Hudson Mohawk Magazine

On March 17, 2026 the Saratoga City Council opened their public comment period and various people spoke about Saratoga's homelessness ordinance. Here are some excerpts.

This interview features Tim James, the owner of the Renascent Bookbindery in Troy. He gives tours on weekends while still producing books in an old fashioned way. In this episode, James talks about his background, passion, and mission as an educator and bookbinder.

Union and organization members across the state gathered for a rally in downtown Albany on Feb. 25. The "Tax the Rich" rally participants demanded that state leaders invest in affordable housing, childcare, and healthcare.

On Tuesday March 23, the NY Immigration Coalition and other supporters of the New York For All blockaded the state entrance to the Capitol, including stopping traffic on State Street. The Act would mandate attorneys for immigrants facing deportation. The bill has not yet been re-introduced this year as changes are being negotiated. The protestorsICEimmigratio eventually went inside the Capitol to continue their protest but the state police declined to arrest people. We hear the read testimony of several people who have had negative interactions with ICE, followed by Rev. Peter Cook, and then from several of the nearly dozen state legislators who sat down on the street outside the Capitol, including Assemblymembers Sarahana Shrestha, Claire Valdez, and Diana Moreno and Senator Jabari Brisport. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Five stand-up comedians will perform at Mojo's Cafe in one of the final performances it will host before closing at the end of the month. Tyler Artis and Brad Monkell are two of the comedians performing (along with Ed Kuleng, Duncan Harris, and Alana Gill) and they spoke with Doug Bierend and Sina Basila Hickey for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. This performance is on Wednesday March 25, at 7pm.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea takes us to the Albany Capitol where rallies for climate, immigration, taxing the rich, and health care took place. Then, we hear excerpts from the Saratoga City Council meeting where various attendees spoke about the homelessness ordinance. Later on, Melissa Bromley interviews Jillian Hermansky about her masters research on the subject of community radio. After that, we talk comedy with Tyler Artis and Brad Monkell who are both performing at Mojo's Cafe on Wednesday March 25, one of the last shows taking place at the cafe before it closes. Finally, Thom Francis spotlights D. Colin's poetry performance at The Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio in 2021. Co-hosts: Doug Bierend and Sina Basila Hickey (also engineer)

This week, Thom Francis welcomes D. Colin. On August 12, 2021, she performed at The Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio for an evening of music and poetry with local singer/songwriter Caity Gallagher. +++++ In our area, we are very fortunate to have a multidisciplinary artist of Haitian descent whose work spans poetry, visual art, and theater with the talent of D. Colin. She is the author of the collection of poetry Dreaming in Kreyol and the playwright behind Simone: A One-Woman Show and Psalm 91: Releasing Religion. As a teaching artist and curator, she creates spaces for storytelling and healing. D's work has been showcased all over the world in publications, performances, and exhibitions. Her mantra is simple - Be inspired. Then inspire. 

No Kings Collective Albany, in coordination with other community groups, will host a No Kings 3.0 Rally, Food Drive, and March at West Capitol Park from 11am-1pm. With several thousand events taking place nationswide wide, organizers say that "America does not belong to strongmen, greedy billionaires, or those who rule through fear. It belongs to us, the people." Bryan Paz-Hernandez and Autumn Anderson of the No Kings Collective Albany speaks with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

First, Mark Dunlea speaks with Ryan Madden of NY Renews on a campaign against Gov Hochul's proposal to build 5 more nuclear power plants across the state. Then, Elizabeth “EP” Press meets with Troy City Council Member Noreen McKee on what the tabled decision on Flock means Later on, we welcome back retired National Weather Service Meteorologist Hugh Johnson Kaila a Capital District local and migrant from Haiti. After that, we have Everybody Moves, our weekly series that profiles the migration stories of our community Finally, HMM producer Anna Steltenkamp speaks with Clayton Brascoupé, Program Director of the Traditional Native American Farmers Association (TNAFA) Co-Hosts: Sean Bernyk and Lennox Apudo Engineer: Kalix Sausville

Climate activist and author Bill McKibben will be at the Sanctuary on Friday April 3 to share his hope for our future in Here Comes the Sun, a call to harness the power of the sun and rewrite our scientific, economic, and political future. McKibben talks with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the positive developments with solar energy; the war for oil with Iran and Venezuela; the fight for democracy; and concerns about Governor Hochul's push to weaken the state climate law.

