Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, Elizabeth Press speaks with a Co-director of the #HALTsolitary Campaign about Imam Abdalla Hadian, A Muslium chaplain who died while working at Marcy Correctional Facility. Then, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from a recent public hearing held by the Albany County Legislature to amend a law that allows to allow nuclear power to count as green energy. Later on, Illeya Du Boulay speaks with the founder of beyond plastics Judith Enck about her new book The Problem With Plastic. After that, Brea Barthel takes a trip to the Troy Public Library to talk about books for indigenous people for children. Finally, Marsha Lazurus continues her conversation with with Institute for the musical arts co-founder and executive director Ann Hackler reflects on the process of passing the torch and how the music field for girls and young women has evolved. Co-hosts: Jacob Boston, Richard Sleeper, Engineer: Jacob Boston

Everybody Moves - International Students: Chrisley by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Judith Enck, Beyond Plastics' founder and president, has a new book: “The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late”, co-authored by climate reporter Adam Mahoney, and published by the New Press. NATURE Lab mentor, Ileya du Boulay, interviews Enck who expressed what inspired the release of this book, how people can get involved in the anti-plastics movement, find the book, and more. Beyond Plastics is working hard to pass the New York State Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act. You can learn more about it by going to their website at BeyondPlastics.com

On Tuesday November 18, the Albany County Legislature held a public hearing on amending an existing county law to allow nuclear power to count as green energy, which would allow firms involved in the nuclear industry to qualify for county subsidies for up to 10% of the cost of the project. We hear from three speakers in opposition – Mark Schaeffer, Tom Ellis, and Anne Rabe – and one in support – Keith Schue. The were many union members, RPI students, and business people who spoke in favor of the amendment.

HMM_11-20-2025 by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

In the White Pine Therapy workshop by Raei Bridges and Azuré Keahi, participants will learn to make small containers out of white pine bark while learning about other medicinal aspects of this Vitamin C-rich tree. This event will take place at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on 11/21 from 4-7pm, as is one part of a workshop series called Strands of Regeneration started by artists Ellie Irons and Azuré Keahi, an eco-socially engaged project rooted in participatory art and creative practice centered on reciprocity, building connections between humans, the land, and more-than-human life.

Imam Abdalla Hadian died at work in Marcy Correctional Facility in early November 2025, and advocates are demanding a full independent investigation. In this segment, Hudson Mohawk Magazine producer, Elizabeth Press, spoke to Jerome Wright, a Co-Director of #HALTsolitary Campaign, about Imam Hadian, Robert Brooks, and correctional facility closures.

Starbucks workers across the country are striking since November 13 in what they are calling the Red Cup Rebellion. The baristas are protesting Starbucks' union busting and failure to finalize a fair union contract four years after individual Starbucks began unionizing. Moses Nagel spoke to some striking workers at one of the local stores that unionized on New Scotland Avenue in Albany.

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the 'Capital District Area Labor Federation 18th Annual Appreciation Gala at the Desmond Hotel in Albany. At the event, Natasha Pernicka, Executive Director of Food Pantries of the Capital District, was honored with the CDALF 2025 Solidarity Award for her work with the pantries. Mark Emanatian, CDALF Executive Director, introduced Natasha. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, she will coordinate one of the most significant single-day food distributions in state history in the New York State Capital Region. This Labor segment is part 1 of 4 on all of the CDALF Gala Honorees.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, we hear about how labor unions are helping with a mass food distribution in the Capital District on Saturday November 22. Then, we hear about how the US military is the world's largest institutional polluter. Later on, Beyond the Brink discusses the ongoing saga around the Epstein files. After that, we hear about the recent Fall Healing Day at the Sanctuary. Finally, we hear from the co-founder of the Institute for the Musical Arts.

