Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea speaks with Blair Horner of New York Public Interest Research Group about the recently concluded NYS legislative session. Then, Willie Terry Interviewed Dr. Henry Zhu at the NYS Asian-American Pacific Islander Summit. Later on, we have another episode of 518 Rising Stars with H Bosh Jr. and Elijah Jackson. After that, Sina Basila Hickey and Ren Lee reflect on the Sanctuary's 2026 event season. Finally, Thom Francis features three LGBT poets to honor pride month - Elizabeth Gordon, Nancy Klepsch, Tim Verhaegen.

The 2026 Food Summit will take place on Tuesday June 16 at the Albany Capital Center. This year's summit has three themes: Strengthening the Safety Net; Food as Medicine; and, Ending Hunger Through Action. We talk with Natasha Pernicka of the Food Pantries for the Capital District and Mark WInne, author of The Road to a Hunger Free America. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On this interview of 518 Rising Stars with H Bosh Jr. Deacon Elijah "Eli" Jackson shares his journey as a standout student-athlete, community leader, and graduating senior earning both his diploma and associate's degree in Mathematics and Science while inspiring others though leadership, faith, and service.

The NYS Legislature has adjourned for the year, just a week after finally passing the state budget which was due April 1. Blair Horner of NYPIRG provides an overview of the productivity of the state leigslature, including the far from transparent process the Governor used to weaken the state's climate law. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Friday, May 08, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the "NYS Asian American and Pacific Islander Summit AI For All" at Albany Empire State Plaza. The New York State AAPI Summit is an annual landmark legislative event uniting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) legislators, community organizations, advocates, and activists from across New York. In this labor segment, part two of two, Willie had a chance to interview one of the participants, Dr. Henry Zhu, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Brooklyn, NY. He is the founder of the private practice  Mind-Body Wellness and also practices as part of the clinician team at Behavioral Health of New York (BHNY).

On Friday, May 08, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry attended the "NYS Asian American and Pacific Islander Summit AI For All" at Albany Empire State Plaza. The New York State AAPI Summit is an annual landmark legislative event uniting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) legislators, community organizations, advocates, and activists from across New York. In this labor segment, part one of two, Willie had a chance to interview one of the participants, Dr. Henry Zhu, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Brooklyn, NY. He is the founder of the private practice  Mind-Body Wellness and also practices as part of the clinician team at Behavioral Health of New York (BHNY).

Sources of Power review 2026 by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Today on Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we hear a report from the ICE Out of Albany protest on Tuesday. Then, we cover the June 5th Naska protest by Palestinian Rights groups at the federal O'Brien Building. Later, Rosemary Armao explores the controversy surrounding data centers. After that, we hear about Peace at the Table, which shares true stories of how peace and understanding are nurtured by sharing food. We finish with a segment from our archives with Shia Overby, a doula from Troy, Hosts: Mark Dunlea; Benno Greene Engineer: Joan Eason

Peace at the Table is a project founded by chef Jeff Marden where people can submit their own stories of their relationship to food in order to nurture connection with others and the healing that can come from a good meal. Sina Basila Hickey speaks with Marden about what inspired him to start this project, its goals, and its effects. https://peaceatthetable.world/

Greg Creft gets to sit down with the main organizer behind the Capital Regions Funniest Comic for his upcoming show "Comedy Tsunami". We also take a moment to talk about how being a parent has had an impact on his stand-up. Ryan Shipley will be on the Comedy Tsunami show with Brad King, Shawn Barnes, Keith Prince, Will Johnson and Blake Whitbeck at the Albany Stadium Restaurant & Bar on June 12th, 8 pm.

Historian and feminist Ellie Burhans of Albany has recently taken on a new role, demonstrating against and decrying energy and water hogging data centers. One has been proposed for an old convent property in Albany, and it is one of nearly 30 such centers proposed in the state of New York despite growing concern over how many resources go into centers to support AI and crypto mining. New York may well soon become the first step to embargo new centers for a pause of a year, but Burhans and others say they will not just sit around and see what happens.

Student Association President at the University at Albany, Trevor Pettit, discusses the importance of fostering a strong sense of community within the campus and shares strategic ideas for connecting UAlbany students more meaningfully with the broader Albany County community.

On Tuesday June 9, Capital Region Border Watch and Capital Region Sanctuary Committee held a protest at Lark and Madison in Albany calling to get ICE out of Albany. They were protesting ICE's brazen kidnapping of community residents, including a 4 year old recently seized on her way to school and deported to Venezuela. We hear from, among others, Karen Beetle of Border Watch, Fred Pfeiffer; Senator Pat Fahy; Assemblymember Gabriella Romero; Melanie Pores; and Victor Anderson. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Tandra La-Grone of In Our Own Voices talks with us about this year's BIPOC Pride festival. Then, Mark Dunlea has a report on a forum hosted by Break the Bond Campaign who talked with two of the candidates for NYS Comptroller. Later on, we hear from some artists of the Global Performance + Sound Lab cohort during their visit to The Sanctuary for Independent Media. After that, it is time for the Albany Comedy Corner this week Greg Creft who talks with Ryan Shipley about the Comedy Tsunami happening on June 12th. Finally, Thom Francis welcomes poet Don Levy who shared his work at the 2024 Word Fest Open Mic. Hosts:Lavender and Caelan McPherson Engineer: Caelan McPherson

With over 30 years of advocacy for the BIPOC LGBTQI+ community, Tandra LaGrone has been on the front lines fighting for equal housing opportunities, access to HIV testing and prevention measures, domestic violence, after-school programs, and so many more vital human rights initiatives. Lavender and Caelan McPherson talk with Tandra LaGrone, executive director of In Our Own Voices to learn more. https://ioov.org/

Thom Francis welcomes poet Don Levy who shared his work at the 2024 Word Fest Open Mic at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts on April 27, 2024. +++++ The Word Fest first took shape in 2001 as a one-day open mic in Thatcher Park, bringing together poets from across the region to share their work. Over the years, it has expanded into a week-long celebration of poetry and spoken word, incorporating workshops, poetry slams, performances, and its signature open mic event. After a break since 2019, the Word Fest Open Mic made its highly anticipated return on Saturday, April 27, at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts. The evening showcased powerful performances from featured spoken word artists and a dynamic lineup of open mic participants. In today's episode, we are thrilled to highlight Don Levy, a long-time area poet and former host of many open mics in the 90s and early-2000s, At the event, Don read a new piece, “My Queerness,” and some old time favorites such as the once-televised “Lobsters at the Grand Union.”

On Monday June 8, Break the Bonds invited the three Democratic primary candidates for NYS Comptroller to answer questions on the role of the comptroller, their positions on Israel Bonds and fossil fuels, and other questions related to fiscal responsibility and ethical investment. The forum also covered investment strategies related to the military-industrial complex, affordable housing, and other issues that are relevant to working people. Drew Warshw and Raj Goyle participated. We hear from them on the issues of Israeli Bonds and climate.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea speaks with Flo Perez and Gary Bowitch of Earth Law Center about the center's work in converting the “New York Green Amendment” into meaningful local policy. Then, Bebhinn Francis speaks with Lennox Apudo about the REST Act being added to the State Senate's agenda. Later on, Hugh Johnson joins the show to talk about local weather. After that, Urbano Llano (Yanos) the owner of the restaurant Salsa Latina talks to Mirai Abe about his migration story from Peru to the Capital District. Finally, Quinn(she/her) speaks with Nik Pepmeyer about her experience being trans and how parents can support their trans kids

Tracy Schober is the executive director of Autism Society Greater Hudson Region (ASGHR), which serves the autistic community across 21 counties in New York state. Correspondent Lavender spoke with Tracy about their services and events. On June 28th (2026), ASGHR is having a Walk for Autism & Safety Awareness from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at Dutchess County Fairgrounds. You can register for the event at https://asghr.org/event/walk-for-autism-safety-awareness/. To get support and take advantage of their services, visit https://asghr.org/contact-us/.

Hugh Johnson joins the show to talk about local weather. Co-Hosts: Sean Bernyk and Lennox Apudo Engineer: Kalix Sausville

A conversation with UA Democrats on student political engagement, campus organizing, and creating space for student voices at the University at Albany.