Shawn Barnes and Jay Leonard are interviewed by Greg Creft as they talk about there newest film, 'It's Always Almost Over' as well as the winding road this independent filmmaking duo has traveled together.

This week on Albany Comedy Corner Ted the Impressionist tell us about the Gonzo Gala Everyone's favorite comedy music improv show!! March 27th, 7:30pm at Mt.Ida Preservation Hall. with Interviewers: Craig Neslor and Juan Panteleon

Elizabeth Press spoke to Troy City Council member Noreen McKee about her reactions to the City Council's decision to table a vote on the renewal of the Flock Safety contract and what comes next.

On Tuesday, March 17th, there were several large rallies at the state capitol. First, we have two speakers from the youth TREEage 1000 person rally on climate change, immigrant rights and tax the rich. In part 2 of our coverage, we hear from Guadalupe of Make the Road and Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes. We then hear from Lana Leonard of ACT UP Trans Working Group about NY Health, a single-payer universal health care bill that covers all New Yorkers while eliminating co-pays, premiums and deductibles.. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

First, Elizabeth “EP” Press covers the recent Troy City Council Meeting where community members voiced their concerns with Flock cameras in Troy. Then, Sephora Quinones speaks with Policymaker and Professor at the University at Albany Bria Nickerson of about the women who have influenced her work Later on, Arbor Mae joins us in studio to talk about the Femme Queer Songwriter's Showcase next Friday at MoJo's Cafe After that, Lavender talks to Evan Matthews about his experience in the film industry, and his film “Motherland” which was shot in the Hudson Valley Finally, McKenna Conners brings us a piece on urban farming and food justice Co-Hosts: Jacob Boston, Richard Sleeper | Produced By: Jacob Boston

Singer-Songwriter Arbor Mae talks beginnings as a musician, inspirations, and upcoming showcase at Mojos Cafe on March 27th

The Troy City Council tabled the resolution to renew the Flock Safety contract on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the Troy City Council Finance meeting. Today we air excepts from that meeting where over 100 community members attended and all community members who got up to the podium spoke out about their concerns with Flock cameras in Troy.

200 national, state, local groups and representatives from 6 Indigenous Nations have sent a letter to Governor Hochul demanding that she drop her plans to build 5 gigawatts of new nuclear power in the state. The advocates' letter was signed by more than 200 groups including Food & Water Watch, Alliance for a Green Economy, NY Renews (a coalition of 400+ organizations), NIRS, Citizen Action, NYPIRG, PUSH Buffalo, and Make the Road NY. The Indigenous nations' letter came from the Haudenosaunee Environmental Task Force Ryan Madden of NY Renews talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Radio correspondent and actress Lavender sat down with Evan Matthews, the director of "Motherland" (2025), to talk about his experience in the film industry and what it was like shooting in the Hudson Valley for his film. You can find Evan on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/evanbmatthews/. More details on the film can be found at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28628125/. To support independent films like this one, you can give them a positive rating, leave a review, and share them with a friend.

A pipe organ, in many ways, is essentially a historical synthesizer. Adam Tinkle, the artist in residence at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall has an upcoming concert on Tuesday, March 31st at 7PM where he will perform with 144 year old pipe organ in the hall. Adam joins Guy and Marrow for a live studio interview on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us to a healthcare rally in Albany. Then, Willie Terry brings us back to the Troy4Black Lives Black History Month program. Later on, H Bosh Jr. interviews Flerida Santana Johnas on another episode of the Triple E's. After that, we'll be joined live in the studio by organ player Adam Tinkle, who will tell us about his upcoming concert at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. Finally, Sina Basila Hickey speaks with Ollie Westfall from Omi Maple and Honey all about Maple syrup production.

