Restraint and seclusion are controversial methods that schools across the country use to respond to students in crisis. Education officials say they're meant to be a last resort to ensure the safety of students and faculty, but a yearlong Times Union investigation of data on reported incidents found that they're used frequently in nonemergency situations, and in a few cases, have resulted in injury and even death to students. On this episode of "The Eagle," reporter Emilie Munson talks about her...
Feb 17, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Crooner Sam Cooke's unique blend of gospel and pop styles in the 1950s and early 1960s gave rise to a new genre of music: Soul. It was born alongside the Civil Rights movement, and became in many ways anthemic. On this episode of "The Eagle," we talk to singer Bradd Marquis, who is paying homage to Cooke and his legacy — both in music and in social justice — in his show, "A Change is Gonna Come." Marquis, who bears a striking resemblance to Cooke in both appearance and voice, is playing at Unive...
Feb 10, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Starbuck Island, a land mass that lies on the Hudson River between Troy and Green Island, was the chosen spot for many years for thousands of crows to roost before their migration south. But now that the island has been taken over by a luxury apartment development, a "murder" of about 10,500 crows were left looking for a new spot. They chose Troy, which in December became a loud and poop-drenched battlefield between residents who want the crows to stay, and those who want them to be humanely pus...
Feb 03, 2023•37 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Actor and performer Mandy Patinkin is traveling the country performing a lineup of Broadway and American tunes that he says make him feel alive, after three dark years of a pandemic. The Tony- and Emmy-winner joins us on this episode of "The Eagle" to talk about work, social media success and his show, coming to Proctors Theater in Schenectady in February. Also on this episode, we'll hear more of our deep dive into the disappearance of Jaliek Rainwalker 15 years ago. Learn more about your ad cho...
Jan 27, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Two years ago, the Times Union set up a team of reporters to tackle trending topics, like why it was hard to find a Christmas tree this year, or why mechanics dread ice storms. Our readers devoured these quick-hit stories, and they swiftly became some of our most popular content. The reporter behind much of this team's success was Pete DeMola. On this episode, we'll say farewell to DeMola, and take a look back at some of the rapid response team's most impactful stories. Also on this episode, we'...
Jan 20, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Police ramped up their search this week for a 14-year-old girl who went missing more than 6 weeks ago from a park in Schenectady. The warmer weather made it possible for divers to enter the nearby Mohawk river to search for the teen, whom police believe may have been the victim of foul play. On this episode of "The Eagle," reporter Paul Nelson goes over the latest details in the search for Samantha Humphrey. Also on this episode, Capitol Bureau reporter Raga Justin discusses Governor Kathy Hochu...
Jan 13, 2023•34 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Retiring editorial eage editor Jay Jochnowitz has seen and done a lot during his 35-year career at the Times Union. From his days as the City Hall beat reporter to his tenure as Capital Bureau Chief, he has told some of the region's most important stories. Then, he found his stride as Editorial Page Editor, when he wrote one of the paper's most groundbreaking editorials calling for members of the Electoral College to reject former President Donald Trump in the 2016 election. On this episode of "...
Jan 06, 2023•29 min•Season 4Ep. 1
A nationwide "tridemic" is causing a shortage of over-the-counter medications for children. High rates of influenza, RSV and COVID-19 are behind the scarcity that has left shelves empty in grocery stores and pharmacies, and left many parents desperate for ways to bring their kids' fevers down. On this episode of "The Eagle," Kristi Gustafson Barlette shares what she learned about the shortage, and the impact that it has had on New York's Capital Region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...
Dec 23, 2022•27 min•Season 3Ep. 43
In early December, a 59-year-old man was found dead in the room he rented at a house in Rock Hill, New York. The police and emergency responders who arrived on the scene after a 911 call from his housemate found no evidence of foul play. But there was something unsual about this case. The dead man had no identification, save a few pieces of mail among his posessions addressed to Robert Hoagland - a man who had gone missing under mysterious circumstances 9 years ago, nearly 100 miles away in Conn...
Dec 16, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 42
Do you think you're bad at math? Or wonder why you didn't do very well in physics class? The reason might be that you didn't get a chance to develop a teachable set of skills called spatial reasoning. On this episode of "The Eagle," we'll talk about an effort by a team at Siena College to incorporate spatial reasoning into STEM classes. Also on this episode, we'll get the latest on the status of several major film and television projects shot in the Capital Region during the last two years, incl...
Dec 09, 2022•38 min•Season 3Ep. 41
There's a small but growing movement in New York pushing to legalize psilocybin, the hallucinogenic component of the recreational drug commonly referred to as magic mushrooms. The psychedelic fungi are illegal in most states, but research is starting to show there may be some mental and physical health benefits to taking them in a prescribed way. On this episode of "The Eagle," Times Union health reporter Rachel Silberstein talks about the potential medicinal uses of psilocybin, and who is behin...
Dec 02, 2022•34 min•Season 3Ep. 40
The migration of people to the United States has played an important role in the the country's development over the last 400 years. University at Albany history professor Carl Bon Tempo has co-authored a comprehensive history of immigration to America, and the impact it has had on government, the economy, and culture. On this episode of "The Eagle," we spoke to Bon Tempo about his book and the impact of immigration on American history. Also on this episode, we talk to Moira Penza, lead prosecuto...
Nov 25, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 39
With inflation up, many of us are looking for ways to save money this holiday season. On this episode of “The Eagle,” we check in with the Times Union Shopportunist Shannon Fromma for a preview of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Also on this episode, we talk to Alliance for Positive Health Executive Director B. Kim Atkins about this year’s World AIDS Day, how the COVID-19 pandemic affected those living with HIV in the Capital Region, and how the landscape of the AIDS epidemic has changed in...
Nov 18, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 38
Election Day was a mixed bag of results in New York, where several key state and Congressional battleground races played out. New York races were among the most hotly contested in the nation, with tighter than expected outcomes that have implications for the balance of power across the country. On this episode of “The Eagle,” we’ll discuss those races, along with returns in to two wholly different types of contests: ice cream and mullets. Stewart’s CEO and president Gary Dake joins us to talk ab...
Nov 11, 2022•39 min•Season 3Ep. 37
UAPs (a.k.a. UFOs) are not just the stuff of science fiction, if you ask University at Albany physics professor Kevin Knuth. He's part of a team of researchers who study these mysterious craft, which have been clocked at impossible speeds and acceleration in the night sky. On this episode of "The Eagle," we talk to Knuth about his research, which is part of the new documentary "A Tear in the Sky," narrated by William Shatner and now streaming on Amazon Prime. Also on this episode, news editor Su...
Sep 30, 2022•28 min•Season 3Ep. 36
From crème brûlée naan paired with a tamarind cocktail to a rhubarb galette matched with a concoction of Hudson Valley Currant Cassis, chilled rosé, orange liqueur and honey simple syrup, drinks and desserts...can go really well together. On this episode of "The Eagle," food critics Steve Barnes and Susie Davidson Powell talk about the perfectly sweet pairings they chose for this year's "Essential Restaurants" guide. Also on this episode, reporter Larry Rulison has the latest on the upcoming tri...
Sep 16, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 35
The remains of a Delmar woman missing for nearly six months were found this week in Western Massachusetts. While the question of Meghan Marohn's whereabouts has finally been answered, the circumstances of her death are still shrouded in mystery. Investigators remain tight-lipped about may have happened to the 42-year-old poet and English teacher who never returned from a week-long getaway. On this episode of "The Eagle," reporter Paul Nelson goes over what we know about Megan Marohn's disappeara...
Sep 09, 2022•29 min•Season 3Ep. 34
Do you really have to be 21-years-old to buy a canister of whipped cream in New York? A new law barring the sale of nitrous oxide cartridges to minors has created a puzzling situation for grocery and convenient stores across the state. Some have started carding customers for the product, while the lawmaker who wrote the law says it's legal to sell the dessert topping spray to minors. On this episode of "The Eagle," Capital Bureau reporter Melissa Manno explains the confusion, and whether we'll a...
Sep 02, 2022•31 min•Season 3Ep. 33
The second and third largest hospital systems in New York's Capital Region are in negotiations to merge. One of them is governed by the ethical directives of the Catholic Church. The other is a secular system that operates the region's only inpatient healthcare facility dedicated entirely to women. Critics are fearful that if a merger goes through, it would deprive an already medically underserved community of reproductive care options, including abortion. On this episode of "The Eagle," health ...
Aug 26, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 32
The Times Union filed a motion this week in U.S. District Court asking the Department of Justice to unseal a search warrant the FBI used to raid former President Donald J. Trump's Mar-A-Lago estate Monday. On Thursday, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland initiated the process, revealing he personally authorized the warrant. On this episode of "The Eagle," Times Union Editor Casey Seiler explains what exactly happened this week and what it means. Also on this episode, we'll talk to Ben Williams...
