Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine: First, Moses Nagel brings us coverage from an upcoming speakout and vigil for unhoused people in Albany being sponsored by the National Union of the Homeless and the Poor People's Campaign. Then, Sina Basila Hickey brings us coverage from a rally organized by No Kings Collective Albany and Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition to stop ICE's detainment of immigrant labor workers at Home Depot parking lots. Later on, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from a recent press conference where the Schenectady Food Council discussed their legislative priorities for the year. After that, Sina Basila Hickey talks to Jack Magai of More Trees Arborist Collective about the Sanctuary's recent loss of one of our spruce trees. Finally, we celebrate Hanukkah with an interview with singer/songwriter and Klezmer musician Adah Hetko about what it means to be Jewish in America.

Seeking the opportunity for work, Home Depot parking lots are often a gathering place for immigrants who hope to get chosen by a contractor for work and wait long hours in the elements without a promise for any job. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have come to Home Depot parking lots to detain immigrant laborers, and the Albany community showed up to condemn this relationship with a rally and short march, coordinated by No Kings Collective Albany and Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition (CRSC). Sina Basila Hickey reported from this rally and spoke with No Kings Collective Albany co-leader Bryan Paz-Hernandez, Jahaira Roldan of New York Immigration Coalition and a volunteer with CRSC, CRSC volunteer Amanda, and Chris, and organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation. All donations went to @518CRSC

During the winter months, the stakes are raised for the homeless members of our community. On December 21, the longest night of the year, the National Union of the Homeless and the Poor People's Campaign are soponsoring a speakout and vigil in Albany with a free meal to follow. Moses Nagel spoke with Joe Paparone about the event and the bigger picture for homelessness in our region.

To welcome in Chanukah, Marsha Lazarus spoke about her own experience with the Jewish holiday, the meaning of Chanukah, and being proud to be Jewish in a time when there is a rise in antisemitism. She spoke with Lennox Apudo and Sean Bernyk for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Retired National Weather Service Meteorologist Hugh Johnson spoke about the cold winter, how it compares to other years, and the forecasted holiday week with Lennox Apudo and Sean Bernyk.

Black Dimensions in Art is celebrating their fiftieth anniversary at the Albany institute of art. Marisa Espe speaks with Andrea Cunliffe live on air about this special exhibition.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us to an anti ICE protest outside the Home Depot. Then, Willie Terry attends the fundraiser concert for the Underground Railroad Education Center at the NYS museum. Later on, Mark Dunlea speaks with Alex Patterson about the update to the state energy plan. After that, Sina speaks with Meredith Kooi of Wave Farm about WGXC's efforts to expand their support of community radio. Finally, We speak with Marisa Espe about Albany Institute's Black Dimensions in Art exhibition

Rev. Dustin Longmire of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Schenectady and Board Chair of Rotterdam Community Center, spoke at a recent press conference of the Schenectady Food Council. The Council has three legislative priorities this year: raising the minimum SNAP benefits in the state, funding statewide hunger relief programs like the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program, and making it easier for institutions like schools and hospitals to buy food products locally. Rev. Longmire talks about hunger policy with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine, along with discussiing his community food advocates program.

WGXC wants to expand its community radio studio in Catskill. They hope to expand their space for even more community programming, workshops, and in-studio performances. To hear more about this news, we spoke with Meredith Kooi, Radio Program Director at Wave Farm. She spoke with Sina Basila Hickey for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. https://wavefarm.org/ instagram: wgxc_90.7fm facebook: WGXCradio they also love to get phone calls: (518) 212-7509

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended a "Arias in the Afternoon: Lifting Every Voice" concert at the NYS Museum in Albany. The concert was held to support the fundraising campaign of the Underground Railroad Education Center (UREC) to build an Underground Railroad Interpretive Center in the Arbor Hill Community in Albany. In this labor segment, Willie interviewed Mary Liz Steward, Executive Director of the UREC, about their effort to build the interpretive center.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, we hear about Governor Hochul agreeing to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act. Then, for our peace segment, we explore the bromance between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin After that, Rosemary Armao looks at Trump and the military Finally, we finish up with a recent meeting of the Albany Common Council about a new landfill and transfer station

On Tuesday December 16, the Hochul administration approved an update to the state energy plan which embraced an All-of-the-Above energy policy including fossil fuels and nuclear power. Many climate groups challenged the plan as being out of compliance with the goals included in the CLCPA, the state's climate law five years ago. Many are disappointed that not only has Hochul and NYPA failed to commit to build 15 GW of publicly owned renewable energy to meet the state's climate goal, but recently backed down to 5.5 GW. Alex Patterson of the Public Power NY Coalition talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Dec. 17, Governor Hochul announced that she was willing to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act - provided lawmakers passed a new version with several amendments. Corinne Carey, who lead the decade long fight for the measure on behalf of Compassion and Choices, talks about the victory with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

At the Albany Common Council's meeting on December 15, a public hearing took place on a proposed new transfer station and landfill. The old location will be full by 2027 so the need for a new site is urgent. However the proposal has met some opposition from environmental groups and from the current residents of the property the city wants to use. Here are some excerpts from the hearing.

This week on Beyond the Brink (and Fighting Back) Rosemary Armao speaks with Military reporter Mike Fabey . The US military under Secretary of Defense Mark Hegseth and Commander in Chief Donald Trump may be aiming to become more ready, fit and alert, but Fabey says this effort has led to piracy and the issuing of illegal orders. Fabey talks about warfare in the Caribbean and what traditional military professionals think of stopping drug trafficking with bombs.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea covers a rally to urge Governor Hochul to sign the repeal of the 100 foot rule. Then, the Sanctuary's Executive Director Ren Lee reflects on the past Sanctuary season. Later on, we talk with visitor John Menger about rocket competition. After that, Juan Pantaleon brings us a comedy interview. Finally, Thom Francis highlights local poets.

In "Great Power Imperialism or Democratic Global Governance?", Larry Wittner, Emeritus Professor of History at SUNY Albany, explores the political ramifications of the bromance between Donatd Trump and Russian President Putin. Wittner talks to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about Europe, Ukraine, Venezuela, South America, and the rise of the neonazi movement. https://columbusfreepress.com/article/great-power-imperialism-or-democratic-global-governance

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea speaks with Bebhin Francis of the National Union of the Homeless about their advocacy efforts to get the county of Albany to increase the support offered to unhoused individuals during the winter. Then, Sean Bernyk talks with Paul F. Cole of the Kate Mullany National Historic Site about the site's history and the iconic labour leader Kate Mullany who organized the first national all-female labour union, the Collar Laundry Union, here in Troy. Later on, Hugh Johnson joins us for our last weather show for the year where we'll have a recap of this year's significant weather events and what's in-store for the weather this week. After that, we have the weekly segment Everybody Moves. This week we hear Joanna Dreby talk to Hoora, a University at Albany alumnus about her immigration journey from Iran to the Capital District. Finally, Marsha Lazarus joins us for a special live interview to talk about the preparations and festivities of this Hanukkah which runs from December 14th to December 22nd.

Here I speak with Paul F. Cole, executive director of Kate Mullany National Historic Site, to speak about the Kate Mullany House and discuss Kate Mullany herself to find out more about this icon of women's and labor history. Story by Sean Bernyk Artwork Attribution: By ​English Wikipedia user Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4184211

On Saturday, December 13, local immigrant rights advocates joined in a national day of protest against ICE and Home Depot with a rally and clothing drive at Crossgates Common. The activists demanded that the company take immediate action to stop Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in and around its stores nationwide. Across the country, Home Depot locations have become flashpoints in a growing human rights crisis. Immigration raids at and around stores have led to chaotic, violent, and frightening encounters—not only for immigrant workers and day laborers, but also for customers and surrounding communities. We hear from No Kings Collective Albany co-leader Bryan Paz-Hernandez, Tara from the Party of Socialism and Liberation, and Jahaira Roldan of the NY Immigration Coalition. This has been Mark Dunlea for the Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

At a recent meeting of the Albany County Legislature, 8 individuals with the Albany Chapter of the National Union of the Homeless urged the county to create a shelter for homeless individuals at the closed College of St. Rose campus. The group will also participate in the longest day, a national day of action, with an event and march on Dec. 21 starting at the Albany DSS office on Washington near Dove. St. Bebhinn Francis provides an update to Mark Dunlea for the Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Ear seeds are tiny pellets used to stimulate pressure points within your ear. Gina Mauro offers this healing therapy at People's Health Sanctuary Healing Days, and she spoke with Sina Basila Hickey about this community healing method.

During the last PHS Healing Day, youth were invited in share some of their interests on the radio. Zeyn and Ember spoke with Jacob Boston about their love of legos and drawing.

Delphi is a queer, autistic artist, local to Albany. His art reflects this identity, and he is a painter and an art vendor. He spoke about his art with Jacob Boston, Richard Sleeper, and Ember. To learn more about Delphi https://www.delphnation.net/

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from a demonstration where over 100 climate activists rallied at the state capital urging Governor Hochul to sign legislation that would lower utility bills. Then, Sina Basila Hickey learns about ear seeds acupuncture with Gina Mauro. Later on, Chloe, a student at Skidmore College, will talk about how to prevent and treat cooking burns as the holiday seasons approaches. After that, artist Delphi, one of the A Big Gay Market vendors, joins us in-studio to talk about his work as well as his journey as an artist. Finally, we'll hear some kid community voices from Healing Day. Co-hosts: Richard Sleeper, Jacob Boston, and Ember. Jacob Boston engineered.

On September 6th, regular US Americans set out from Philadelphia's Independence Hall, carrying a copy of the U.S. Constitution on a 160-mile pilgrimage to the steps of Congress in Washington, D.C. Janet Carmosky spoke about this march, the message, and why it's important to speak up when "the promises of the Constitution are being broken" with Mark Dunlea.

Everybody Move Series: Migration Stories from our Community. 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 Hura from Iran.

Laurel is a snowboarder and drummer, and has recently also begun learning tumbling and violin. Next year she wants to learn the flute! Laurel likes to try new things and tells others to try new things too because "tryin' it could make you fall in love with it." She spoke with Sina Basila Hickey for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea speaks with Mario Bruzzone about the NYIC's latest report on ICE activity. Then, we hear more about the Afghan Family who was taken to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement office on Monday, even though this family's visa was originally valid until 2026. Later on, Willie Terry brings us to the site of a massive thanksgiving food distribution thanks to the regional food bank. After that, we get some perspective on learning new things and working through frustration from Laurel. Finally, Carolyn Tennant interviews author Pamela McColl about the history of Christmas poetry in a piece from our archives

Troy Architectural project (TAP) is a Community Design center that provides design and planning services to low and moderate income property owners, neighborhood groups and other non-profit organizations wishing to improve their homes, buildings and neighborhoods. Vinny DamaPoleto and Caelan McPherson sat down with Barbara A Nelson the Executive Director of Tap and her Dog Buttercup

On Monday, December 8, an Afghan family was called to Malta, NY for an immigration appointment. This next segment continues our story which aired on Monday to better understand the ordeal which the family was experiencing.

More than 100 climate activists came to the State Capitol on Thursday December 11 to urge Governor Hochul to sign legislation that would end the estimated six hundred million of dollars that has been added to utility bills by requiring free gas hookups if the new the customer is within 100 feet of an existing gas pipeline. The cost of such hookups, from $2500 to $10000 per building, is presently added to the utilities' rate base, which means all customers pay for it for decades. The bill is presently on Governor Hochul's desk and she has a week to decide whether or not to sign it. The media reports that she is pushing for some amendments, such as pushing back the implementation date. At the rally in the War Room, we hear from Betta Broad of New Yorkers for Clean Power, Doctor Sandra Steingraber, and from customers of the various utilities in the state. By Mark Dunlea for the Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry was at the Regional Food Bank site of a mass Thanksgiving Food Distribution in the Troy Community. The food giveaway took place in the parking lot at the RPI - Heffner Alumni House in Troy. In this labor segment, Willie spoke with Eric Wohlleber, Public Affairs & Government Relations at The Regional Food Bank, and Danielle Bridger, Region 8 Coordinator for the Public Employees Federation & President of the Albany County Central Federation of Labor, about the purpose and objectives of the Food Distribution and unions' involvement.

