Hudson Mohawk Magazine

HMM-08-12-2026 by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Greg Creft gets to sit down with local Capital Region comic, Ethan Wilder, where we discuss his humble beginnings working at the Saratoga Comedy Works, to his now four year run on stage.

On Tuesday, August 11, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, the lead sponsor of the bill for a one-year moratorium on data centers, held a press conference along with community groups to announce the New York Fights AI Data Centers statewide tour from August 22 to August 30. The Senator will be visiting 13 sites with active or proposed data centers across New York State to hear the concerns from impacted communities and advocate for Governor Hochul to sign the state bill, which is stronger than the one-year moratorium the Governor recently issued by Executive Order. We hear from Senator Gonzalez and Eric Weltman of Food and Water Watch, Mark Dunlea of PAUSE talking about the Thurs. Aug. 27 event at Albany City Hall, as well as the Senator's response to several questions from the media.

Food historian Brittney Belz who is also the chair of Union College's Theater and Dance Department gives demonstrations around the Capital District teaching modern cooks recipes and kitchen habits from the 18th century. She sees this as a way to learn about colonial life by living it, but this is more than an educational exercise. As we worry these days about food safety and healthy eating and preventing food waste -- there are lessons for us from our farming ancestors about food preservation and organic growing. You can hear her full talk on the podcast Beyond the Brink with Rosemary Armao, but here's a segment to give you a glimpse into past kitchens.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea talks to members of the No Kings Collective Albany about the developers of Kenwood Commons presentation to the Albany Neighborhood Association Council. Then, we hear from our Rensselaer Summer Youth Employees about their experience in this county program. Later on, we have a story of what the lack of legal abortion access can do to society. After that, Greg Creft joins us in the studio to highlight comedian Ethan Wilder. Finally, in this week's Next Up to the Mic, Thom Francis features the work of Dan Wilcox. Co-hosts: Justin Hurley and Lavender

This week on Next Up to the Mic, we're returning to August 12, 2019, to hear Dan Wilcox read two poems at “The Past in Poetry” reading held at the Olde English Pub in Albany in collaboration with Historic Cherry Hill. +++++ Historic Cherry Hill preserves more than two centuries of Albany history, using family papers, photographs, personal belongings, and the stories of the people who lived and worked there to connect the present with the past. The Past in Poetry invited local poets to do something similar—exploring history through memory, imagination, family, and place. For this episode, we're featuring Albany poet Dan Wilcox. Dan has been a fixture in the Capital Region poetry community for decades. He hosts the Third Thursday Poetry Night at the Social Justice Center in Albany and is a member of the poetry performance group 3 Guys from Albany. He's also a photographer and longtime documentarian of the local poetry scene, joking that he has "the world's largest collection of photographs of unknown poets." His work has appeared in Chronogram, Poetica, Post Traumatic Press, and numerous small-press journals and anthologies. He also publishes poetry through his own A.P.D. imprint, and his chapbook boundless abodes of Albany reflects his longstanding connection to the city and its people. At “The Past in Poetry,” Dan approached history from two different directions. In “Therese's Balcony,” he blends an imagined past with fantasy. Then, in “Where Were the Professors,” he turns his attention to a history he knows firsthand—the early days of Albany's poetry scene. Dan hasn't simply written about Albany's poetry community. For decades, he has been part of it, photographed it, published it, hosted it, and helped preserve its history.

Weaving A Tapestry of Renewal, Resilience and Transformation is the theme of the 28th Kateri Peace Conference, taking place on Sat. August 15 at the Kateri Shrine in Fonda. We are living through a time in our collective history when great and overwhelming confusion and debilitating fear often result in the temptation to withdraw, surrendering hope and our ability to act. This year's Kateri Peace Conference offers a day of community and healing, coming together to share grief, anger, and confusion yet also our strength, joy, and cohesion, realizing our communal connections, ability to transform and grow. Keynote speaker Mary Gleason talks with Mark Dunlea about "Work That Reconnects" with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Saturday, August 08, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry covered the Albany Underground Railroad Education Center “Summer Youth Projects” presentations. In this labor segment, Willie interviewed Jordan Johnson, Imogen George, Neville, and Shema Biefait of the Food Funders about their game project.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Troy City Council held a public hearing and invited residents to give remarks on the proposed Local Law Number 4 and we bring you excerpts. Then, Avery Stempel of New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives talks about where their cause stands currently in passing legislation regarding the use of psilocybin containing mushrooms. Later on, we welcome back retired National Weather Service Meteorologist Hugh Johnson to talk about the big rain and what's coming up. After that, we have our weekly series Everybody Moves. Finally, Oliver Ignatius talks with Lavender about the recording studio meets animal sanctuary Holy Fang Campus. Co-hosts: Sean Bernyk and Sina Basila Hickey

On August 5, the developers of Kenwood Commons in the South End of Albany made a presentation to the Council of Albany Neighborhood Associations. The proposal includes data and tech centers along with housing, with the goal of adding a grocery store and child care center. The developers also did a Q and A with the 100 or so attendees, which included a number of climate and energy advocates. We here from two members of No Kings Collective Albany - Bryan Paz-Hernandez and John Cutro. The developers said they will give Hudson Mohawk Magazine an interview shortly. With Mark Dunlea for HMM

Hosted by H. Bosh Jr., TripleE's welcomes Paul Kane, known as "Albany's Batman," for an inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of community. From overcoming childhood adversity to becoming one of Albany's most impactful change makers, Paul shares how mentorship, service, and his belief that "what I do defines me" have fueled his mission to empower youth, strengthen communities, and inspire others to lead by example.

Hosted by H. Bosh Jr., TripleE's welcomes Paul Kane, known as "Albany's Batman," for an inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of community. From overcoming childhood adversity to becoming one of Albany's most impactful change makers, Paul shares how mentorship, service, and his belief that "what I do defines me" have fueled his mission to empower youth, strengthen communities, and inspire others to lead by example.

On this special edition of the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we present the July 28, 2026, Truth and Justice for Palestine (TJ4P) round table discussion. Moderated by Barbara Smith (author, activist, and scholar), the panelists discuss and provide their perspective on a selection of current news topics.

Area scientists and preservationists are calling on Albany officials to help preserve the James Hall Lab building in Lincoln Park, a designated National Historic Landmark since 1976. Hall was a national prominent geologist and paleontologist in the later 1800s. The building has been poorly served since it was taken by the Albany School system and made part of the (also abandoned) Sunshine School. It suffered a recent fire and outsiders often trespass inside. At a minimum, the building needs to be made secure. Dr. Ed Landing, NYS Paleontologist, emeritus, and Lynne Jackson talk with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Hosted by H. Bosh Jr., TripleE's welcomes Paul Kane, known as "Albany's Batman," for an inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of community. From overcoming childhood adversity to becoming one of Albany's most impactful change makers, Paul shares how mentorship, service, and his belief that "what I do defines me" have fueled his mission to empower youth, strengthen communities, and inspire others to lead by example.

On this episode of Hudson Mohawk Magazine we feature Chris Hedges's talk: Normalizing Genocide and the New World Order, recorded at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on March 7, 2025.

The 28th annual Kateri Peace Conference, titled - Weaving A Tapestry of Renewal, Resilience and Transformation - will take place Saturday, August 15, 2026. Beginning at 9 am. It will be at the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha National Shrine & Historic Site in Fonda. After covering the Nuremberg Trials, Hannah Arendt observed how loneliness preceded fascism in Germany finding it was one of the pivotal preconditions for fascism. The conference will explore how to respond to the disharmony and disconnection at the center of our present political-economic system. Conference co-chair John Amidon speaks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

In place of our regular Hudson Mohawk Magazine programing, today we share this episode of The Aunties Dandelion podcast called “Auntie Betty Osceola, Miccosukee, Panther Clan." Betty Osceola (Miccosukee, Panther Clan) grounds us in the spectacular land and life of the Everglades in this visit with host Kahstoserakwathe. She explains how the region's natural filtration system protects fresh water for millions, carries cultural memory for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, and sustains plant, animal, and water relatives. Betty is well known for her prayer walks that became especially urgent when the cruelty of the “Alligator Alcatraz” outdoor immigrant detention camp surfaced last summer on traditional homelands in South Florida, and her research is instrumental in ongoing lawsuits around the facility. She says our struggle for equitable treatment cannot be separated from the health and well-being of the natural world. Betty spent decades living what environmental justice looks like from an Indigenous perspective: caring for water as kin, community mobilization as a responsibility, and finding joy in walking, guiding, laughing, and listening. She asks us to consider how we reconnect to our own sources of care and to show up when the land says it needs us. This conversation is a clear invitation to walk our lands and raise our voices to protect the natural world and the humanity of our hearts. Stay to the end for her cute stories about mama ‘gators and their babies.