Aug 12, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 31
Amtrak resumed service west of Albany this week after debris from the crumbling Central Warehouse fell perilously close to the tracks. Service had been suspended for three days and caused no shortage of logistical challenges for Amtrak workers, passengers, and city and county officials. On this episode of "The Eagle," former Times Union business editor Eric Anderson talks about the impact of the track closure, and ongoing issues with rail infrastructure in the region. Also on this episode, we'll...
Aug 05, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 30
Since 2010, New York State employees needed to provide 10 years of service in order to become eligible to collect pension benefits upon retirement. But tucked into the state’s $220 billion budget this April was a little surprise — now it’s only 5 years of service to become fully vested. The change means tens of thousands of current and former state workers may now be eligible for pension benefits. On this episode of “The Eagle,” we talk to reporter Rick Karlin, who looked into these under-the-ra...
Jul 22, 2022•23 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Video of a Capital Region news anchor who appeared disheveled and incoherent during a live broadcast went viral last week. CBS6 anchor Heather Kovar blamed exhaustion and sleep-deprivation for her peculiar behavior on air, and the station has suspended her from anchoring pending an investigation. On this episode of "The Eagle," Kristi Gustafson Barlette explains her take on the situation, and how it may be a sign of something more problematic within the local TV news industry. Also on this episo...
Jul 15, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 28
The Times Union was ready for its close-up last week when the production of "Mother's Milk," an upcoming film starring Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank, took over the the newsroom for a day of filming. The gritty noir-thriller casts Swank as a Times Union reporter whose life and work are inextricably tied to the worsening opioid epidemic gripping the nation in 2016. On this episode of "The Eagle," we'll get a glimpse behind the scenes from Editor Casey Seiler, who was present during filming in...
Jul 08, 2022•28 min•Season 3Ep. 27
More than 400 victims of sexual abuse have filed claims against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany under New York's Child Victims Act. Some of those claims include allegations against the former leader of the diocese, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard. On this episode of "The Eagle," Investigations Editor Brendan Lyons talks about the latest allegations leveled against Hubbard by two brothers from Warren county. (This segment contains descriptions of situations that may be disturbing for some. Please l...
Jul 01, 2022•28 min•Season 3Ep. 26
The circumstances surrounding the killing of a Black transgender woman in her Albany apartment last month thus far are shrouded in mystery. Investigators have made very few details public, other than to say 30-year-old Ahsid Hemingway-Powell was murdered. On this episode of "The Eagle," we'll learn more about Hemingway-Powell's life and the investigation of her death. Also on this episode, we'll discuss the U.S. Supreme Court ruling handed down this week that struck down New York's concealed car...
Jun 24, 2022•23 min•Season 3Ep. 25
Atypical animal news continues to feed Capital Region headlines, with an alleged mountain lion sighting and a high court ruling denying the “personhood” of an elephant. On this episode of “The Eagle,” we’ll talk about those headlines, and preview the upcoming primary election in New York. Also on this episode, we’ll talk to local BIPOC LGBTQ activist Tandra LaGrone, and we’ll bid farewell to a beloved Hearst Fellow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 17, 2022•29 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Activists released hundreds of cockroaches in an Albany courtroom this week, causing a scene that shuttered proceedings and went viral. That is one of the more unique headlines we've seen in the newsroom and we'll discuss it on this episode of "The Eagle." We'll also hear from Capital Pride Center leader Nathaniel Gray as Pride celebrations commence across the region, and we'll learn about how a local cricket league is trying to grow the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
Jun 10, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 23
As the legislative session ends in Albany, lawmakers made a final push to pass bills on gun restrictions and abortion rights. The former was a focused effort following a mass shooting at a Buffalo grocery store, and the latter stemmed from a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. On this episode of "The Eagle" podcast, we talk to Times Union Capital Bureau reporter Joshua Solomon, who's been covering the end-of-session activity. Also on this episode, Times Union Editor Casey...
Jun 03, 2022•23 min•Season 3Ep. 22
There are few annual traditions more beloved in Albany than the annual blossoming of hundreds of thousands of tulips in Washington Park each May. Tulip blooms are dazzlingly vibrant but short-lived, lasting mere weeks. But they are perennial plants, and there is gardening work to be done once they wilt and fade that will ensure they return next year. On this episode of "The Eagle," Albany City Gardener Jena Commerford shares tips for tending tulips. Also on this episode, education reporter Kathl...
May 20, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 21