On Saturday, December 13 there will be a rally and clothing drive called ICE out of Home Depot. From 1-2:30pm, folks will gather at the front of the Home Depot parking lot at Crossgates Commons. Joining us now are two of the organizers behind the event: No Kings Collective Albany co-leader Bryan Paz-Hernandez, and Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition volunteer Miriam Axel-Lute. Welcome to Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, we hear about the 10th anniversary of NY Renews. Then, we hear from two members of the Palestinian Rights Committee planning a trip to Palestine. Later on, Rosemary Armao discusses Trump's state of his health. After that, we will have organizers from No Kings Collective Albany and Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition to tell us about the ICE out of Home Depot rally and clothing drive taking place on Saturday in Albany. Finally, from a year ago, we hear excerpts from a rally in response to Robert Brooks' beating by prison guards in Utica on Dec 9. He died on Dec 10 2024.

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) has released a new report analyzing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement practices in New York. The report reveals disproportionate impact of ICE arrests on Latino communities across the state. Mario Bruzzone, VP for Policy at NYIC, discusses the report with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Rosemary Armao discusses Trump's immigration policies.

HMM_12-09-2025 by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Thom Francis introduces us to poets Susan Kress and Will Nixon. Both of whom were finalists in the 2025 Stephen A. DiBiase Poetry Prize Contest. ——– The 2025 Stephen A. DiBiase Poetry Prize winners and finalists were recently announced with many poets from the Capital Region and Hudson Valley included in the list. The DiBiase contest was created in 2015 to offer a more inclusive and welcoming alternative to traditional poetry competitions. There are no entry fees, no line or page limits, and no restrictions on subject matter, form, publication history, or age, making it especially appealing to younger poets. Each year, approximately $2,500 in prize money is awarded, with $500 going to the first-place winner and the rest distributed among top finishers. Last week we heard from finalist Howard Kogan, who shared his poem, “Mourning Becomes Her.” This week we will hear from Hudson Valley Writers Guild members Susan Kress and Will Nixon. First up is Susan Kress. Her poem “Fire-Proof Box” was an Honorable Mention in this years contest. Before she reads her poem, she tells me more about the inspiration of the piece. Susan Kress was born and educated in England and now lives in Saratoga Springs, NY, having taught at Skidmore College for many years. Her poems appear in Nimrod International, The Southern Review, New Ohio Review, Salmagundi, New Letters, South Florida Poetry Journal, Valparaiso Poetry Review, Third Wednesday, Gyroscope Review, La Presa, and other journals. The next poet up to the mic is Will Nixon who will read his poem “Orpheum.” Will Nixon is the author of the poetry collections, “My Late Mother as a Ruffed Grouse” and “Love in the City of Grudges.” With Michael Perkins he is the co-author of “Walking Woodstock: Journeys into the Wild Heart of America's Most Famous Small Town.” He has also written “The Pocket Guide to Woodstock.” He now lives in Kingston, NY. For more information on the 2026 Stephen A DiBiase Poetry Prize and to read the poems from previous winners, finalists, and honorable mentions, go to https://dibiasepoetry.com.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea discusses the status of the Medical Aid in Dying Act with Corinne Carey of Compassion & Choices' New York and New Jersey. Then, Sina Basila Hickey has a story on an unexpected report to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement visit for an Afghan family which prompted a community response. Later on, retired national weather service meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins us to discuss last week's snow storm and what to expect from the weather this winter. After that, Armanee Stenor chats with Jay, an international student from Singapore as part of Everybody Moves. Finally, Sean Bernyk talks with Kathy Sheehan of Hart Cluett Museum about the history of the city of Troy.

Retired National Weather Service meteorologist Hugh Johnson discusses the snow storm that impacted the Capital District in the first week of December. He also talks about how the polar vortex affects winter weather and finally he gives his weather forecast.