On this episode of Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we share an episode of the Canopies of Care series from the Artists with Evidence podcast, featuring an interview with Scott Kellogg of the Radix Center in Albany, NY, recording in the Sanctuary Radio studio. He was in conversation with Mohamed Sleiman Labat and podcast co-hosts Ines Montalvao and Colin Greer. Learn more here rss.com/podcasts/awe-artists-…ith-evidence/2969212/

This special episode of Hudson Mohawk Magazine features the book talk by Bill McKibben: Here Comes the Sun. This event took place at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on April 3, 2026.

New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives is an organization dedicated to passing legislation to legalize the use of psilocybin containing mushrooms. We hear from Avery Stempel about where their cause stands currently and what their next steps are.

New Yorkers for Mental Health Alternatives is an organization dedicated to passing legislation to legalize the use of psilocybin containing mushrooms. We hear from Avery Stempel about where their cause stands currently and what their next steps are.

Tiger Mama describes their space as a designated third space for families, with play areas that have our youngest community members and their caretakers in mind. Cricket Keating visited to learn more. For more information on Tiger Mama head to www.tigermama518.com

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Blaise Bryant learns more about the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's expansion of Outdoor Recreation for People with Disabilities. Then, Sina Basila Hickey talks to Bethany Yarrow of Waterfall Unity Alliance about the Women's Water Walk to demonstrate against the proposed Constitution Pipeline. Later on, A'Livija Mullins-Richard speaks with the founders of Community Rising Project about their upcoming Black August Cookout. After that, Willie Terry talks more with Chay Santiago, Co-Founder of Polished Inc. Youth Group in Troy, NY, about Juneteenth and youth at the Troy Juneteenth passport, “Freedom Crawl” celebration. Finally, after the heat, smoke, and flooding effects of the climate crisis, we hear from a youth speaking up. Co-Hosts: Sina Basila Hickey, Jacob Boston | Engineer: Jacob Boston

The power of walking is being evoked in the Women's Water Walk, walking the proposed Constitution Pipeline. The walk will begin on September 19, and on August 8 there will be a World Water Prayer. Waterfall Unity Alliance is one of the organizers of this event, and their board chair Bethany Yarrow spoke with Sina Basila Hickey. Lear more: https://www.waterfallunityalliance.org/

In this segment, A'Livija Mullins-Richard speaks with Marketa & Tyrone McCants, founders of Community Rising Project about their upcoming Black August Cookout next Saturday August 8th @ Prospect Park Pavilion 12-4pm. The McCants provide historical context behind the celebration of Black August as well as what attendees can expect at the cookout. Join them next saturday for a fun time including free food, free book bags and school supplies for children, games, activities, and family-friendly programming, Know Your Rights workshops and other community resources & more! Find out more about the work they do and or/get in touch at https://crpny.org or thecommunityrisingproject@gmail.com

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on climate hushing and why it is getting challenged. Then, Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry interviews Chay Santiago, Co-Founder of Polished Inc. Youth Group, as the last stop on the Troy Juneteenth passport “Freedom Crawl” celebration. Later on, Garrett McCarey has a story on the Great Hudson River Fish Count, an annual DEC event. After that, H Bosh Jr continues his Triple Es coverage with Schenectady City Council person Justin Chaires. Finally, Cricket Keating visits Tiger Mama, a work n' play space in Troy. Co-Hosts Arbor Mae (Engineer, Co-Host) and Sina Basila Hickey

On this episode of the TripleE's, H. Bosh Jr. sits down with Council Member Justin Chaires to discuss his journey to becoming a council member, why getting involved in local politics matters, and his vision for the future of Schenectady, New York. Tune in to hear about his goals, the issues facing the community, and how local leadership can make a lasting impact.

