy Correctional Facility inmate was pronounced dead in early December at a Utica hospital. Just a few hours before, body camera footage shows corrections officers brutally beating him in a prison infirmary. On this episode of "The Eagle," we'll delve into what we know so far about the investigation into Robert Brooks' death. Warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence that may be disturbing to some listeners, so please listen with care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Numerous drone sightings throughout the northeast have sparked concern, and in some cases, conspiracy theories. On this episode, we'll talk about the latest on the New York's response to it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With a fresh and innovative sound, Grammy-winning artist Samara Joy is introducing new audiences to her chosen genre, jazz. She joins us on this week's episode of “The Eagle” to talk about her craft, her impact and the joy of singing holiday music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Tis the season to look out for gift ideas and great deals. Shopportunist Shannon Fromma joins us with some tips and tricks. Also on this episode, columnist Paul Grondahl discusses the discovery of a local hiker who went missing 24 years ago in the Andes Mountains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week Troy police announced they'd identified the human remains found near Burden Pond. Reporter Ken Crowe joins us to.discuss the resolution of an 11-year-old cold case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Capital Region is getting a new pro basketball team, the New York Phoenix. Sports reporter Mike Kelly joins us on this episode to talk about the new franchise, and what else is going on in the local sports arena. Also, Steve Barnes goes over where you can get a great Thanksgiving dinner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bigfoot. Sasquatch. Wendigo. Yeti. Yowie. Whatever you call it, the forest-dwelling man-beast's existence has never been proven. But never really disproven either. And a growing group of people in New York's Hudson Valley are dedicated to finding the truth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We'll recap the results in New York, where heavily contested House races flipped a handful of seats in favor of Democrats, a measure to codify civil rights got solid approval from voters, and some typically solid blue districts in the state started to show more support for Republicans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Capital Confidential's Dan Clark joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to preview the top races across New York state, which could be a key battleground for control of Congress. Also, we'll catch up with some of the top news in the Capital Region, including the arrest made in the swatting incident at Bethlehem High School and controversial new traffic cameras in Albany. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The discovery of human remains in South Troy fuels speculation about what may have happened to Jaliek Rainwalker, a 12-year-old who disappeared from Washington County in 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fifteen years ago, Table Hopping columnist and Times Union theater critic Steve Barnes went to see comedian Dane Cook perform in Albany. Opening for Cook was Robert Kelly, an up-and-coming stand-up. Kelly's set made Barnes laugh so hard, he cried. And then told 100,000 readers that Kelly was funnier than the main act. On this episode of “The Eagle,” Barnes and Kelly reunite for a few laughs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For six years, Times Union reporter Larry Rulison has been trying to find Prestige Limousine & Chauffeur Service owner Shahed Hussain. He's a former FBI informant who helped convict 7 people in terrorism sting operations in the early 2000s. He's also the father of Nauman Hussain, who is in prison for the deaths of the 20 Schoharie limo crash victims. The elder Hussain disappeared in 2018, and stayed silent throughout the trial and conviction of his son. Now, he says his son has been diagnosed with cancer, and he's speaking out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the Capital Region's most notable civil rights advocates has died. In this episode of “The Eagle,” we replay a story Green told us about an encounter she had as a teen that inspired her career and lifelong dedication to social justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've been hard at work on a new limited series podcast here at the Times Union. On this episode of "The Eagle," we're bringing you a preview of "Catastrophic Failure: The Story of the Schoharie Limo Crash." In this new series, reporter Larry Rulison and Jessica Marshall delve into the story of the 2018 crash that killed 20 people. It's a story of tragedy and loss. Negligence and consequence. But more than that, it's a story of catastrophic failure.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York's top executive sat down with Times Union Capitol Correspondent Dan Clark this week for an exclusive interview at Hearst Tower. They talked about the 2024 elections, her support for President Biden, climate change, congestion pricing, and more. This week on “The Eagle,” we'll hear some of that conversation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The song that propelled Sammy Hagar to rock stardom - the 1984 anthem of rebellion and fast living - came to him after he was pulled over and ticketed for speeding on I-87, just outside of Albany. Hagar says he wrote “I Can't Drive 55” in his head as he continued on to Lake Placid, where he had a home near his son's boarding school. The former Van Halen lead singer and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer spoke to Patrick Tine about that song and his upcoming tour, where he'll be joined by former Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani and drummer Jason Bonham.    He'll be taking another trip up the Northway soon, playing SPAC on July 22. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the remains of 25-year-old Karen Ramsey were unearthed at a construction site in March, investigators couldn't find any record of a missing persons report. Times Union Hudson Valley Managing Editor Phillip Pantuso joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to discuss what he's discovered about who Karen Ramsey was, and what happened to her more than 40 years ago. Also on this episode, we'll get the latest on the investigation of a plane crash in Colonie this week, just a few blocks from our newsroom.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For almost four decades, New York State Public Radio's Karen DeWitt has brought the latest news from the Capitol in Albany to the airwaves. She's been there for six governors, countless legislative power shifts (including two coups), and all the political maneuvers and scandals that unfolded along the way. She's on the brink of retirement, and joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to reflect on some of the most memorable moments of her tenure. Also on this episode, we'll go over the latest in a fake feud between late-night TV host John Oliver and a Kingston bakery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For more than three decades, Colin Mochrie has been out of his comfort zone, and he has loved every minute of it. The “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” star says that's the key to being good at improv comedy. Mochrie and fellow “Whose Line” alum Brad Sherwood are traveling the continent with their unscripted stage show “Asking for Trouble,” and they'll be in Peekskill on June 15. On this episode of “The Eagle,” Mochrie joins us to talk about the art of improv, and how it has shaped his life and career. Also on this episode, we'll take a look back at New York's infamous 2009 Senate coup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A time-traveling DeLorean takes center stage in "Back to the Future: The Musical," coming to Proctors in Schenectady in June. But screenwriter Bob Gale is the wind beneath its wings. His iconic franchise, co-written with filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, continues to delight audiences almost 40 years after the first movie premiered. Gale joins us on this episode of "The Eagle" to talk about the musical, the film, and the legacy of "Back to the Future." Also on this episode, reporter Rob Gavin discusses his investigation into sex trafficking in the Capital Region, which investigators say is "significant."  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the 1960s, Interstate 787 has separated the city of Albany from its Hudson River waterfront. What if the massive elevated highway, with all its noodley ramps, moved underground? Or what if it became a ground-level parkway with traffic lights and crosswalks? Those are two of the proposals the New York State Department of Transportation is floating to remake the city's main artery, whose current maintenance costs are in some cases more expensive than the proposals to completely raze it. Times Union columnist Chris Churchill has been talking about what changing the highway might do for New York's capital city for years, and joins us to talk about what he thinks of the new proposals. Also on this episode, Times Union Hudson Valley writer David Levine talks about the life and death of Prohibition-era gangster Legs Diamond, who was murdered 93 years ago this month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sprinkling sodium chloride on roads and highways during winter months has long been an effective way to avoid hazardous driving conditions. But ongoing research out of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is showing that while road salts are essential for human safety, excessive use of them is profoundly affecting freshwater flora and fauna living near roads and developments. Recently, biology Professor Rick Relyea and his team found that frogs in particular have been evolving faster than normal to cope with saltier water. He joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to talk more about what that means for local wildlife. Also on this episode, features editor Sara Tracey talks about the big winners and big surprises in this year's Times Union Best of the Capital Region contest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This year's New York state budget is done and dusted. Capital reporter Dan Clark gives us the highlights of the $237 billion behemoth, which includes tools to crack down on illegal cannabis and new plans to spur housing development. Also in this episode, we'll talk with playwright Matthew Spangler, who wrote a stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's best-selling novel “The Kite Runner” that's coming to town next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are few things that unite generations of people raised in the Capital Region more than Secrets, the iconic all-ages nightclub at Guptill's Rollerskating Arena. The memorable radio spots advertising the wa-wa-water cannons and lack of dress code live rent-free in the minds of those who came of age in the last four decades of its existence. Secrets closed in March 2020 after more than 40 years, an unfortunate casualty of the pandemic. On this episode of “The Eagle,” Kristi Gustafson Barlette investigates what became of the memorable space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band are playing the MVP Arena next week, after more than a year of postponements and delays. The resident Times Union Springsteen superfans, editor-in-chief Casey Seiler and city desk editor Mike Goodwin, sat down to talk about why tickets were so expensive, why it was delayed, and what they are looking forward to most about the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Caitlin Clark was taking a shot against LSU at the end of Iowa's Elite Eight game in Albany, Rebecca Lobo was taking a shot at Albany. During the ESPN broadcast, the former WNBA and UConn star joked that there was nothing to do in New York's Capital City. The hometown crowd was not thrilled with her remarks and took to social media en masse to protest. But Times Union's Chris Churchill is wondering, is Lobo actually wrong? He joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parts of New York state are smack in the path of totality of the coming eclipse on April 8, and anyone who views it is in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, according to Siena College Dudley Astronomer Mindy Townsend. On this episode of "The Eagle," Townsend goes over what we can expect to see during the eclipse (Hint: it will get dark!) and how we can view it safely. Also on this episode, we'll talk to Old Crow Medicine Show bassist Morgan Jahnig about his Grammy-winning string band's upcoming show at the Ulster Performing Arts Center. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York's capital is set to play host to Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games in the women's NCAA championship tournament at the end of March. It's highly likely that will bring Iowa Hawkeyes superstar and Division I point record holder Caitlin Clark to town. Tickets for the games she's slated to play are already in high demand, with an expected 14,000 per day in attendance. On this episode of "The Eagle," we'll talk about the reasons behind Clark's rockstar status. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hudson River is only about a quarter of a mile wide between Albany and Rensselaer counties, yet some people who live west of the river banks look at the area to the east as another country, rather than just a different county. On this episode of “The Eagle,” Kristi Gustafson Barlette talks about the strange stigma about Rensselaer County, and why it exists. Also on this episode, Steve Barnes and Susie Davidson Powell talk about the art of reading a menu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Academy Awards are coming up this weekend and we turn to our resident movie expert, features writer C.J. Lais, for his top picks to take home the Oscars. Also on this episode, we'll take a deep dive into our latest investigative project. Reporter Emilie Munson talks about why serious police crashes in New York state have sharply increased in recent years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter David Nail has had chart-topping hits, played the Grand Ole Opry, and made a name for himself on Music Row. Yet he says he does not consider himself a typical country music star. He's also been very open about his struggles with depression in recent years. Nail joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to talk about making music, and how it gives him purpose. Also on this episode, Casey Seiler demystifies the redistricting process as New York lawmakers re-draw Congressional boundaries once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pinky and The Brain hatched their first plot to take over the world in 1993 on an episode of the hit animated series “Animaniacs.” In 30 years, cartoon mice have yet to achieve global domination, but they did take over “The Eagle” this week. Emmy-winning voiceover artists Rob Paulsen and Maurice LaMarche join us on this episode to talk about their live “Animaniacs in Concert” tour, and what it takes to bring their famous characters to life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A large snowstorm that hit the northeastern United States this week was forecast to pummel upstate New York. While parts of the Hudson Valley were affected, the Capital Region was completely spared. On this episode, we asked National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Frugis why the forecast changed so drastically and whether the groundhog's prediction this year will prove true. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When 35-year-old Ben Fruchter went looking for his birth family a few months ago, he discovered a startling truth about his origins: He'd been snatched from his parents in Chile as an infant in a forced adoption under the brutal regime of dictator Gen. Augusto Pinochet. On this episode of “The Eagle,” we'll learn more about Fruchter's story, and his quest to reconnect with his long-lost family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the terminal fate of Albany's crumbling Central Warehouse sealed, officials in Albany have begun the complicated process of figuring out how to raze it. A hefty price tag, combined with complex structural logistics and asbestos mitigation, make it an arduous task that could take years. On this episode of “The Eagle,” reporter Steve Hughes goes over what's involved. Also on this episode, Capitol Bureau reporter Dan Clark discusses what would happen to the 21st congressional district election if Rep. Elise Stefanik were to be tapped as former President Trump's running mate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices