Hudson Mohawk Magazine

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.

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 Gaheul from South Korea.

Saturday, July 25, Troy: On July 4, 2025, a noisy demonstration was held outside the ICE Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, organized in solidarity with detainees. Protesters set off fireworks, vandalized property, and some engaged in confrontations with law enforcement. One protester, fearing an attack when local police arrived, fired a rifle, with an officer being wounded. The other protestors were accused of rioting, using explosives, and providing material support to terrorism. On June 23, 2026, eight defendants were sentenced to prison for 30 to100 years. One defendant not at the event was given 30 years for simply moving a box of zines and pamphlets at the request of his wife. A week later another three defendants received 15 to 50 years as part of the government's crackdown on anti-ICE protesters. In imposing the draconian sentences, the judge relied on a “deterrence” rationale. On Saturday July 25, from 4 to 6 PM at 386 1st St. in Troy., members of the Dallas-Fort Worth Support Committee and local supporters will hold an informational event, along with the opportunity to write letters to the Prairieland Defendants. Local organizer Kevin talks to Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

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.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine: First, we hear from an ER nurse about the opposition to downsizing Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, NY. Then, we hear about comments to the Albany Common Council on ranked choice voting, data centers, and Flock cameras. Later on, Rosemary Armao talks with Leslie-Jean Thornton about the place of political cartoons in the current day. After that, with the Trump administration scaling back its enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Sina talks with Blaise Bryant about how the media covers disability issues. Finally, with the Trump administration ramping up its rhetoric against Cuba, we air a previous discussion with Mabel Leon. Co-hosts Mark Dunlea and Benno Greene

Disability issues are not a hot topic I the news. Just this week the Department of Justice announced that it would not enforce title 2 of the Americans with Disabilities Act and most major publications didn't even cover it! So we reached out to disability advocate and producer of The Blaisin' Access show, Blaise Bryant, to get his take on disability issues in media and who is influencing his social feeds. He spoke with Sina Basila Hickey. 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.

When journalist/professors Leslie-Jean Thornton submitted an academic paper about the effect of Trump administration attacks on the media on journalists and broadcasters, it was rejected. “Just a flash in the pan,” the scholarly reviewer told her. Well, they published that paper belatedly this year, and Thornton has plenty of material for an updated paper on increasing and more serious attacks. Journalists are fearful, more cautious — and more determined to keep on doing their work, the professor says.

The Monday, July 20 public comment period of the Albany Common Council once again drew comments on Ranked Choice Voting, data centers, and Flock Cameras. Several people also spoke about the need to preserve the James Hall Office, a small one-story building that was the personal laboratory of James Hall, a leading 19th-century paleontologist. In this segment, we hear from former Councilmember Richard Conti; Wade Holina; Marianna Achlaoug of Albany Indivisible; and Ivette Alfonso of the Working Families Party. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.data

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, Willie interviewed Pastor Victor Patterson of Fifth Avenue AME Zion Church in Troy, New York, about the role of the Church in the Juneteenth Celebration. This is part two of two labor segments.

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, Willie interviewed Pastor Victor Patterson of Fifth Avenue AME Zion Church in Troy, New York, about the role of the Church in the Juneteenth Celebration. This is part one of two labor segments.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on the launching of the Stratus Tenant Union, created by the tenants at The Knick, a Stratus-managed apartment building in Albany, Then, Moses Nagel previews the People's Roundtable presented by Truth and Justice for Palestine, moderated by feminist icon Barbara Smith. Later on, we hear from two artists at the Art Omi open studies at the finale of their art residency. After that, Amal Berredjem interviews journalist Jill Konopka on navigating the ethics of social media and journalism. Finally, Thom Francis spotlights Nancy Klepsch in this week's Next Up to The Mic.

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 Oletha DeVane and Tyson Houseman. Sina Basila Hickey reports. Photo is a detail of one of Oletha DeVane's mixed media artworks

This week on Next Up to the Mic, we're reaching back into the archives to August 12, 2019, when local poets gathered at the Olde English Pub in Albany for “The Past in Poetry,” a special evening presented in collaboration with Historic Cherry Hill. +++++ Historic Cherry Hill preserves more than two centuries of Albany history through the stories of the generations who called Cherry Hill home. In 2019, the organization joined with local poets for “The Past in Poetry,” an evening that explored some of those same themes—family, memory, place, and our relationship with the past. This week we'll hear from Capital Region poet Nancy Klepsch. Nancy Klepsch is a local poet and educator. Her poems have been published in Oberon, 13th Moon, Poetry magazine, Salvage, 200 Proof and Chronogram among others. god must be a boogie man was her first book of poetry. She has been reading at featured readings or open mics in the Albany area for over 25 years. Klepsch is the co-host, with Dan Wilcox, of the Second Sunday @ 2 open mic for poetry and prose in Troy, NY. Nancy shared a handful of poems that approach the past from different directions, including the poignant “Home from the War” and “Call Me Ishmael,” a poem invoking the spirit of Herman Melville.

Truth and Justice for Palestine is hosting a People's Roundtable on July 26th in Albany to discuss current events relating to Palestine and beyond and to draw attention to the lopsided nature of media reporting including on WAMC's Roundtable program. The group says that the Roundtable hosted thirteen US and Israeli military affiliated voices for every one independent middle east expert and that they have only one person of color for every twelve white guests. The event will be moderated by author, feminist icon and former Albany Common Council member Barbara Smith and panelists include, journalist Eduardo Rodriguez Santiago, public historian Lacey Wilson and tenant organizer Canyon Ryan. Moses Nagel spoke with Barbara Smith and Lacey Wilson to learn more about the event. More info can be found @TJ4Pcoalition.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea speaks with Rensselaer Environmental Coalition on their advocacy efforts to get the State Health Department to conduct air testing at the Dunn landfill. Then, we hear Scott Kellogg of the Radix Center talk about how he got involved in his work in community care. Later on, Hugh Johnson joins us live to talk about all things weather. After that, Gaheul Yi speaks with Akshirtha about her family's migration story to the Capital District. Finally, Sina Basila Hickey speaks with Benjamin Bruckenthal of the Lightforce Bakery at the Philmont Cooperative.

Albany Medical Health System is proposing to downsize its Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson from 65 to 25 beds, a proposal that has generated opposition from area residents and hospital staff. Sara Dragula, an ER Nurse at the hospital, talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

First, Mark Dunlea reports on the Department of Transportation notifying Troy Mayor Mantello that the city must remove an anti panhandling sign on Hoosick Street. Then, Sina Basila Hickey speaks with Juanita Constible of Natural Resources Defense Council about worker protection gaps against hotter and smokier climates. Later on, Jacob and Liz take you to the Riverfront Park in Troy for a story on the World Cup viewing parties being held at the park. Finally, Sina Basila Hickey brings us conversations with more artists as she continues her coverage from the Art Omi open studios. Co-Hosts: Sina Basila Hickey, Jacob Boston | Engineer: Jacob Boston

Tenants at The Knick, a Stratus-managed apartment building in Albany, publicly launched the Stratus Tenant Union -The Knick on Saturday, July 18th at 16 Sheridan Avenue. The launch marked the formation of a tenant-led union representing a 66% supermajority of residents who have united to demand safe, dignified, and accountable housing. Stratus tenants from more than five properties across three cities have been participating in organizing meetings and building relationships across the Stratus portfolio. Bebhinn Francis of United Tenants of Albany and several Knick Tenants talked with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Troy's Riverfront Park has been hosting a public viewing party throughout the 2026 World Cup. On July 15th, Jacob and Liz took a trip to the park for the cup's semi-final match up between England and Argentina to talk to community members about what this event as well as what this sport means to them.

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 Armando Rosales-Rivero and Marilyn Borer. Sina Basila Hickey reports. Photo is the aftermath of Marilyn Boror's performance where she smashed a canvas painting out of cement.

When it's hot, many people stay inside in air conditioning. However, many people's jobs are out in the elements, or their work might not be equipped with a/c. Now we also have smoky summer days. Who gets protected when the weather gets dangerous is what Juanita Constible of Natural Resources Defense Council spoke about with Sina Basila Hickey for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.