Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Happy National Immigrant Heritage Month! Hear about an event at Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) on Sunday, June 1st, to kick off the month. Daniel Butterworth, RISSE director, explains how the celebration acknowledges the contributions of immigrants both new to our country and in our ancestry. He notes that RISSE works with clients from 90 different countries, speaking a total of 45 different languages. The organization's 30 staff members speak about 15 languages, with supplemental support from over 150 active volunteers as well as numerous translators. Daniel also overviews the many challenges faced by our newest neighbors beyond language, including housing, transportation, English learning, and affording food, especially given the many cutbacks in government programs. Daniel notes that helping newcomers is not a government issue, but a humanitaian one, and encourages listeners to "put yourself in the shoes of a newcomer." For more details on the event, the organization, and ways to support RISSE by donating time or money, visit www.risse-albany.org. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, A conversation with Noah Ginsberg of New York Solar Energy Industries Association. Noah discusses with HMM producer Mark Dunlea the Energy industries' success of meeting NYS's climate law goal for community solar energy generation and the funding cuts recently decided on by the Public Service Commission. Next, Part 3 of a conversation that I had with League of Women voters advocate Amy Vastola about her advocacy work and why she does it! Then, we'll hear about the return of the “Nature Bus,” a FREE service offered by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) that takes folks on routes from downtown Albany to parks and trails in the region. After that, Comedian Tyler Artis spoke with producers Andrea Cunliffe and Sina Basila Hickey. Artis is one of the hosts of the weekly comedy open mic at The Local 217 in Albany, Thursdays at 9. And finally, Thom Francis highlights local poet and artist Melissa Anderson, who was the featured reader at the Third Thursday Poetry Night. Co- hosts: Caelan McPherson & Marsha Lazarus Engineer: Jalaya Reid

Thom Francis welcomes local poet and artist Melissa Anderson, who was the featured reader at the Third Thursday Poetry Night at the Social Justice Center in Albany on Thursday, April 17, 2025. ——— Melissa Anderson is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is deeply influenced by a search for connection with the physical world, changing seasons, and our relationships with the places we call home. She co-runs the slam poetry team Slam Euphoria, as well as their bi-monthly poetry open mic at Cafe Euphoria in Troy. That night she read from her book "Dogstar Poems" (Main St. Rag Publishing, 2024), starting off with a poem from her day job making furniture for Chipotle, “Work Song,” and then a pandemic piece, “Bedroom Window Lockdown.” Melissa explained that “Dogstar” was another name for what is commonly known as “Polaris” or the North Star, & that many of the poems in the book are about looking for direction, as in the poem “Reflexivity.”

Memorial Day Rally in Troy NY organized by Indivisible honoring our Veterans and bringing awareness to the concerns of Fascism in our Country. Hudson Mohawk Magazine was there, Andrea Cunliffe brings you this report, In this segment, we hear from Bryan Pas Herman's of Indivisible, Jen Bomstein of Voices for Peace and Troy City Council President Sue Steel. Indivisible is a grassroots organization formed to inform and to stand for Democracy.

New York State's climate law – CLCPA - set a goal of installing six gigawatts of distributed rooftop and community solar energy generation by 2025. New York achieved the 6 GW goal in 2024 - one year ahead of schedule and $421 million under budget. Most of the state's other climate goals are not being met. The success was largely due to the NY-Sun program, which reduces the cost of installing solar for New Yorkers. While the state has now set a goal of 10 GW by 2030, the Public Service Commission recently decided to cut by $271 million the funding for the program. Solar companies and advocates are rallying this Wednesday May 28 at 11 AM at the Capitol to reverse this decision. Noah Ginsberg of New York Solar Energy Industries Association talks about the issue with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Do you love hiking and exploring the outdoors? Then hear about Nature Bus, a great FREE service offered each Saturday by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) that takes folks on routes from downtown Albany to parks and trails in the region. The "Beaver" route goes to Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Bethlehem (pictured), Six Mile Waterworks, and other locations each Saturday through 9/27. The new "Warbler" route heads from downtown Albany and on to Thacher Park each Saturday through 10/4. For details on the routes, the many other nature destinations, and the many points where you can get on, check the bus 872 schedule at cdta.org. The Nature Bus is run in conjunction with the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (www.mohawkhudson.org). Jonathan Scherzer, CDTA Director of Business Development, also notes three other special CDTA services: Flex on Demand, bike sharing, and electric-car sharing. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

More than 300 people turned out in downtown Troy for the Memorial Day Rally against fascism organized by Indivisible Troy, opposing the ICE raids and attacks on immigrants and the constitution. We hear from Karen Zigler, several indivisible organiers, Jen from Jewish Voice for Peace, Eyad Alkurabi of Palestinian Rights Committee, Assemblymember Phil Steck, Troy City Council President Sue Steel, Jim Mounteer, Eduardo Hernandez of Citizen Action, law professor Mary Lynch, and Rudy Stegemoeller and Diane Geary of Common Farms, among others. Unedited.

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

Seven siblings, on exhibition. “It's an Us Thing” a family art exhibition will open on May 30th, 6pm at Context Collective in Troy featuring siblings: Jade Warrick, Quill, Shalom, Zoë, Arick, Breanna, and Amara Harrison. Jade Warrick and Zoë Harrison join Jacob Boston & Sina Basila Hickey in studio to talk more about it.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, Mark Dunlea reports on Troy Common Council's recent majority vote against the Good Cause Eviction Law Then, Blaise Bryant and Sal cover a joint press conference held in support of a bill restoring choice in the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. Later on, willie terry continues his coverage from a recent ceremony held in memory of Labor and Revolutionary Leader for Irish independence, James Connolly. After that, we hear about the upcoming exhibition "It's an Us Thing" featuring 7 siblings, including Jade Warrick. Finally, Siena College students went to Radix Ecological Sustainability Center in downtown Albany, where the went to more about the importance of having community spaces Co-hosts: Jacob Boston & Sina Basila Hickey Engineer: Jalaya Reid

On May 20th the New York Association on Independent Living and Caring Majority Rising held a joint press conference, urging the legislature to pass a bill restoring choice in the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. Some argue Governor Kathy Hochul created a monopoly by shuttering some 600 companies, turning the program over to Public Partnerships LLC or PPL. Disabled people who rely on the program, their homecare workers, and advocates are fighting for A.8355/S.9754 to pass, otherwise services will be at risk. Blaise Bryant and Sal Rochelle co-produced this story

On Thursday, , members of the Troy Common Council's Republican majority voted against holding a public hearing over opting into the Good Cause Eviction Law. Nearly 2,000 petition signatures have been collected in Troy in support of the cause. GOP majority members have argued that embracing “good-cause” protections passed by the state last year would unfairly burden property owners and empower bad tenants. Sean Collins, Head of the Troy Area Labor Council, talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, Mark Dunlea reports from a rally for Parole Justice legislation Then, Willie Terry takes listeners to a tribute to Troy labor leader James Connolly. Later on, H Bosh Jr finishes his conversation with minister and professor Diane Clark. After that, Marsha Lazarus hears from Medical Aid in Dying advocate Amy Vastola about why she is passionate about the passage of the bill. Finally, we hear from three Stockbridge-Munsee youth who traveled to their ancestral lands in the Capital Region of New York from their reservation in Wisconsin. Co-hosts: Neya Quarles and Khin Naing Engineer: Jalaya Reid

On Tuesday May 20 a rally by Parole Justice and Release Elderly People in Prison was held in the War Room of the state capitol to demand passage of Parole Justice legislation to promote transformation and healing, help build safe communities, and end permanent punishment. Speakers stated that we fight for these bills because they know they will promote growth and rehabilitation in prison and allow people who have transformed themselves to return to their families & communities, making everyone safer and allowing the state to reinvest the savings in real public safety. By passing Fair & Timely and Elder Parole, we reclaim our commitment to dignity, healing, and second chances. We hear initially from organizers Jerome Wright and Olivia Murphy, followed by Assemblymember Amanda Septimo; Senator Robert Jackson; and Stanley Jamel Bellamy. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, Mark Dunlea reports on the effort to ban new factory farms in NY Then, we hear about why Veterans for Peace will be marching in Albany's Memorial Day Parade Later on, Armao on the Brink talks with Jay Jochowtiz of the TU about the Trump administration. After that, Willie Terry filed this fourth segment on the recent lobby day by Beyond Plastics. Finally, Kitchen Sanctuary's Jonathan Segol takes listeners into Collard City Growers garden in anticipation of Friday's Open Garden Hours event where visitors will be invited to make mocktails out of ingredients from the garden. Co-hosts: Mark Dunlea Engineer: Jalaya Reid

New York's factory farms are raising more animals than ever before, particularly cows, producing unprecedented amounts of manure waste. This manure is typically not treated before being dumped into the environment. Meanwhile, state and federal policies and incentives continue to prop up Big Ag's factory farm model at the expense of family-scale operations, which are collapsing in alarming numbers. Food and Water Watch has drafted legislation to ban new factory farms and the expansion of existing ones, and revamp farm policies to build a food system that works for everyone. We hear from Eric Weltman of Food and Water Watch; lead legislative sponsors Senator Jabari Brisport and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal; and Michael Richardson of Third Act.

On Monday, May 12, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended The Upstate New York Regional Branch of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) tribune in downtown Troy, of Labor and Revolutionary Leader for Irish independence, James Connolly. Connolly lived in Troy in the first decade of the 20th Century. In this part one labor segment, Willie interviewed IWW members, Greg Giorgio, Tom Castello, Martin Manley, and Troy Area Labor Council member Mike Keenan at Troy Riverfront Park about their thoughts and reflections on the importance of remembering James Connolly.

On Monday, May 12, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended The Upstate New York Regional Branch of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) tribune in downtown Troy, of Labor and Revolutionary Leader for Irish independence, James Connolly. Connolly lived in Troy in the first decade of the 20th Century. In this part one labor segment, Willie interviewed IWW members, Greg Giorgio, Tom Castello, Martin Manley, and Troy Area Labor Council member Mike Keenan at Troy Riverfront Park about their thoughts and reflections on the importance of remembering James Connolly.

On Monday, May 12, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended The Upstate New York Regional Branch of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) tribute in downtown Troy, of Labor and Revolutionary Leader for Irish independence, James Connolly. Connolly lived in Troy in the first decade of the 20th Century. In this part one labor segment, Willie interviewed IWW members, Greg Giorgio, Tom Castello, Martin Manley, and Troy Area Labor Council member Mike Keenan at Troy Riverfront Park about their thoughts and reflections on the importance of remembering James Connolly.

On THE BRINK OF A TRANSFORMATIONAL PRESIDENCY: In this segment coming up you'll be hearing Rosemary Armao, host of the On the Brink podcast, talking with Albany Times Union opinion columnist Jay Jochnowitz. The two met in Bennington Vermont for a special two-hour podcast before a live audience at the Orchard Club to consider the transformational changes the Trump administration is ushering in including how we think about the law and corruption, American values and national unity. Jay Jochnowitz joined the Times Union as an Albany City Hall reporter in 1987. He became state editor in 2000, editorial page editor in 2008, and retired as opinion editor in 2022. He remains a member of the newspaper's editorial board and continues to write editorials and a monthly column

The local chapter of Veterans for Peace will be marching in the Albany Memorial Day parade, as it has done for decades. The group is calling for immediate ceasefires in the various conflicts that the US is engaged in such as Ukraine and Gaza. Poet and veteran Dan Wilcox talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, Mark Dunlea reports on a national day of action organized by the Right to the City Coalition on Tuesday May 20th, and the local rally in Albany. Then, Marsha Lazarus talks with League of Women Voters advocate Amy Vastola about the Medical Aid in Dying Bill currently being considered by the New York State legislators. Later on, we hear part 3 of Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry's report from the Beyond Plastic's “Lobbying Day” at the Legislators Office Building. After that, for this week's Albany Comedy Interview Corner, Juan Panteleon welcomes Dylan Reese to talk about his Dungeons and Dragons show. And in our final segment, Thom Francis reintroduces us to longtime local poet and open mic host Don Levy. Co-hosts: Brea Barthel & Caelan McPherson. Engineer: Jalaya Reid

This week Comedian Dylan Reese is in studio to promote Quest Buds. A DND Style Comedy Adventure show that is also a podcast. He and host Juan Pantaleon talk his upcoming show on May 30th and the challenges of playing a character thats completely green they also have a little dice role play to preview the show.

On Tuesday, May 20 justice advocates and tenants rallied on the steps of Albany City Hall to demand urgent action in response to federal housing cuts and to call on New York State to strengthen protections for renters and the homeless. The action was part of a national day of action organized by the Right to the City Coalition to bring attention to the devastating impact of proposed HUD funding cuts, and growing housing insecurity across NYS. Issues included defense of public housing and section 8 programs and expansion of rent stabilization statewide. We hear from • Melinda Piece, Danker Village Tenants Union • Richard Johnson, Albany Chapter of the National Union of the Homeless • Canyon Ryan, United Tenants of Albany • Alfredo Balarin, Albany Common Council Member for the 11th Ward and • Tammera King, Ida Yarbrough Tenants Union

Thom Francis reintroduces us to longtime local poet and open mic host Don Levy. Don was the featured reader at the Albany Poets Presents series at Restaurant Navona in 2017, where he shared his poems, told stories about his childhood, and answered questions from the audience. For this segment, Thom asks Don about one of the poems he read that night and some other issues of the day. — Don Levy has been part of the Albany poetry scene since 1988 when he first read at the QE2 open mic. He has read at various venues and events in the area, including The Albany Public Library, Poets in the Park, the Poets Speak Loud series at McGeary's, and The Social Justice Center. He has hosted a number of readings over the years, the first being at The Albany Art Gallery on Jefferson Street, to his last, a featured reader / open mic series called "Live From the Living Room," a straight-friendly reading held at The Pride Center of the Capital Region. Don was one of the editors of Open Mic: The Albany Anthology., a fantastic book that featured work from the poets who frequented the local open mics in the mid-90s. He published 2 chapbooks with local artist Kevin Bruce: How Green Was My Big Eden, a collection of gay fantasy poems, and Super Queer Poet Saves the Day. On January 18, 2017, Don read his poem "Mike Pence Goes to Hamilton" at the Albany Poets Presents event at Restaurant Navona in Albany. In our conversation we talk about where the idea for that poem came from, recent online outrage over major companies supporting LGBTQ+ causes, "wokeness," and using poetry as social commentary.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the “Beyond Plastic” Lobbying Day at the Legislator's Office Building in downtown Albany. Beyond Plastic members were lobbying to get the legislators to pass the “Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Bigger, Better Bottle Bills.” In this fourth labor segment, Willie continued his interviews with Noreen McKee of the Justice Center of Rensselaer County and Candidate for Troy City Council, and his recorded comments from press conference speakers about the importance of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and Bigger, Better Bottle Bills.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the “Beyond Plastic” Lobbying Day at the Legislator's Office Building in downtown Albany. Beyond Plastic members were lobbying to get the legislators to pass the “Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Bigger, Better Bottle Bills.” In this third labor segment, Willie continued his interviews with Ryan Castalia, Executive Director of Sure We Can, and his recorded comments from press conference speakers about the importance of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and Bigger, Better Bottle Bills.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from a forum by various climate groups where Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado and author/activist Bill McKibben discuss climate solutions in New York. Then, Andrea Cunliffe talks with James McGanghan the Albany county Republican Party chair during the republican Spring Fling in Elm Park. After that, Retired National Weather Service meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins us for our weekly look at climate and his weather forecast. Later on, Moses Nagel and Joanna Dreby bring us the weekly series Everybody MOves that profiles migrant stories. This week we hear from Carl, who was born in Germany. Finally, a piece from our archives, Willie Terry interviewed Brother X in 2022 about his impressions of Malcolm X Co-host: Lennox Apudo Engineer: Jalaya Reid

Fermentation Friday is a series by fermentation friends Ellie (Markovitch) and Jessy. For this story, the microphone was turned on them. Richard Sleeper and Jacob Boston interviewed the friends about their love of fermentation and this podcast.

Earlier this month, Third Act, New York Communities for Change, and other climate groups held a forum with Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado and author / activist Bill McKibben to discuss energy affordability and climate solutions in New York. We hear their responses to questions about the need to build public renewable energy and opposing the efforts by President Trump to expand natural gas infrastructure in New York.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, Mark Dunlea talks to Joel Berg of Hunger Free America about house republicans proposed cuts for the federal SNAP program, also known as food stamps Then, Brea Barthel brings us a conversation with Batman, a member of Christ's Church in Albany, where they talk about an event the church is holding in celebration of 518 day Later on, Sina Basila Hickey brings us coverage from Troy central little leagues 2025 season opening ceremony. After that, we talk with Ellie and Jessy about their Fermentation Friday series Finally, Willie Terry continues his coverage on Beyond Plastic's lobbying day for the "Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Bigger, Better Bottle Bills." Co-hosts: Jacob Boston & Richard Sleeper Engineer: Jalaya Reid

Last week state lawmakers finally passed a state budget, which was due on April 1. Most of the holdup was due to various non-budget items that the Governor wanted included in the deal - rolling back discovery reforms, expanding involuntary commitment' and criminalizing mask-wearing in public. Hochul and legislative leaders did eventually agree on compromises on these issues and then turned their attention to the actual budget itself. We discussed affordability, taxes, housing, education, and climate.