In 2021, New Yorkers voted overwhelmingly to amend the state constitution with what became known as the “New York Green Amendment” (NYGA): “Each person shall have the right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment.” The Earth Law Center works with municipalities and community leaders to help translate this constitutional right into meaningful local policies. Flo Perez and Gary Bowitch discussed the Center's efforts with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Alizabeth Claudio, an Albany native, found herself homeless in the winter of 2025. She shares her story, detailing her resilience while going through this difficult period, the experiences of other unhoused people, and her ideas on reforming housing assistance programs across the country. Lennox Apudo reports.

First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from a forum held by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace to discuss the proposal for a new data center to be built in Albany. Then, Sina Basila Hickey talks with Dr. David Borton about the gas crisis in the 1970s and alternative energy. Later on, Willie Terry continues his coverage from the National Union of the Homeless "Summer Cookout" in Albany. After that, Jacob and Liz talk to hip hop legend and Capital Region resident Billy Waring. Finally, we hear about the shift drag performers went through during the COVID pandemic. Co-Hosts: Jacob Boston, Richard Sleeper | Engineer: Jacob Boston.

Gas prices are up, but what happens when gas supply is critically limited? In this next interview we get some insight from the gas crisis of the 1970s from Dr. David Borton. He remembers that time, and it influenced his directions towards solar energy. He spoke with Sina Basila Hickey.

Hip hop legend, Capital Region resident, and New York Knicks super-fan Billy Waring,is known most notably for writing the iconic song "Basketball" for Kurtis Blow in 1984,. Waring joined Jacob and Liz at the Hudson Mohawk magazine studio.

On June 5, 1967, as part of the 6 Day War, Israel displaced more than 300,000 Palestinians in what is know as Naksa. The Palestinian Rights Committee and others rallied on Friday outside the federal O'Brien Building to protest Senators Schumer and Gillibrand's support for the ongoing genocide by Israel, even as many other Senate Democrats have voted against continuing to send weapons and funds to Israel. We hear from Eyad Alkurabi of the Palestinian Rights Committee, retired Union professor Daniel Mosquera, and Mark Mishler of Jewish Voice for Peace. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Thursday, June 4, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace held a forum on data centers with a focus on the proposal for the one in the old Kenwood Convent in the South End of Albany. We hear from one of the presenters, Isaac Silberman-Gorn of Frack Action. Much of the data center explosion in the US is being driven by the development of artificial intelligence. We hear from Joe Lombardo of the United Anti-War Coalition about the impact of AI on War.

On Sunday June 14, 2026 in Albany's historic Washington Park there will be The Capital PRIDE Parade & Festival featuring David Archuleta. Deb Vincent, Board President of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, spoke with Lavender and Sina about the power of visibility, the importance of this event, and the headliner. https://www.518capitalpride.com/

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on the Naksa Day Rally for Palestine that will be held in Albany on Friday, June 5th to mark the event on this day in 1967 when more than 300,000 Palestinians were displaced during its 6 Day War. Then, Mark Dunlea profiles AlbaNY Visibility Brigade and their Saturday, June 6th D-Day & Democracy Day actions on overpasses all over the Capital Region. Later on, Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry speaks with Bebhinn Francis at the Nation Union of the Homeless Summer Cookout. After that, we get the scoop on this year's Capital PRIDE Parade & Festival on Sunday June 14, 2026 by talking with the Pride Center of the Capital Region. Finally, H Bosh Jr profiles 518 Rising Star Deacon Elijah Jackson. Co-hosts: Lavender and Sina Basila Hickey

The Rent Emergency Stabilization for Tenants Act, also know as the REST Act was recently added to the New York State Senate Agenda and may be voted on before the end of the 2026 legislative session. Bebhinn Francis, an organizer with the United Tenants of Albany joins us to discuss this development. Lennox Apudo reports.

On Friday, June 5th, the Palestinian Rights Committee and others are holding a Naksa Day Rally for Palestine at 11:30 AM at the Federal O'Brien Building at Pearl and Clinton Ave. in Albany. Naska refers to June 5th, 1967, when more than 300,000 Palestinians were displaced during its 6 Day War. The rally will protest Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their ongoing support of Israel's genocide taking place in Gaza. Keren Carmeli of Jewish Voice for Peace talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry covered the National Union of the Homeless "Summer Cookout" at Corning Preserve in Albany. The Cookout was a gathering of the Capital Homeless Union and their supporters. In this part 2 of 2 labor segment, Willie continues his interview with one of the key organizers of the National Union of the Homeless, Bebhinn Francis, about the group and its mission—part 2.