On Tuesday, March 17th, health care providers and advocates came to Albany for the New York Health Lobby Day. NY Health is a single-payer universal health care bill that covers all New Yorkers while eliminating co-pays, premiums and deductibles. The groups also support legislation to increase funding for primary care physicians as well as the Home Care Savings & Reinvestment Act that would change how Medicaid home care services are delivered and paid for. We start off with medical student Cameron Clarke, Dr. Betty Kolod, head of Physicians for a National Health Program Metro Chapter; Doctors Manish and Alex Le; and Senator Gustavo Rivera, the lead sponsor. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

In this episode of The TripleE'S, Flerida Santana Johnas discusses her work in Albany and her role in shaping the city's economic growth through real estate development and community-focused investments. She also shares insights about her newest venture, Olive & Oregano, a 24-hour restaurant near MVP Arena that blends Dominican and Greek flavors while providing convenient takeout, delivery, and catering options for the community.

Building financial security is on the mind of many. While some have inherited financial literacy, others begin building wealth and financial security later in life. That is who the Wealth in Wellness program is geared towards, hosted by In Our Own Voices, on Wednesday March 18 in Albany from 6-8pm. Taina Suarez Director of LGBTQ+ Health & Wellness Services of In Our Own Voices, Inc. spoke with Sina Basila Hickey. https://ioov.org/

Retired National Weather Service Meteorologist Hugh Johnson reflected on the false spring and the cold week coming up. With Lennox Apudo and Sean Bernyk.

The Siena College Pilgrimage of Hope for Climate Justice is an initiative driven by the Laudato Si' Center for Integral Ecology to promote environmental stewardship, social justice, and sustainable practices based on Franciscan values. On March 23, they will hold a pilgrimage to the New York State Capitol. To learn more we are now joined by Franciscan friar Jacek Orzechowski.

Tonight on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine First, we hear about a student rally on climate change, immigration and tax the rich. Then, we get an update from Indivisible about local No Kings Events on March 28. Later on, Rosemary Armao explores whether the Trump administration has created a constitutional crisis. After that, we have an interview about the Siena College Pilgrimage of Hope for Climate Justice. Finally, we hear about how a local paper broke the story about flock cameras in Pine Plains. Hosts: Sina Basila Hickey; Mark Dunlea Engineer: Joan Eason

On March 28, more than 2000 events are planned for the last No Kings protest, including several in the Capital District. Local indivisible groups are organizing a protest at 1 PM on Central Ave (near Colvin). Many other events are also planned, including one at the State Capitol. Frances Sweet of Troy Indivisble and local artist Bev Cahill talk about the local events, including protesting the renewal of the City of Troy's contract for FLOCK license reading cameras. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

The New Pine Plains Herald is the independent newsroom that brought Pine Plains' Flock Safety deal to light. Elizabeth Press spoke with The New Pine Plains Herald's Editor-in-Chief, Patrick Grego about his nonprofit, online, weekly newspaper and his reporting on Flock Safety.

Skidmore Colleges political science professor Beau Breslin is an authority on the Constitution and Supreme Court who has written and spoken nationally and locally on those topics. And he tells Beyond the Brink podcast host Rosemary Armao that the US in not in a constitutional crisis. Despite reports to the contrary, despite partisan claims, and even in the midst of. some concerning signs of encroaching authoritarianism, the professor say, US institutions are working as they are supposed to and the guard rails are holding. For now at least.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Troy4Black Lives “Faith and Freedom” Black History Month Program, entitled “The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free.” The event took place at Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, NY. In this labor segment, Willie recorded the panel discussion on the program theme, “The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle.”This is Part 2 of that discussion.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on Albany's consideration of adopting Ranked Choice Voting. Then, we speak with Taina Suarez of In Our Own Voices about the Wealth is Wellness workshop. Later on, Alisha Washington profiles Flutters Of Hope Inc., a non-profit organization that supports and advocates for individuals combating and recovering from an eating disorder. After that, Greg Creft interviews comedian and filmmaker Shawn Barnes Finally, Thom Francis shares a poetry reading by Shelby Hafener that took place at the Fish Market last year. Co-hosts: Sephora Quinones and Sina Basila Hickey (engineer)

New York's largest student-led climate action, TREEage, held its 5th annual Youth Day of Action on March 17th at the Capitol, in partnership with NY Renews, Invest in Our New York, Make the Road NY, and others. An estimated 1000 attended to tell Governor Hochul to maintain hard-fought mandates under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and address additional, timely, pressing issues like tax inequality and passing New York for All to protect immigrants. At a rally on the Million Dollar Staircase, we hear from Assembly Members Jessica González-Rojas, Anna Kelles, Sarahana Shestha, Diana Moreno, Senator Kristen Gonzales, and Assemblymember Claire Valdez. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

This week, Thom Francis introduces us to poet Shelby Hafener. They were one of the featured readers at the Eight Poets event at The Fish Market on Saturday, October 11, 2025. That day, Shelby was joined by poets from the Hudson Valley Writers Guild, online zines Trailer Park Quarterly and Hobo Camp Review, and Troy-based bookstore Paper Moon. +++++ Online literary zines Trailer Park Quarterly and Hobo Camp Review presented an afternoon of poetry and spoken word at the Fish Market with Troy-based bookstore Paper Moon and the Hudson Valley Writers Guild on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Eight poets took the stage that day and shared their work that afternoon including Shelby Hafener who read “God Bless the Forever War,” “This House,” a poem about her grandmother, “Different” in commemoration of National Coming Out Day, and “New Moon Child.” Shelby Hafener (she/they) is a free form poet based in Troy, NY. Her works are inspired by their life as a lesbian, struggles with mental health, and a response to the world at large. She uses poetry as a form of expression, showing herself to the world in a way that makes sense. Their first collection of poems is titled “two years under my teeth” and was self published in 2023. Hudson Valley Writers Guild Vice President, Mary Panza, introduced Shelby to the audience.

First, Daniel Lugassy, of the Physicians for National Health Program, talks to Mark Dunlea about the New York Health Lobby Day taking place at the Capitol on March 17th. Then, we hear from D. Colin, a local multi-disciplinary artist, speaking with Sina Basila Hickey about the upcoming Run, Hide, Fight storytelling workshop at The Sanctuary for Independent Media. Later on, retired National Weather Service Meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins us to give a recap on the winter weather so far and what to expect of the weather this week. After that, Holly McKenna joins Yi Lu to talk about her rich migration journey that spans Cuba, Spain, and Ireland in this week's Everybody Moves segment. Finally, Erin Blanding speaks with Mae-Ling Lokko, Assistant Professor at Yale School of Architecture, on her work and the intersection between race, design, and STEM education. Co-hosts: Sean Bernyk and Lennox Apudo Engineer: Kalix Sausville

In Ranked Choice Voting, voters rank candidates in order of their preference. If no one receives a majority on the first round, the lowest ranked candidate is eliminated and the second choices of their voters are then distributed. The process continues until someone has a majority. RCV Albany is working to put such a system on the ballot in Albany, either through a vote of the City Council or by petition. Dorian Solot discusses the effort with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

The NY Health Campaign - supporting a single payer universal health care system - is holding a lobby day on Tuesday March 17. Daniel Lugassy, an emergency medicine physician with PNHP (Physicians for a National Health Program) Metro NY and the Green Party, talks about the issues with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Richard Sleeper talks to Lawyer and Author Glen Hodge About His New Book by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Jacob Boston Talks to new CiTi BOCES SYNERGY Teacher Ms. Gorman about her beginnings as a teacher, the untold truths about teaching, and her work connecting students like Jacob with organizations like The Sanctuary

First, Elizabeth” EP” Press reports from the Troy City Council meeting on March 5th on Flock license plate cameras in the city. Then, CiTi BOCES SYNERGY Teacher Ms. Gorman joins us in studio to talk about the art of teaching Later on, we hear about the event “Run, Hide, Fight” a Youth Storytelling Workshop coming to the Sanctuary on March 21 in collaboration with WMHT Public Media. After that, Richard Sleeper interviews with Glen Hodge, author of Finally, Niyani Holt speaks to Rosemary Armao about her experiences building trust across diverse communities through authentic narratives in journalism. Hosted By: Ember, Jacob Boston, Richard Sleeper | Produced By: Jacob Boston