Ann Hackler, Executive Director and Cofounder of the Institute for the Musical Arts (in Goshen, Mass) speaks with Marsha Lazarus about how her (and co-founder and partner June Millington's) thinking evolved as they started and built the institute. Part 1 of a 3-part series. Produced by Marsha Lazarus

In this story, we discuss an overview of the history of Disability rights and the developments therein. With Blaise Bryant, a fellow contributor to the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we learn more about the root of disability rights. Story by Sean Bernyk Image Attribution: By Disability symbols 16.png: NPS Graphics, put together by WcommonsPictograms-nps-accessibility-wheelchair-accessible.svg: NPS Graphics, converted by ZyMOSPictograms-nps-accessibility-low vision access.svg: NPS Graphics, converted by ZyMOSPictograms-nps-accessibility-sign language interpretation.svg: NPS Graphics, converted by ZyMOSAutismbrain.jpg: National Institutes of Mental Health, National Institutes of Healthderivative work: Hamiltonham - Disability symbols 16.pngPictograms-nps-accessibility-wheelchair-accessible.svgPictograms-nps-accessibility-low vision access.svgPictograms-nps-accessibility-sign language interpretation.svgAutismbrain.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12864774

Podcast host Rosemary Armao and Times Union Editorial Writer Jay Jochnowitz are abuzz about the latest Epstein File news, including the sketchy ethical behavior of writer Michael Wolff, the outlandish remarks about what is pedophilia by Megyn Kelly, and whether American voters will ever really get to read this controversial set of documents.

This November, more than 3 million New Yorkers are facing a food emergency. Between the rising costs of groceries and expiration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, working families across New York are at risk. In the Capital District (and elsewhere), labor unions are working with the Regional Food Bank of NENY and others for a mass food distribution at multiple sites on Saturday Nov. 12. Mark Emanation of the Capital District Area Labor Federation talks with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine. https://regionalfoodbank.net/2025-thanksgiving-food-distribution-live/

Institute co-founder and executive director Ann Hackler reflects on the process of passing the torch and how the music field for girls and young women has evolved forty years after the institute was founded. Part 3 (final segment) of 3-part series. Produced by Marsha Lazarus

Part 2 of interview with Executive Director and Co-founder Ann Hackler, of the Institute for the Musical Arts in Goshen, Mass. Ann talks about how the institute evolved to offer summer sessions, called Rock the Summer for girls and young women - all that goes with doing rock n' roll. In fact, it's how the institute is best known today. Produced by Marsha Lazarus

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us many voices from an environmental protest organized by a local Fridays for Future chapter. Then, Vinny DamaPoleto will talk about the Town of Brunswick and how the Town Clerk's Office, Tax Receiver's Office, and Water departments serve residents. After that, we have a throwback to the early days of Hudson Mohawk Magazine to when Stanley Hadsel of Market Block Books would come on weekly for book recommendations. Finally, Thom Francis introduces us to poet Shelby Hafener. Hosts: Vinny DamaPoleto and Caelan McPherson Engineer: Caelan McPherson

As we just passed election day, there are many local roles that many of us might not be familiar with. HMM Volunteer, Vinny DamaPoleto, works for the Town of Brunswick as the Deputy Town Clerk, Assistant to the Receiver of Taxes, and Assistant to the Superintendent of Water dept., and we wanted to ask him about his many hats and their functions to keep the town running.

Last week, the Bottle Bill coalition held a press conference to announce the results of our statewide survey, which found that the large majority of stores that sell Bottle Bill-covered beverages do not post the legally required "Bottle Bill of Rights" sign. These signs are meant to alert consumers that they can take back the covered beverages they purchased there for their nickel return. Two arrests were made outside of the Governor's Mansion in Albany, Monday morning, after Bottle Bill protestors dumped a truckload of cans and bottles at the gate. Employees from bottle redemption centers across the state gathered to dump the multiple days' worth of waste. They are seeking an increase in the handling fee as well as increasing the nickel deposit to a time. Blair Horner of NYPIRG gives an update about the Campaign to Mark Dunlea of the Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Earth's Greatest Enemy, the second feature film project by Abby Martin, is a groundbreaking anti-imperialist environmental documentary. Exempt from international climate agreements and rarely scrutinized in mainstream reporting, the Pentagon is the world's single largest institutional polluter—spewing carbon, contaminating water, and scarring landscapes across the globe. Abby discusses her film, which recently played at the Spectrum in Albany, with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. https://earthsgreatestenemy.com/

Fall Healing Day with Dr. Xavier Coughlin by 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. 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. 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, her 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.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea talks to Liz Moran from Earth Justice on Gov. Hochul's decision to delay the implementation of the All Electric Buildings Act. Then, Sean Bernyk speaks with Blaise Bryant about the history of disability rights advocacy in the country. Later, Lennox Apudo has a conversation with Dio Kauffman about Saratoga's Camping Ban ordinance, which was passed in July 2025, and its impact on unhoused people. After that, as part of the Everybody Moves weekly show, Yi Lu talks to Huey-Rong Chen, a former international student from Taiwan at UAlbany. Finally, Moses Nagel brings us coverage of an evolving story involving the criticism of the Schenectady School Board following the suspension of several students at Freshman Leadership Academy.

A rash of student suspensions at a Schenectady public school have led to recriminations, concerns about racial disparities in punishments and an official letter of criticism from the school board to one of its well-known members. Moses Nagel reports.

In July 2025 Saratoga Springs passed a camping ban ordinance marking a major escalation in criminalizing homelessness. Dio (Dee-yo) Kaufman (Coughman) is a housing advocate and member of a coalition of activists who are challenging the Saratoga Springs Camping Ban Ordinance, while advocating for tenants and the unhoused to know their rights in court. They/She discuss this piece of legislation with Lennox Apudo. Link to petition: https://www.change.org/p/rescind-the-ordinance-against-saratoga-s-unhoused-community?source_location=local_page&pt=AVBldGl0aW9uACKOPx0AAAAAaRCyKOdGTAYyODkxZjIwNQ%3D%3D

Friday November 14 was another Global Climate Strike by Fridays For Future, the international student climate group started by Swedish activist Greta Thurberg. Earlier in the week the 30th COP began in Brazil on the tenth anniversary of the Paris Climate Accords. In the Capital District, several dozen protestors gathered outside Governor Hochul's 2nd floor office in the State Capitol. We first hear from Ryan, the local Fridays for Future organizer, who talks about getting the City of Albany to join the Non Fossil Fuel Treaty which Chicago recently joined. We then hear from a number of climate activists. WIth Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage on governor Hochul's recent decision to approve both the NESE (Northeast Supply Enhancement Extension) fracked gas pipeline under the NYC Harbor; and a 5 year air permit for the Greenidge Frack Gas Cryptocurrency facility at Seneca Lake. Then, Willie Terry brings us coverage from the HVCC Pride of Our Nation, Pride of Our College Exhibition. Later on, Andrea Cunliffe covers her experience with acupuncture Dr Xavier Coughlin of the Peoples Health Sanctuary. Finally, Anna Steltenkamp speaks with Devon Mihesuah, a co-editor of the book entitled: “Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the United States: Restoring Cultural Knowledge, Protecting Environments, and Regaining Health,” about her work. Co-Hosts: Jacob Boston, Richard Sleeper Engineered By: Jacob Boston

Governor Hochul capped off a week of startling reversals on climate action by agreeing to delay the start of the All Electric Buildings Act. The law requires all new buildings of six stories or less to be all electric (no gas or other fossil fuels) starting January 1, 2026. Liz Moran of Earth Justice discusses the issue with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

A Big Gay Market is coming to Sanctuary on November 16th. Cyren Romeo, A Big Gay Market's Founder, joins Cricket and Marrow to discuss their work building queer community spaces, the Linus Project, and what the future holds for the Big Gay Market.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Ellie Irons interviews Sarah Cadieux about her microplastics research. Then, Willie Terry brings us to the HVCC Pride of our Nation and Pride of our College exhibition. Later on, Triple E's returns with H Bosh Jr interviewing Tatiana Cunningham about the CNYS Black Expo. After that, We have a live interview with Cyren Romeo, the mastermind behind the Big Gay Market. Finally, Sina Basila Hickey interviews Adam Elabd about his connection to SWANA music.

At the September StoryHarvest, 20th Anniversary celebration of the Sanctuary for Independent Media, Hudson Mohawk Magazines' Andrea Cunliffe recorded her experience with Acupuncture and conversation with Dr Xavier Coughlin of the Peoples Health Sanctuary. The continued the conversation a month later at the October Healing Day at the Sanctuary. The next Healing Days are: November 21, 2025 and December 12 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Sanctuary's Main Space For more information: mediasanctuary.org/initiatives/peoples-health-sanctuary/ People's Health Sanctuary: 3319 6th Avenue, 2nd Fl Troy, New York 12180 United States 518-272-2390

On Friday November 7, Governor Hochul made two critical decisions that appalled climate activists: approving the NESE (Northeast Supply Enhancement Extension) fracked gas pipeline under the NYC Harbor; and approving a 5 year air permit for the Greenidge Frack Gas Cryptocurrency facility at Seneca Lake. Both reversed prior decisions denying the permits. Eric Weltman of Food and Water Watch discusses the NESE decision with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Dr. Sarah Cadieux (talks with NATURE Lab co-director Ellie Irons and youth mentor Ileya du Boulay about her community science research and the 2025 Water Justice Lab end of season celebration and screening taking place on November 15th.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, we hear about Governor Hochul's reversal on permitting a cryptocurrency fossil fuel plant in Seneca Lake. Then, Moses Nagel reports on Mark Mishler receiving the Pat Beetle peace Award. Later on, Rosemary Armao talks with a woman serving as a Catholic priest in the Upper Room. After that, we hear a reading from the autobiography of the late Assata Shakur. Finally, we hear about the recent vote to move Troy City Hall to Proctor's Theater. Co-hosts: Benno Greene Engineer: Jalaya Reid

Upper Hudson Peace Action held its yearly gathering on Sunday, November 9. The event, titled RESISTING TYRANNY: Grounding Courage in Community, featured a panel discussion, music by the Solidarity Singers, and the presentation of the second annual Pat Beetle Award for a lifelong commitment to working for peace. This year, the award went to local lawyer and activist Mark Mishler. His acceptance speech is excerpted here.

In a 4-3 vote, the Troy City Council voted to move City Hall to the old Proctor's Theatre. Today, we air excerpts of the meeting where the public overwhelmingly showed up to oppose the decision. The full City Council meeting is posted on their YouTube account. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4m7J5vmdqU

Denise Hackert-Stoner is a priest. Not in the traditional Roman Catholic church, which instantly excommunicated her and condemned her to hell when she was ordained. But she's a priest nonetheless in the Upper Room Inclusive Catholic Community of the Albany area. In this week's chapter of Beyond the Brink and Fighting Back, podcast host Rosemary Armao talks with Hackert-Stoner about defying church fathers and creating a church that emphasizes love, compassion, diversity, and positivity that feels close to what early Christians had before the Roman patriarchy erased women and introduced hierarchy and rules. Learn more about these renegade women and what they do.

On Friday, Nov. 7, Gov. Hochul announced her approval of a 17-mile underwater natural gas pipeline near New York City and an agreement that allows Greenidge Generation to continue using fracked gas to power its Bitcoin mining operation on Seneca Lake for the next five years. Both reversed previous decisions that the projects conflicted with the state's climate law. Yvonne Taylor of Seneca Lake Guardian talks to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the Greenidge decision.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine we take a break from our regular programming for a show about Veterans with stories from our archives. We begin with an interview with Elliot Adams, former national head of Veterans for Peace. Then, we hear from Brian Troutman about the Capital Region chapter of Veterans for Peace. Later on, Jesse Gould talks about founding the Heroic Hearts Project to spearhead the acceptance and use of psychedelic therapy as a means of addressing the current mental health crisis among veterans. After that, Lee Vartigian, Director of Vet Services at Albany Housing Coalition, speaks about fireworks as triggers for many veterans. Finally, veteran Jack Gilroy speaks about highlighting Martin Luther King Jr.'s anti-militarism message

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea talks with Danny Boudreau, the co-chair of the Ranked Choice Voting campaign on rank choice voting in Albany. Then, Sean Bernyk speaks with University at Albany's Prof. David Hochfelder on about the 98 acres of land that were seized and demolished by the government in 1962. Later on Meg Kelly talks with John Garver on the impact of road salt on local rivers and creeks. After that, we hear from Darian, a sociology student at UAlbany and an international student from the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia in China as part of the Everybody Moves series. Finally, Benno Green speaks with singer-songwriter Girl Blue about her musical influences and her debut album “Forever For Awhile.”

Girl Blue is a singer-songwriter spotlighted by Spotify for her debut single Fire Under Water and her cover of Fleetwood Macs Dreams. She released her latest album “Forever For Awhile” on July 25th. Benno Greene speaks to her about Her musical influences, her songwriting, and the process of making her latest album.