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry covered the National Union of the Homeless "Summer Cookout" at Corning Preserve in Albany. The Cookout was a gathering of the Capital Homeless Union and their supporters. In this part 1 of 2 labor segment, Willie interviewed one of the key organizers of the National Union of the Homeless, Bebhinn Francis, about the group and its mission—part 1.

On this interview of 518 Rising Stars with H Bosh Jr. Deacon Elijah "Eli" Jackson shares his journey as a standout student-athlete, community leader, and graduating senior earning both his diploma and associate's degree in Mathematics and Science while inspiring others though leadership, faith, and service.

Tom DiNapoli, the NYS Comptroller, has put several hundred million dollars of the state's pension fund into Israeli bonds. Questions have arisen about improper influence in such investments after DiNapoli took a trip to Israel paid by a Jewish organization. To explore this issue, we are joined by two members of the Break the Bonds New York State campaign, Lisa Mullenneaux and Derrick Seidman, also a member of Jewish Voice for Peace Buffalo . With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today on Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we hear part 2 of the recent rally calling upon state lawmakers to enact New York For All despite some immigrant protections being included in the budget. Then, we have a live interview related to the purchase of Israeli bonds by the NYS Comptroller. Later on, Rosemary Armao explores the Ebola virus rolling through central Africa. After that, we hear from Rev. Billy, who will be at the Sanctuary with the Stop Shopping Choir for a performance and dance party on Saturday June 6. Finally, we finish with a segment on social ecology. Hosts: Mark Dunlea; Sina Basila Hickey Engineer: Joan Eason

On Saturday, June 6th, D-Day & Democracy Day - the AlbaNY Visibility Brigade starting at 3 PM at the Western Ave & Route 85 Overpass joins the Visibility Brigade Movement to honor the men and women who fought fascism on the beaches of Normandy and to promote Peace & Democracy. National Visibility Brigade chapters across the country are claiming hundreds of bridges and overpasses across the country, on one day, with one mission: to take our country back! John Arrighi and Christine Primomo talk with Mark Dunlea

The Church of Stop Shopping works for the Earth. This radical performance community uses music, language and creative direct action to promote social and environmental justice. Join us for this experience with Rev. Billy & the Stop Shopping Choir at the Sanctuary on June 6 from 1-4pm. Beginning with some lessons on "Performance as Movement Building and Activism," the choir will perform on the Sanctuary stage and then lead the group around the block for a parade, ending in Freedom Square for a dance party. https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/be-the-dance-party-rev-billy/

The Church of Stop Shopping is the performance community which includes Reverend Billy, Savitri D, and the Choir. Their work lies at the intersection of art, activism, and spirit, grounded in the work of Justice and in service to the Earth. Join us for this experience with Rev. Billy & the Stop Shopping Choir at the Sanctuary on June 6 from 1-4pm. Beginning with some lessons on "Performance as Movement Building and Activism," the choir will perform on the Sanctuary stage and then lead the group around the block for a parade, ending in Freedom Square for a dance party. https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/be-the-dance-party-rev-billy/

Journalist Rosemary Armao checked back in with Albany native and long-time foreign service officer Michelle Dworkin about that rare Ebola virus rolling through central Africa. Dworkin lost her job with the US Agency for International Development last year when the Trump administration shut it down. Armao, in her Beyond the Brink podcast this week, explores just how much the Trump administration is to blame for the latest global health crisis. Did layoffs at USAID and the CDC and a pull-out from the World Health Organization contribute to the disease getting out of control? Are Americans better protected from disease when the country has turned global cooperation on health matters into purely transactional bilateral agreements? You give us your minerals and gems; we'll give you medicine.

WOOC promo Rev Billy ad by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Sal Rochelle reports from a rally for the release of an Albany father and daughter from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Then, Mark Dunlea reports on the continued push to urge NYS lawmakers to pass the NY for All Act, much of which was not included in the immigrant protections package. Later on, we speak with William Talen, the persona behind Reverend Billy, who will be at The Sanctuary for Independent Media with his Stop Shopping Choir this Saturday June 6th. After that, this week on Albany Comedy Corner Craig Neslor talks with Tyler Artis about his upcoming show. Finally, Thom Francis welcomes poet, author, and artist Elizabeth Gordon who shared her work at the Year in Review event at The Linda Hosts: Sina Basila Hickey and Caelan McPherson Engineer: Caelan McPherson

Thom Francis welcomes poet, author, and artist Elizabeth Gordon who shared her work at the Year in Review event at The Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Center in Albany on December 17, 2022. +++++ Since 2021, the Hudson Valley Writers Guild has hosted the Year in Review poetry event to highlight the poets and writers in the area while looking back at the year that was. In 2022, I was joined on stage by five other local writers for the second annual Year in Review at the Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio. Today we are going to hear from one of those writers - poet, author, educator, and artist Elizabeth Gordon. Elizabeth K. Gordon is a college literature instructor based in Cohoes, New York, and the author of two books: Love Cohoes and Walk with Us. A pioneer in the local poetry scene, she was a member of the Capital District's first slam team, the Nitty Gritty Slam, representing them at the National Poetry Slam and the Women of the World Poetry Slam (WOWPS). Later, she competed at WOWPS on behalf of New York City's Urbana Slam. Beyond performing, Elizabeth has served as a writing coach and mentor, most recently guiding Troy's Café Euphoria slam team. In addition to her literary work, she is also a painter specializing in abstract art. Local poet Dan Wilcox wrote on his blog about the reading: “Elizabeth Gordon, otherwise known on the Slam circuit as Elizag, not surprisingly brought the performance level up a few more notches with her pieces of radical social engagement, such as her opening piece beginning “It was the Summer tuna cost less than cat food…” & a meditation on shopping with her younger self. She too had a poem about her cellphone, & another an “Ode to My Painting Pants,” followed by the linking alliteration of a poem on Putin. She ended with a poem from memory in her best Slam performance style, “A Hiding Place,” on the shooting at a gay bar in Orlando.”

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace's plans for a forum on June 4th to discuss data centers in the community. Then, Andrea Cunliffe shares voices from the No Kings voting rights Memorial Day rally. Later on, we have retired National Weather Service Meteorologist, Hugh Johnson to give us our weekly weather update. After that, Wei Qin shares her immigration story to the Capital District in this week's Everybody Moves segment. Finally, Sarah Abraham speaks with Ana Joanes, director of the documentary "Wrestling Ghosts," about how trauma relates to mental health.

On May 29th and 30th, more than a dozen rallies were held across New York State to urge lawmakers to adopt the full New York For All Act to prohibit collusion between local police and ICE. While immigrant groups were thankful for the package of immigrant protections included in the recent state budget, they fell short of the proposals advocates have been pushing. In part one of our coverage of a rally at the State Capitol, organized by the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement and local Indivisible groups, we start with Iridian Riccobono Lucas of CCSM .We also hear from Karmran Jahanshahi of Indivisible ADK/Saratoga, Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz and Mary Panzetta of We Get Out the Resistance. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Thursday, June 4th, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace is sponsoring a forum on the issue of data centers coming to the Capital District and their impact on electricity and water use. A main focus in the proposal to redevelop the old Kenwood Center in the South End of Albany. Professional engineer Oliver Holmes talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. The event will be at 7 PM at the Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Avenue, Delmar

Joshua Gruft (DJ Mercy) is a pillar of the Troy community. As the owner of the indie bookstore, Paper Moon, and a musician with 20+ years of experience curating local events, Joshua joined Arbor Mae in the Hudson Mohawk Magazine studio to talk about what it's like to balance both worlds under one roof.

A father and his four-year-old child, Alexander and Alexandra, were abducted off of North Lake Ave in Albany and taken to the ICE headquarters at 11 Old Stonebreak Road, Malta NY. ICE agents had been staking out the neighborhood for some days. Hearing that this family was facing immediate removal to Texas and then to Venezuela, Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition organizers moved quickly and rallied allies outside the headquarters. The next day over fifty neighbors gathered on the corner of Lake Ave and Central Ave in Albany, to denounce ICE and deportations and to amplify rapid response mobilizations against raids and abductions like this. Sal Rochelle spoke with Jahaira and Amanda from CRSC about their work.

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 Amit from India.

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 Bashir from Lebanon.