Everybody Moves 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, and teaches us much, because it is a part of the human experience. This week: Carl, who was born in Germany. This series is produced by Moses Nagel and Joanna Dreby. Interested in sharing your story? You can reach us at Joanna.dreby@gmail.com or moses.nagel@gmail.com to schedule a 20-30 minute storytelling session, in person or on zoom.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the "Beyond Plastic" Lobbying Day at the Legislator's Office Building in downtown Albany. Beyond Plastic members were lobbying to get the legislators to pass the "Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Bigger, Better Bottle Bills." In this part two labor segment, Willie continued his interview with the Beyond Plastic lobbying team members, Marion Reynolds, and Aliaa, and recorded comments at the press conference of Chris Alexander, NAACP New York State Conference Executive Director, about lobbying for these plastic bills.

Part 2 of conversation with League of Women Voters' advocate Amy Vastola. Amy shares her perspective and experiences and why she is passionate about the passage of the Medical Aid in Dying bill. Produced by Marsha Lazarus

A conversation with League of Women Voters advocate Amy Vastola about MAID (the Medical Aid in Dying Bill) - what it would do if passed, the push back against its passage, and whether or not Amy feels it has a chance. Produced by Marsha Lazarus (Part 1 of a conversation with Amy Vastola)

Part 3 of a conversation with Amy Vastola. She talks about her advocacy roles with the League of Women Voters and Bethlehem Indivisible ...why she takes on this work...and that her retirement is not at all as she had planned. Produced by Marsha Lazarus

Troy Central Little League is an important resource for families and young people in North Troy. Mac and Joyce Henderson are the backbone of the operation with many helping hands. This interview is from the 2025 season opening ceremony. Hudson Mohawk Magazine correspondent Sina Basila Hickey spoke with Max Henderson, a mother of players, and two players.

Interested in seeing the development of a new community center in Albany? You are invited to an open house on Sunday, May 18th, 11am-12:30pm, at Christ's Church in Albany, to learn how a number of organizations are coordinating resources to provide accessible community programs. Paul "Batman" Collins-Hakett describes how, with full support from the pastor and congregation, the entire church will be converted to an event space and project area, with some offices on the first floor being used by the organizations. Among those participating are the RED Bookshelf (www.theredbookshelf.org) which provides free books to youth at locations around the city; Young Futures (youngfuturesco.com) which fosters financial literacy through the arts, and Upstate's Cold Brew (https://upstatescoldbrew.com/) which will create a coffee house in the space. You can participate too! Batman invites you to contribute your time, talents, and/or financial support to make the community center a reality. For details, see https://www.facebook.com/share/1FWeHYpYTe/. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Rachael Fauss of Reinvent Albany discusses the group's concerns with the changes in the state budget with Mark Dunlea. Then, Marion Reynolds and Alina of UAlbany speak at the Beyond Plastics Lobbying Day. Later on, for Triple Es, H Bosh Jr speaks with Diane Clark. After that, we invite 2024 Queer Poetry Prize Winner, Ennis Rooke Bashe, for an interview. Finally, Ellie von Wellsheim of the Mooncatcher Project speaks on International Menstrual Hygiene Day with Brea Barthel.

The Queer Poetry Prize is looking for submission for 2025! 2024 Queer Poetry Prize winner Ennis Rook Bashe was interviewed about their poetry, inspiration, writing process, and the Queer Poetry Prize by producers Mary and Marrow.

