Governor Andrew Cuomo's administration is in hot water as an FBI investigation launches into its handling of nursing homes and long-term care facilities in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic. Times Union Capitol Bureau Managing Editor Brendan Lyons broke the story of the investigation this week, and reporters Amanda Fries and Ed McKinley have been covering the controversy surrounding COVID-19-related nursing home deaths in the state for months.

On this episode of The Eagle, the trio discusses the latest developments and their implications for the Cuomo administration. 

Also on this episode, meet Shrishti Mathew, the newsroom's new arts and entertainment writer, and Editor Casey Seiler goes over the week's headlines. 

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While Chinese communities in the Capital Region and around the world are welcoming the year of the Ox this week, the pandemic has complicated many elements of traditional Lunar New Year celebrations. Unable to travel to see family or host large gatherings, many say they are still celebrating on a smaller scale and staying home. On this episode of the Eagle, reporter Pete DeMola checks in with local Chinese families on how their holiday customs have been affected.

Also on this episode, reporter Wendy Liberatore takes a look back at the impact of Saratoga Springs' urban renewal project that began in the 1960s, and how it drove out much of the city's Black and Jewish communities.

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For the last century, the city of Albany, New York, has been ruled by Democrats—a powerful political machine that came to power in 1921, and at times determined the fate of politics well beyond its borders. It is older and longer than many famous Democratic dynasties in bigger cities like Chicago and Boston.

In 2021 however, Albany is a very different city than it was in the 20th century. On this episode of The Eagle, Times Union Editor Casey Seiler sits down with columnist and historian Paul Grondahl for a look back at 100 years of Albany politics.

Also on this episode, sports writer Joyce Bassett talks about the history of the Negro Leagues in the Capital Region, and how players who came through the area in the early 20th century may get much overdue recognition as Major League Baseball finally recognizes Negro League stats.

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When cases of Jonas Salk's revolutionary polio vaccine arrived at Albany International Airport in the spring of 1955, it was a cause for celebration. On this episode of The Eagle, Times Union reporter C.J. Lais takes a look back at the rollout of the polio inoculation in the Capital Region, and how it parallels that of the COVID-19 vaccine nearly 70 years later. 

Also on this episode, Times Union Capitol Bureau reporters discuss Attorney General Letitia James' scathing report released this week showing the state has been underreporting nursing home deaths due to COVID-19. And reporter Paul Nelson checks in on the status of six unsolved homicides in the city of Schenectady.

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We have a new president – and the first-ever female vice president. What comes next for the country, the state and the region? We'll soon find out. 

On this episode of The Eagle, Times Union Managing Editor of News Susan Mehalick says many New Yorkers are optimistic about the new administration in Washington. The inauguration also marked a first for the state: Sen. Charles E. Schumer, a Brooklynite, became the first Senate majority leader from New York. Plus, the coronavirus rages on in the Capital Region. More than 750 people have died from the virus in the region, and there are not enough vaccines in the state to meet the demand. 

Also on this episode, Capital reporters Amanda Fries and Ed McKinley break down Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's state budget proposals – yes, there's two. And a Niskayuna man charged in the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol appeared to be taking a cavalier approach to his federal case. 

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More than seven million New Yorkers are now eligible to sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Among those eligible are first responders, teachers and individuals aged 65 and over. Vaccine distribution centers are opening across the state this week. 

On this episode of The Eagle, Times Union Editor Casey Seiler leads a discussion that explores why communities of color tend to have higher rates of distrust of vaccines and public medicine, and why overcoming those fears in the Capital Region and across the nation will be key to fighting COVID-19 — a pandemic that’s done disproportionate damage to Black and Latino Americans.

Also on this episode, education reporter Rachel Silberstein interviews Russell Sage College president Christopher Ames about how the Troy-based college overcame its financial challenges and responded to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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A day after a deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol, many New York lawmakers are calling for invoking the 25th Amendment against President Donald Trump. At the same time, other New York lawmakers were among those who voted against certifying President-elect Joe Biden's win. On this episode of The Eagle Times Union Editor Casey Seiler discusses what unfolded in Washington this week, and the ripple effects it's creating for New York and in the Capital Region. 

Also on this episode, a man in Saratoga Springs becomes the first in the state to test positive for the COVID-19 variant. Health reporter Bethany Bump explains what the variant is, and how it poses a threat. 

Finally, columnist Chris Churchill discusses why he thinks Governor Andrew Cuomo's move to allow fans back into the Bills Stadium for the NFL playoffs is a bad idea.

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The year 2020 will go down in the history books as being a difficult one for many in the Capital Region. The pandemic affected nearly every aspect of life here in Upstate New York and beyond, and the future remain far from certain. 

On this episode of the Eagle, we'll take a look back at the Times Union's top stories of 2020. We'll also talk about this week's tribute to those in the region who succumbed to COVID-19 and hear from some of their loved ones. 

And finally, education reporter Rachel Silberstein talks to Shenendehowa Central School District's famous Grapevine Lady, who's retiring in January.

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It's been almost 200 years since "A Visit from St. Nicholas" - better known today as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" - was published in the Troy Sentinel on Dec. 23, 1823. Columnist Joyce Bassett shares the curious, local history of the now-famous poem.   Are meal and grocery delivery drivers clocking more miles than Santa? Table Hopping's Steve Barnes spoke to locals who are providing this essential service during the pandemic.   Editorial writer and editor Akum Norder shares adorable local letters to Santa that appeared in the Dec. 24, 1900 issue of the Times-Union (hyphenated then). Plus, columnist Paul Grondahl takes a look at what's in Santa's mailbox this year.   Also in this episode, Times Union Editor Casey Seiler goes through the week's top headlines.

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Albany teen Maliha Jackson wanted more than anything to attend a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the city this year. The pandemic, and her battle with end-stage kidney failure, made that difficult. But, not impossible. The Albany City School District and community members banded together to throw a surprise Christmas tree lighting just for the 14-year-old. Times Union reporter Eduardo Medina was there, and talks about covering this heartwarming story.

Also on this episode, food writer Deanna Fox shares her tips and tricks for making the perfect potato latkes for a traditional Hanukkah celebration. 

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