Using the short PBS documentary "Run, Hide, Fight: Growing up Under the Gun" as a prompt, multi-disciplinary artist D. Colin will lead a storytelling workshop exploring the power of personal stories in building connection, sharing our humanity, and leaving an impact. This event is taking place at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on March 21, from 2-5pm. Mara Drogan, Director of Community Engagement & Education at WMHT Public Media spoke with Sina Basila Hickey about this event for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Using the short PBS documentary "Run, Hide, Fight: Growing up Under the Gun" as a prompt, multi-disciplinary artist D. Colin will lead a storytelling workshop exploring the power of personal stories in building connection, sharing our humanity, and leaving an impact. This event is taking place at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on March 21, from 2-5pm. D. Colin spoke with Sina Basila Hickey about this workshop and the power of storytelling for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Monday March 16th, 2026, The Ravi Shankar ensemble will perform at The Egg in Albany. Curated by Sukanya and Anoushka Shankar, The Ravi Shankar Ensemble is a multi-generational collective of world class musicians dedicated to the masterful compositions and enduring legacy of the uniquely legendary musician, Ravi Shankar. In their debut tour, the ensemble presents a special program featuring visual elements from Ravi Shankar's archives alongside a dynamic selection of Shankar's soul-stirring music. The concert is a recent production by Schirmer Theatrical of Wise Music Group. Among the musicians is world renowned sitarist Shubhendra Rao, who was the late musician's youngest disciple, spoke with HMM about the ensemble, the upcoming concert, and his relationship with his guru.

Rosemary Armao reflects on her experiences shaping authentic narratives within journalism and building trust across diverse communities. She discusses how journalists can foster meaningful relationships with the communities they cover, and why trust is foundational to ethical storytelling. A focused conversation within a broader dialogue on media and identity. Reported by Niyani Holt.

In the open comment period, at the March 5, 2026 Troy City Council Meeting, there were some 45-minutes of community concern and questions about the Flock Safety cameras that are installed throughout the city. Now, according to a News10 article, "the Troy City Council will make a decision on which company to work with when their two-year agreement with Flock Safety ends at the end of the month." Today we air some excepts from a few community members who spoke at the March City council Meeting starting with Deidre Shea.

Sunshine Committee is a new album from poet Matthew Klane. The sound is playful and energetic with a range of interesting sounds and skilled musicians. Matthew Klane joins Sina Basila Hickey and Marrow on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine for a live interview all about the new album.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us to a rally for immigrant legal services and protection. Then, Willie Terry shares excerpts from a panel discussion of The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle. Later on, the TripleE's return with H Bosh Jr. interviewing entrepreneur Flerida Santana Johnas. After that, we're joined live by musician Matthew Klane to discuss his new album, Sunshine Committee. Finally, Carolyn Tennant interviews Shubhendra Rao about The Ravi Shankar Ensemble's Debut tour, and their upcoming Concert in Albany.

On Tuesday, March 10, the Campaign for Access, Representation, and Equity for Immigrant Families (CARE4IF) Coalition held a rally at the New York State Capitol's Million Dollar Staircase in support of the Access to Representation Act (ARA) (S141/A270) and the Building Up Immigrant Legal Defense (BUILD) Act (A2689/S4538) They also caledl for a $175 million for immigration legal services and infrastructure, a figure that was included in the budget resolutions of both houses. The Access to Representation Act would be the first of its kind in the nation, guaranteeing immigrants facing deportation the right to legal counsel in New York State and ensuring they have a fair chance to fight for their freedom. We hear from Jahaira Roldin of NY Immigration Coalition; Senator Liu and Jackson; Assemblymember Cruz; Senator Serrano; and Assemblymember Gallagher

In this episode of The TripleE'S, Flerida Santana Johnas discusses her work in Albany and her role in shaping the city's economic growth through real estate development and community-focused investments. She also shares insights about her newest venture, Olive & Oregano, a 24-hour restaurant near MVP Arena that blends Dominican and Greek flavors while providing convenient takeout, delivery, and catering options for the community. The conversation highlights how her projects—from development initiatives to launching new businesses—aim to contribute to Albany's downtown revitalization and create opportunities for local residents. H Bosh Jr brings you this interview

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the Troy4Black Lives “Faith and Freedom” Black History Month Program, entitled “The Role of the Black Church in Getting and Keeping Us Free.” In this labor segment, Will recorded the panel discussion on the program theme, “The Role of the Black Church in the Black Freedom Struggle. "This is Part 1 of that discussion.

Jazz/ Latino, Inc. presents, “Sounds of the Americas” this Saturday, March 14 at Union College. This concert is a musical journey across the Americas. José Cruz, President of Jazz/Latino, inc. spoke with Benno Greene and Mark Dunlea.