Today, we hear from Kathy Sheehan, executive director of the Hart Cluett Museum, to talk about an overview of Troy's history and how the city came to be. Story by Sean Bernyk Artwork Credit: By Bailey, H. H. (Howard Heston), Hazen, J. C. - Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=105829721

Despite an Afghan family having legal residence until 2026, they received a letter to report to the U.S. Immigration and Customs office in Malta, NY. The mother's sister and her family, scared and wondering what prompted this meeting, rallied the community to show up in Malta to show support for the family. Many Afghans are being targeted by immigration in the wake of an Afghan immigrant shooting two US guards in an isolated act. HMM's Sina Basila Hickey spoke with the sister and brother-in-law of the family and with a teacher of the children. Additional information received: The Afghan family was told by an ICE agent that prior to their immigration check-in that they should quit their jobs, inform their landlord that they won't be returning, and to notify the school that the kids wouldn't be attending any longer. After this devastating ordeal, the family, who entered the ICE building at about 10:40am, were finally released back into the community at about 3pm.

On Saturday, December 6, the Albany Palestinian Rights Committee did a Joy and Resilence event at the Radix Ecological Sustainability Center in the South End of Albany to raise funds to be directly distributed to beekeepers and farmers in Palestine! Hana and Nora, both of whom will shortly travel to Palestine, talks about the group's effort with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.b

NY Renews is a coalition of nearly 400 climate, labor, youth, and community groups, and was the major group that pushed for the adoption of the CLCPA, the state's climate law, in 2019. They adocate for clean energy, good jobs, and a healthier, more affordable New York. Stephan Edel, their Executive Director, discusses the successes and upcoming challenges on the group's 10th anniversary.

Today on Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we share part of the recording of Bill Ayers and Barbara Smith in conversation on Dec. 5, 2024 at The Sanctuary for Independent Media. They spoke about the themes in Ayers' latest book, "When Freedom is the Question, Abolition is the Answer: Reflections on Collective Liberation." Hear the full recording here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDsA0jBE3V0&t=1673s

Clean energy advocates held a press conference ahead of the Building Code Council meeting on December 5th to uplift the affordability benefits of the All-Electric Buildings Law (AEBL). Last summer, the Building Code Council voted to update NYS codes to adopt the strongest all-electric new building code in the nation, which would have gone into effect at the start of the new year. Earlier this month, the state pivoted away from implementing AEBL, a law proposed and championed by Governor Hochul, and instead, entered into a voluntary injunction to pause the implementation of the cost saving code and law.. The Council canceled the public comment section of the meeting after more than fifty advocates signed up to speak. We hear from Michael Hernandez, New York Policy Director, Rewiring America; Daniel Morrissey, Director of Sustainability, TAP Inc., a community design center for the Capitol region ; Max Micallef, Advocacy Manager of Clean Air Initiatives, American Lung Association; Jed Prickett, Clean Energy Analyst at Alliance for Clean Energy New York; and, Kathy Nolan, President, Physicians for Social Responsibility

The NYS Legislature has passed the Medical Aid in Dying Act, which would give terminally ill individuals in pain the option of a physician assisted suicide. The Governor has indicated that she wants several changes in the law before she will agree to sign it. Corinne Carey, Compassion & Choices' Senior Campaign Director for New York and New Jersey, discusses the status of the bill with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Everybody Move Series: Migration Stories from our Community. 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 Jay from Singapore.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on the controversy over Flock license reading cameras. Then, Willie Terry shares words from labor organizer Shana Davis, who was honored at the Capital District Area Labor Federation 18th Annual Appreciation Gala. After that, Andrea Cunliffe brings listeners to the Context Collective gallery space to learn about this relatively new Troy space. Finally, Elizabeth EP Press brings us excerpts from the Skidmore College campus two trees of peace dedication, with words by Tom Porter of the Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community.

Two trees of peace were dedicated in Saratoga Springs in November with Tom Porter, Founder and Spiritual Leader of the Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community. Elizabeth Press cut this extended excerpt of the ceremony that took place on the campus of Skidmore College. For more information about the event, the trees and the guests visit https://linktr.ee/mdocs