On Friday, June 19, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry covered the Troy Juneteenth passport, “Freedom Crawl” celebration, and events. The events were at five different locations in Troy. In this labor segment, in part two of two, Willie interviewed Chay Santiago, Co-Founder of Polished Inc. Youth Group in Troy, NY, about Juneteenth and youth. Willie also played 2024 recorded excerpts from a speech and comments on Juneteenth and Freedom given by the late Dr. Alice P. Green of the Center for Law and Justice. This is Willie's final segment on Juneteenth 2026.

On Friday, June 19, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry covered the Troy Juneteenth passport “Freedom Crawl” celebration and related events. The events were at five different locations in Troy. In this labor segment, in part one of two, Willie interviewed Chay Santiago, Co-Founder of Polished Inc. Youth Group in Troy, NY, about youth and Juneteenth. This is Willie's final segment on Juneteenth 2026.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, we hear about the effort for Ranked Choice Voting in Albany. Then, we talk with Mabel Leon about the most recent threats to Cuba by the Trump administration. Later on, Rosemary Armao and Jay Jochnowitz talk about the war with Iran. After that, we hear from disability rights advocates about the refusal of the STAR bus system to follow CDTA's nature bus route. Finally, we have a story about homelessness. Co-hosts: Mark Dunlea and Sina Basila Hickey

The Nature Bus run by CDTA runs every Saturday through the summer. It stops at various environmental sites throughout Albany County. STAR, which is door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities does not serve people with disabilities who want to follow the nature Bus. Blaise Bryant spoke with Elizabeth McCormick, a person with a disability who ran into this issue.

Beyond the Brink podcaster Rosemary Armao and Times Union opinion writer Jay Jochnowitz got into a lively discussion with an audience in Pownal Vermont about the conduct of President Trump's wars in the Middle East. Listen in to this excerpt about covering up casualty and death numbers in the Iran conflict, making and unmaking a nuclear deal with the Saudis, and the value of the Abraham Accords.

Advocates of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) now expect that the issue will go to voters in the 2027 election. RCV Albany has submitted petitions for a referendum for a RCV system using single unified voting, eliminating primaries in favor of placing all the qualified candidates on the November ballot. The elimination of primaries has received pushback however from the leaders of the Democratic and Working Families Party. A council member has submitted legislation to have RCV for both the primary and general elections. Dorian Solot, co-chair of RCV Albany, provides an update to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

This week on the Comedy Corner we had Travis Stealey on to discuss about the Saratoga Comedy Festival on September 11-12. We talked about the pressure of running a festival especially the first in the capital region and bringing in big name comics around the country and locally. This is a fun listen hosted by Tyler Artis.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea talks with Gloria Mattera, the co-chair of the Green Party of NY, about ICE, data centers, war, and climate change. Then, we talk with local digital artist Zoe Harrison about their experiences and perspective of AI's effect on the arts. Later on, we hunt for berries with the kiddos enjoying a perfect summer's day in Collard City Growers garden. After that, Tyler Artis interviews local comedian Travis Stealey about the Saratoga Comedy Festival. Finally, Thom Francis showcases S.L. Maurice & Shannon Kauderer at Mojo's Cafe in this week's Next Up to The Mic.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is again taking aim at Cuba, framing Havana as a decades-long sponsor of terrorism and espionage that has helped cultivate the “radical left” in the United States. Meanwhile, President Trump is fear mongering about the prospect of communism threatening the US again. He has specifically linked Democrats to communism. Trump has further ratcheted up the US embargo against Cuba, cutting off its oil from Venezuela, seeking to crash the country while threatening an invasion. Mabel Leon, a Schenectady-based peace activist who has spent decades doing Cuban solidarity work, talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Climate hushing is a strategy where politicians deliberately avoid mentioning climate change. It stems from the belief that emphasizing planetary crises alienates voters or draws unwanted scrutiny amid rising costs of living and political polarization. Following the 2024 elections, many elected Democrats scaled back explicit climate mentions, pivoting instead to narrow messaging on energy affordability. It is also endemic in the media. Ruth Foster, co-chair of SHARE (Sheridan Hollow Alliance for Renewable Energy) talks to Mark Dunlea with the Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage of Troy's Common Council where the council authorized $15.5 million in bonds to upgrade the city's water system and a resolution to upgrade 15 city cameras that pre-date FLOCK was passed. Then, Sina Basila Hickey talks to two artists part of Art Omi: Artists 2026 cohort . the artists held an open studio to mark the end of their residencies. Later on, Hugh Johnson joins us on air to discuss Floods, the El Nino and what to expect of the weather this week. After that, Sia Patel talks with Ruksana, Prof. of Communication at UAlbany who migrated to the Capital Region from Bangladesh, in this week's Everybody Moves segment. Finally, Marrow and Cricket talk with Front Stoop LLC, a native plant gardening company based in Troy NY. Co-hosts: Lennox Apudo and Sean Bernyk