The 98 Acres in Albany refers to an event in the city's history where 98 acres of land and neighborhoods were seized and demolished. Today, with David Hochfelder, we explore the history of this event and its lasting repercussions. Story by Sean Bernyk Picture by: By Karthikc123 - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5082244

Some Albany residents want to bring Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) to the City, just as NYC has done for primary elections. In RCV, voters rank candidates in order of preference. To win, a candidate needs 50% plus 1. If no candidate has a majority on the first round, the lowest ranked candidate is eliminated and their voters second choice is counted. This process continues until someone wins. Danny Boudreau, co-chair of the local campaign, discusses RCV with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

From Mozambique to Albany: Chrisley on life as an international accounting major student in the Capital Region

On Saturday, November 08, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the HVCC Pride of Our Nation, Pride of Our College Exhibition. There was a special exhibition set up by Professor Sonja Miller, a Psychology Instructor at HVCC, featuring her family, the Chandlers, and their military service. Willie had a chance to speak with her and family members about Specialist 4 Charles Chandler (Who was killed in Vietnam), Shelia C. Buggs, and other members who were in the military and on display at the college exhibition. This Labor segment is part two of two.

On Saturday, November 08, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the HVCC Pride of Our Nation and Pride of Our College Exhibition. There was a special exhibition set up by Professor Sonja Miller, a Psychology Instructor at HVCC, featuring her family, the Chandlers, and their military service. Willie had a chance to speak with her and family members about Specialist 4 Charles Chandler (Who was killed in Vietnam), Shelia C. Bugg, and other members who were in the military and on display at the college exhibition. This Labor segment is part one of two.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Moses Nagel's speaks to Paul Collins-Hackett, a member of the Albany Civilian Police Review Board about the board's recent conflict with the Mayor and the Albany Common Council Then, lleya du Boulay (A-LAYA DO-BUHLAY) speaks with clean water advocate Doug Reed about his work at the Sanctuary, including Water Justice Lab's upcoming end of year celebration Later on, Sina Basila Hickey brings us coverage from a recent rally held by Troy 4 Black Lives and Troy Bike Rescue to protect Bike Life for black and brown riders. After that, Benno Greene talks to CamTron 5000 about his upcoming performance at Song City Troy on November 11th. Finally, Moses Nagel's brings us coverage from a recent Albany Common Council meeting where a revision was proposed to a law that limits bars and other venues' ability to hold live performances. Co-Hosts: Jacob Boston, Richard Sleeper. Engineer: Jacob Boston

Camtron 5000 is an Albany based rapper and songwriter with an at time comedic and irreverent lyrical style. Benno Greene talks to him about his new album "His Master's Voice," his musical influences, and his upcoming performance at Song City Troy on November 11th.

Albany's cabaret license law was enacted in 2012 to limit bars and other venues holding live performances. Business owners, DJ's and music fans have complained ever since about the comlicated and vague rules which can take a great deal of time and be difficult to navigate. On November 3, the Albany Common Council took up a proposed revision to the law. We will hear excepts from the meeting, beginning with public comment from Marlon Anderson and followed by the Council's debate.

Here we are joined by Paul Stewart of the Underground Railroad Education Center as we discuss the overall history of the Underground Railroad. With this, we discuss the organization's varied elements. Produced by Sean Bernyk Art By Charles T. Webber - Cincinnati Art Museum, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20699526

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlean speaks with Prof. Peter LaVania, co-chair of the NYS Green Party about a Ranked Choice Voting and Proportional Representation presentation at Albany Public Library this Saturday Nov 8. Then, Willie Terry, Roaming* Labor Correspondent covers the “No Kings Protest” held October 18. Later on, H Bosh Jr sat down with Tatiana Cunningham to talk about the upcoming CNYS black expo. After that, Sean Bernyk discusses the Underground Railroad Education Center and its elements with co- founder Paul Stewart. Finally, Marsha Lazarus sits with EP on seeking CLEMENCY for individuals in NYS prisons, who have already served long sentences as part 4 of Avoiding Drinking the Kool Aid! How do we do that?! series. Hosts:A'Livija Mullins-Richard and Caelan McPherson Engineer:Caelan McPherson