Among the items included in the state budget are various provisions to further benefit incumbents and large donors in the public campaign finance rules for state level candidates. The changes would allow much larger donations to be matched and would also allow candidates to roll over $50,000 in unspent funds to another election. Rachael Fauss of Reinvent Albany discusses the group's concerns with the changes, and the need to make the state legisature more of an equal partner in the budget process with the Governor, with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

House Republicans are proposing dramatic cuts in funding for the federal SNAP program, formally known as food stamps. This is on top of $1 billion in cuts for food program already made by the Trump administration. Joel Berg of Hunger Free America talks with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the impact of the proposals.

"International Menstrual Hygiene Day" is May 28th. Hear about the many challenges women face in taking care of this natural process, and the many ways that the Mooncatcher Project helps menstruators both here and abroad. Ellie von Wellsheim, MCP founder, explains how a project started in her Schenectady home has grown to provide reusable menstrual kits to millions of people in 38 (or more?) countries around the world, as well as started seven sewing cooperatives. The distribution of kits is supplemented by health education for both boys and girls. You are invited to join a "Moon Bee" to help make kits, no sewing experience needed. Ellie also notes that MCP's "Period Pantries" in this region (including one outside the Sanctuary's Nature Lab) are like Little Free Libraries for tampons and pads. For more information on activities, donation options, and International Menstrual Hygiene Day, visit www.mooncatcher.org. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the "Beyond Plastics" Lobbying Day at the Legislator's Office Building in downtown Albany. Beyond Plastics members were lobbying to get the legislators to pass the "Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Bigger, Better Bottle Bills." In this labor segment, Willie interviewed the Beyond Plastic lobbying team members, Marion Reynolds and Alica, about the importance of lobbying for these bills. This is part one of Willie's interview with them.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Benno Greene and Mark Dunlea will review the recently passed state budget Then, Sen. Schumer was in Rensselaer Monday, stating his opposition to planned GOP cuts to SNAP. Later on, for Armao on the Brink, Rosemary explores how women are often overlooked in the field of medicine After that, Brea Barthel reports on the free kids films being shown in Albany Parks during the month of June. We finish with an interview with Shalom Harrison, a local artist who focuses on the soft characteristics of Black women. Co-hosts: Bennon Greene & Mark Dunlea Engineer: Jalaya Reid

Shalom Harrison is a local artist whose work focuses on the soft characteristics of Black women. Roz, a senior at Troy High School and an aspiring artist, interviewed Shalom about her work, the effects that AI is having on the art community, and advice for other up and coming artists. This interview was engineered and edited by Jalaya Reid.

The Federal budget is still under negotiation, but as Republicans try to create savings to generate tax cuts, food aid to families is one of the important services under threat. Senator Chuck Schumer was in Rensselaer Monday to try to raise support for preserving these benefits. Moses Nagel reports.

The Albany County GOP's Spring Fling at Elm Park in Bethlehem NY on May 10th featuring Elise Stefanik. Currently the US repreenative for NY's 21st Congressional district and is considering a run for Governor of NY. More than 500 demonstrators, organized by various groups, lined the street and driveways leading into Elm Avenue Park Protesters never saw her arrive, or heard her speak. Hudson Mohawk Magazine's Andrea Cunliffe brings this report from the demonstrators in segment Part 1. In this Part 2 is the coverage from the Albany County Republican Committee organizing at this event. In this Part 2 is the journey to find the ‘picnic' and is a conversation at this event with the the Albany County Republican Committee chair James McGanghan.nty Republican Committee chair James McGanghan.

Long accustomed to taking a back seat and suffering in silence, women are increasingly speaking up for better treatment at the hands of medicine. Two of them from different generations, Abby Lorch, a UAlbany student, and Liz Seegert, a long-time health journalist talk to Rosemary Armao about what should be done — and their despair that Health Secretary RFK will do it. Abby Lorch is a 21-year-old UAlbany student graduating with a journalism degree and a law and philosophy minor. She plans to attend Albany Law School starting in fall 2025. Liz Seegert is an award-winning, freelance journalist with more than 30 years experience. She has done numerous fellowships with organizations such as the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the center for Health Policy and Media Engagement, and the Gerontological Society of America. She is active in the Journalism & Women Symposium and is an instructor at the Empire State College.

This Week Comedian / Skateboarder / Artist, Twon Wood is in studio to Promote his 3rd installment of Hill Bomber a Comic book art series consisting of Twon's illustrations inspired by his experiences in Skateboarding, Comedy and life. He and Host Juan Pantaleon discuss his progression with the series and tell you what you shouldn't do if you don't wanna get a copy.