Gloria Mattera, the co-chair of the Green Party of NY, attended the national meeting in Chicago over the July 24 to 26 weekend. She talks to Mark Dunlea of the Hudson Mohawk Magazine about ICE, data centers, war, and climate change, as well as the party's plans in NY.

The Great Hudson River Fish Count is an annual event sponsored by the NY Department of Environmental Conservation and the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve. This event will occur on Saturday August 1st at Peebles Island State Park fro 9am to 3pm. HMM correspondent Garrett McCarey speaks with Chris Bowser, Educational Coordinator for the DEC about this and other projects which are open to the public to participate. For information go to HRNERR.org and go to Fish Count.

The July 23rd meeting of the Common Council featured a number of issues. The Council designated several parcels at Monument Square as surplus, a needed step to sell it to local developers, who made a presentation to the council. The Council also authorized $15.5 million in bonds to upgrade the city's water system as it continues to replace lead pipes. The Council had questions for the administration about a potential ordinance for Battery Energy Storage Systems, which are presently subject to a six-month moratorium. The Council approved a resolution related to upgrading 15 security cameras in the city which pre-dated FLOCK Cameras and which are not shared by any entity other than the city. The Council also held another public hearing on changing the city charter related to how the Mayor can declare an emergency to give them additional powers to act. We hear about the Monument Square proposal, BESS, and emergency powers. Mark Dunlea reports.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Sina talks with Blaise Bryant about the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and where disability rights are at these days. Later on, harpist Alex Chang joins us to talk about new work and improvisational collaboration. After that, Willie Terry talks more about the role of the church in Juneteenth with Pastor Victor Patterson of Fifth Avenue AME Zion Church at the Troy Juneteenth passport, “Freedom Crawl” celebration, Finally, Jacob and Liz talk yoga, cheer leading, and community wellness with Nikki Rogers of Lifted Vision. Co-Hosts: Sina Basila Hickey, Jacob Boston | Engineer: Jacob Boston

Local harpist Alex Chang sits down with Sina Basila Hickey and Jacob Boston to talk improvisational collaboration and new projects, including her new solo album "Abandon"

36 years after the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we ask how far have we come really, and what is the current US administration doing to dismantle these rights. Disability advocate and producer of The Blaisin' Access show, Blaise Bryant, spoke to Sina Basila Hickey for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. Image description: the disability pride flag has a grey background with striped at a slant in the muted colors of red, yellow, white, light blue, and green.

Art Omi art residencies end with an open studios. In an old dairy barn, artists have close to a month of time to work on their projects, to meet with curators, and to bond with other artists in Ghent, NY. In this interview we hear from artists Stanley Wany and Irati Inoriza. Sina Basila Hickey reports. Photo is a detail of one of Stanley Wany's paintings.

Nikki Rogers is a wellness activist, yoga professional, former cheerleader and current head and founder of Lifted Vision, offering community yoga services. She sat down with Jacob and Liz to talk about how she got her start, as well as the work her organization is doing to help stretch for better health and wellness in her community.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on a local action in support of the Prairieland Defendants. Then, Willie Terry shares another stop on the Troy Juneteenth passport, “Freedom Crawl” celebration. This week we hear from Pastor Victor Patterson of Fifth Avenue AME Zion Church. Later on, H Bosh Jr continues his interview with Schenectady City Council member Justin Chaires. After that, Thom Francis spotlights poet, translator, and essayist Pierre Joris. Finally, Brea Barthel interviews the RED bookshelf.

This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Muse from the U.S.

This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Michelle Polacinski.

This weekly series profiles the migration stories of members of our community, whether the migration be their own stories of that of their parents or grandparents, and reminds us that migration touches us all, as it is a part of the human experience. This episode is a part of Season 2 of the Everybody Moves series. Season 2 features stories collected and produced by a team of students at the University at Albany. This week we feature Natalya from Ukraine.