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

When Delphine Sosu accepted an offer to play DII soccer for the College of Saint Rose, it was a dream come true. But when traveled to Albany from Africa to join the team, the life she was hoping for turned quickly into a nightmare. Arriving days before the school announced it was closing, she was facing an impossible situation, with her future very much uncertain. On this episode of “The Eagle,” Delphine Sosu and former Golden Knights coach Laurie Darling Gutheil join us to talk about their dire circumstances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Jan. 14, 1950, West Point cadet Richard Cox walked off campus and disappeared. More than seven decades later, that vanishing has become one of the Hudson Valley’s biggest mysteries. Author David Levine joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to discuss the case. Also on this episode, a new chapter in the story we’ve told about Jaliek Rainwalker, a 12-year-old who went missing in Washington County in 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her third State of the State address this week, where she made promises to address a range of issues including mental health, housing and infrastructure. Yet reactions to the speech from lawmakers and observers focused heavily on what was omitted. Months after declaring a state of emergency over the influx of migrants coming into the state, Hochul made no mention of it during her hour-long speech. On this episode of "The Eagle," Capital Bureau reporter Josh Solomon gives us the highlights of what was — and wasn't — in this year's State of the State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The family of the 9-year-old girl who was abducted in Saratoga County in October hasn’t spoken publicly since she was found alive and her alleged abductor was arrested and charged. But now, they’re hoping what they’ve learned about the investigation can help other victims. Jené Sena, the girl’s aunt, joins us on this episode of “The Eagle.” Also on this episode, Times Union columnist Chris Churchill shares his “predictions” for what’s in store in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices