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.

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 Manish Pushkale and Laura Nugent. Sina Basila Hickey reports. Photo is a painted rock by Manish Pushkale

After Troy Councilmember Greg Campbell-Cohen contacted the New York State Department of Transportation about traffic safety concerns, DOT has notified Troy Mayor Mantello that the city must remove a sign that says “It is ok to say no to panhandling” on Hoosick Street near the Collar City Bridge. The Council members discusses the issue with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea has a report on zero waste and solid waste strategies for municipalities. Then, Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry continues his freedom crawl, this week talking with DJ Hollywood and Troy Mayor Carmello Mantello about Juneteenth. Later on, H Bosh Jr interviews Schenectady council member Justin Chaires. After that, we hear from a couple artists who were a part of the recent Art Omi artist residency. Finally, we have a story on the Borscht Belt and how it influenced a Skidmore College student. Host: Sina Basila Hickey & Engineer: Zilpa Oduor

On Wednesday July 15, Bob Welton of the Rensselaer Environmental Coalition spoke at the meeting of the Rensselaer Common Council to ask them to adopt a resolution urging the State Health Department to do air testing at the Dunn landfill. Bob talks with Mark Dunlea of the Hudson Mohawk Magazine. https://rensselaerenvironmentalcoalition.org/

On Wednesday July 22., Zero Waste NY will hold a webinar on zero waste and solid waste strategies for municipalities. Tracy Frisch talks about the program with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine. Register at zerowasteny.org/webinar

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 DJ Hollywood about the importance of music in Juneteenth's history and recorded comments from Troy Mayor Carmello Mantello on Juneteenth.

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.

Bassist Tarik Shah is hosting jam sessions on Monday nights at Lark Tavern from 7-9pm. Fellow bassist Brad Monkell interviewed Tarik about what makes a good jam session, the importance of musicians communicating with each other, and his way with the bass.

Picture Lock One is bringing the open air film series “Along the Riverbank” to Troy this summer, examining the cultural, ecological, and political dimensions of water. This Saturday there is a film screening and workshop with filmmaker C. Diaz, and on Sunday is the screening of "Beasts of the Southern Wild" at Riverside Park. The creators behind PL1, (l-r) Angus McCullough, Adam Tinkle, and Emma Baiada, spoke with Sina Basila Hickey.

Today on Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we hear from the Empire Justice Center about a lawsuit claiming that the low level of shelter payments for public assistance violates the state constitutional requirement to support the needy. Then, we hear about Saratoga’s Living Circle’s recent trip to Uganda. Later on, Sina talks to Picture Lock One about the open air screening of Beasts of the Southern Wild at Riverside Park this Sunday. After that, Rosemary Armao examines the controversial settlement between the Trump administration and the Department of Justice regarding the leak of Donald Trump's tax returns. Finally, Brad Monkell interviews Tarik Shah about jam sessions he is hosting at Lark Tavern on Monday nights. Hosts: Mark Dunlea; Benno Greene Engineer: Joan Eason

Journalist Rosemary Armao chats in this week's chapter of her podcast Beyond the Brink and Fighting Back with investment banker Marc Wittman about the blistering federal court ruling against Donald Trump's suit against the IRS. A judge shot down a plan to "settle" a suit the president brought against an agency he controls as so fraudulent that she even referred lawyers arguing it to their bar associations. This matter is likely to be juicy fodder for the Todd Blanche confirmation hearings this week as Acting Attorney General. Blanche, a former Trump lawyer, was cool with an agreement to give the Trump family amnesty for all possible tax violations. The deal also called for a special fund that would compensate people who, like Trump, think they were the subject of government witch hunts. The journalist and financier also talks about what impact AI will have or is having on the economy. Wittman's thoughts differ from the Doomsday predictions we are used to hearing.

In 2011, the Ugandan Government asked The Giving Circle in Saratoga to visit a village referred to as “the forgotten people – the poorest village in Uganda.” The Giving Circle responded by improving sanitation, building a school, a nursing/midwife clinic, and a communal kitchen for shared meals. They worked with the residents to set up sustainable farming to provide badly needed income. In 2014 The Giving Circle stepped in to help a struggling primary school in Kagoma, Uganda. Ron Deutsch talks with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about the Giving Circle's recent trip to Uganda.

The Legal Aid Society, Empire Justice Center, Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC (Bond), and Hughes Hubbard have filed a class-action lawsuit against the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). The lawsuit, filed on behalf of individuals and families from both New York City and upstate New York, challenges the State’s public assistance shelter allowance schedule, which is set in regulation by OTDA and which has remained unchanged for decades despite skyrocketing housing costs, driving tens of thousands of New Yorkers into homelessness. Attornies Susan Antos and Haley Kulakowski talk with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today on Hudson Mohawk Magazine we focus on disability stories, produced by Blaise Bryant.

This week, Thom Francis welcomes poet, translator, and essayist Pierre Joris. Pierre was the featured poet at the Poets Speak Loud series at The Lark Tavern on September 25, 2006. +++++ 
Born in Strasbourg, France, and raised in Luxembourg, Pierre Joris spent his life crossing borders—both physical and linguistic. His travels took him across Europe, North Africa, and the United States, experiences that shaped his "nomad poetics," a philosophy that embraced fluidity and rejected rigid boundaries. Over his lifetime, he published more than 50 books, including poetry, essays, anthologies, and translations. His work challenged conventions and opened doors to new literary landscapes. Joris became an integral part of Albany’s literary world when he joined the University at Albany in 1992 as a professor of poetry and poetics, a role he held until 2013. There, he was a mentor who encouraged students to experiment, take risks, and find their voices. He brought that same energy to the wider literary community, participating in readings, workshops, and performances that enriched the cultural fabric of the region. Pierre was the featured poet at the Poets Speak Loud open mic series in downtown Albany in September 2006. Pierre Joris passed away on February 27, 2025. Pierre was not just a poet, a translator, or a teacher—he was a force of creativity who challenged the way we think about language and literature. As we say goodbye, we also celebrate the enduring legacy he leaves behind. His words, his vision, and his generosity will continue to inspire generations to come. To hear Pierre’s entire poem with Mitch Elrod from Poets Speak Loud, go to https://soundcloud.com/hvwritersguild/pierre-joris-at-poets-speak-loud-september-25-2006

HJohnson_07-13-2026 by Hudson Mohawk Magazine

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Greg Giorgio brings us a selection of stories on labor, trade union actions and recent ICE-related court sentences issued to protesters in Texas. Then, Ellie Irons talks with Antonio Roman-Acalá, about “North Stars of Emancipation: California's Diverse Food and Farming Movements in Times of Racial Reckoning” his newly published book which he will give a talk on at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on July 21. Later on, retired National Weather Service meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins us for this week’s weather segments. After that, Yi Lu speaks with Aiden Wan, about his family’s immigration story to the US and his barbershop business in this week’s Everybody Moves segment. Finally, we hear RiverKeeper talk about their organization and their work in clean water.

Bullhorn is a regional news summer by Greg Giorio: -International Labor Initiatives Expand workers Rights -A I Warnings from U.K. -Long Jail Terms for ICE Protesters in Texas -Public Unions Fight Back in Florida -Environmental Hero Award to Dylan Keenan -AFL-CIO Forging New Campaigns to Coordinate Bargaining Power -And More!

The book “North Stars of Emancipation: California's Diverse Food and Farming Movements in Times of Racial Reckoning” traces the recent evolution of California’s food movements towards a more liberatory model grounded in diverse radical traditions. The books author, Antonio Roman Acalá, talks about his new book and his upcoming visit to The Sanctuary for Independent Media on Tueday July 21 with Ellie Irons. Learn more about the upcoming event here: https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/north-stars-of-emancipation/

Local singer-songwriter SolLA talks to Jacob Boston about how she got her start, the art of covering music, her own writing process, and her recent return to the stage after a short hiatus.

Artist/ Historian Kamau Ware recently visited the capital region to do research for Battle in the Margins, a special project of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation in collaboration with his organization Black Gotham Experience, a project which commemorates the African Diaspora's impact on the American Revolution. Kamau visited the NYState Museum's new exhibition Revolutionary New York thanks to Senior Curator Aaron Noble. After this visit, Kamau speaks with Sina Basila Hickey for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, we hear from historian Kamau Ware about his work looking at the African Diaspora's impact on the American Revolution and other conversations we should be having around history. Then, Willie Terry discussed the “Politics of Juneteenth” with Troy4BlackLives Organizer Alfonso Rodriguez at the Troy Juneteenth passport “Freedom Crawl” celebration. After that, we’ll get inside the mind of local singer-songwriter SolLA, who joins us in the studio for a conversation. Finally, Garrett McCarey speaks with Jack D. Ellis of the Shakespeare cooperative the Will Kempe’s Players about their summer productions of "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Measure for Measure." Co-Hosts: Sina Basila Hickey, Jacob Boston | Engineer: Jacob Boston

Valerie Onifade joins Arbor Mae in the studio to talk about the upcoming Gay Aunties Day celebration happening at Albany Center Gallery from 1 pm - 4 pm on August 1st, 2026. For more information head to @thehubforlesbianssc on Instagram.

Susan Brink talks to Keith Pray about the Galway Jazz Festival taking place on Sunday, July 12. More info: https://cdjazz.org/2026-galway-jazz-festival

On Friday July 10, Albany Symphony is bringing the event Water Music NY: More Voices to Waterford. This event uses the location, Lock E-2, to inform the featured composer Celka Ojakangas and light artist Adam Frelin, and it also offers an opportunity for the public to get up and close with the Erie Canal and lock system. Emily Fritz-Endres, Executive Director of Albany Symphony, spoke with Arbor Mae and Sina Basila Hickey for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on the Albany Common Council meeting and some issues raised, including a data center moratorium, Ranked Choice Voting, and tenant unions. Then, we will have Valerie Onifade in the studio to talk about Gay Aunties Day, on August 1 at Albany Center Gallery. Later on, Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry talks to Alfonso Rodriguez of Troy 4 Black Lives about the politics of Juneteenth. After that, Susan Brink talks to Keith Pray about the Galway Jazz Festival taking place on Sunday, July 12. Finally, Albany Symphony will join us to talk about Water Music NY: More Voices to Waterford on Friday July 10. Co-hosts: Arbor Mae and Sina Basila Hickey.

There were a variety of issues raised during the Monday, July 6, public comment period of the Albany Common Council. A major focus was support for a resolution in favor of having Governor Hochul sign the legislation for a one-year moratorium on new data centers in the state, which the council approved. Speakers also urged the council to either adopt a local moratorium on data centers or outright reject the proposed data center at Kenwood Commons. That issue is not yet before the council. Several speakers also spoke in favor of the proposal for Ranked Choice Voting. However, the Council failed to take any action on this issue, which makes it unlikely that it would be approved in time for a public vote in the November election. One concern is the legality of ending primaries, which is included in the proposal. The end of primaries has generated opposition from the Democrats and Working Families Parties. Others spoke in opposition to the continued presence of Flock Cameras in the city to read license plates, which has generated concerns both about mass surveillance and its potential abuse by ICE. Several residents urged the Council to support the efforts by residents of the apartment buildings on Willett Avenue adjoining Washington Park – the so-called Hippie Hotel, to form a tenant’s union and improve building conditions. We hear from Bryan Paz-Hernandez of Indivisible, Alexandra Armanino, Madeline Reilly, and Andrew M Co-Chair of the Capital District DSA. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

On Friday, June 19, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry covered the Troy Juneteenth passport, the “Freedom Crawl” celebration, and events at five locations in Troy. One Juneteenth celebration that was not among the Freedom Crawl stops was the “Troy4BlackLives” event, held in a garden on 9th Street in Troy. Willie covered that event as well. In Part 3 of this labor segment on Juneteenth, he discussed the “Politics of Juneteenth” with Troy4BlackLives Organizer Alfonso Rodriguez. This is Part 1 of a 2-part discussion.

On Friday, June 19, 2026, Hudson Mohawk Magazine Network Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry covered the Troy Juneteenth passport, the “Freedom Crawl” celebration, and events at five locations in Troy. One Juneteenth celebration that was not among the Freedom Crawl stops was the “Troy4BlackLives” event, held in a garden on 9th Street in Troy. Willie covered that event as well. In Part 3 of this labor segment on Juneteenth, he discussed the “Politics of Juneteenth” with Troy4BlackLives Organizer Alfonso Rodriguez. This is Part 1 of a 2-part discussion.

Local Rapper Shiloh the Messenger talks tours, inspiration, and......messaging in his music with Jacob Boston.

Today on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we talk with Corinne Carey about her future advocacy efforts. Then, we hear from activist lawyer Kathy Manley about her view of patriotism. Later on, Rosemary Armao explores how life has changed since her friend grew up on the eastern shores of Virginia. After that, rapper Shiloh the Messenger joins us in the studio to talk about his music style and upcoming performances. Finally, from our archives, with a new state comptroller audit about about lapsed air permits from polluters, we hear about the initial audit several years ago. Host: Mark Dunlea Engineer: Joan Eason

Kathy Manley had a recent letter in the Times Union titled "Patriotism Means Fighting for Your Ideals." She discusses this with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine. Here concluding paragraph in her letter: At this point I am pessimistic about the future of this country. But I am still hopeful because the struggle now involves millions of people, young and old. We are fighting to stop ICE, emboldened white supremacists and others who are trying to tear up the Constitution. Following the best traditions of this country, we are fighting for freedom for immigrants and for all of us."

We all remember the place where we grew up, but as writer Thomas Wolfe taught us, you can't go home again. Albany journalist Rosemary Armao remembers an old West Albany village of Italian immigrants that no longer exists, so her podcast interview this week with friend Greg Hamilton is evocative of feelings we all have. Hamilton grew up in tiny Webbs Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. An isolated fishing and farming region 60 years ago, it is now utterly changed by some of the same forces at work changing all of America: environmental change, economic decline, racial turmoil and changes in taste and style. She and Greg went on a tour of the Eastern Shore together, and here's a piece of their discussion.

The US Supreme Court Case Olmstead v. L.C. ensured a lot more support for people with disabilities independently from institutionalization. A memo issued by the U.S. Department of Justice could take away support for independent living. Elizabeth McCormick, Director of Advocacy at New York Association on Independent Living, spoke with Sina Basila Hickey about this DoJ memo, why Olmstead v. L.C. is important, and the NYS response. image description: a photograph of the U.S. Supreme Court

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea talks with Clearwater about their ship being removed from the Sail4th 250 Parade of Sail by the Coastguard. Then, Sina Basila Hickey discusses the Department of Justice memo which could lead to a reversal of independent living support for people with disabilities. Later on, Erin Blanding talks with Dr. Kamil Gedeon, a chemical engineer, for People’s Science. After that, for this week’s Albany Comedy Corner, Tyler Artis interview Seamus Fleischer. Finally, for Next Up to the Mic, Thom Francis features poets Frank Robinson and Therese Broderick with recordings from the 2024 Word Fest Open Mic at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts.

Retired National Weather Service Meteorologist Hugh Johnson spoke about last week's heatwave, micro bursts, and if there is more heat ahead. He spoke with Lennox Apudo and Sean Bernyk.

This week, Thom Francis welcomes poets Frank Robinson and Therese Broderick who both took the stage at the 2024 Word Fest Open Mic at the Sand Lake Center for the Arts. +++++ Frank Robinson & Therese Broderick have been a part of the local literary community for decades. They have led workshops, featured at regional events, and written many books over the years. Frank S. Robinson is a 1970 graduate of NYU Law School, and served at the New York Public Service Commission as staff counsel and then administrative law judge until retiring in 1997. He is the author of eight books including Albany’s O’Connell Machine (1973), Children of the Dragon (a novel), and The Case for Rational Optimism (2009). Robinson is a professional coin dealer and is married to the poet Therese Broderick. Together they have a daughter, Elizabeth. Frank's wife, Therese L. Broderick, MFA, has lived the sweet life of a poet for more than two decades. Her poems have been published widely in several formats and have won awards both locally and beyond. She lives in Albany, New York with her optimistic husband, two fat cats, and a disheveled garden. Frank began a segment of married couples reading with their spouses (is the plural of “spouse” “spice”?) & was playful, including rhyming on the word “metaphor.” Therese included a poem to her daughter inspired by a long-saved tuft of her hair.

After nearly 11 years with Compassion & Choices, helping to enact Medical Aid in Dying Act in both New Jersey and New York, Corinne Carey is entering the next phase of her career. She will help lead a campaign to establish a legal pathway for access to psilocybin for healing in New York, while continuing to take on mission-driven public policy and public affairs projects through Carey Strategic Consulting. Corinne talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Will Kempe's Players are presenting summer productions of "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Measure for Measure" at various locations. Hudson Mohawk Magazine correspondent Garrett McCarey speaks with Jack D. Ellis, director of "Much Ado About Nothing," about the summer season. Learn more at https://www.willkempesplayers.com/currently-performing

Clearwater was invited by Sail4th 250 to participate in the celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary in both the Class B Tall Ships Parade on July 3 and the Parade of Sail on July 4. On July 4, before beginning the parade, they raised their sails with banners carrying messages of clean water, climate solutions, Indigenous rights, and racial justice. Over an hour after the July 4 parade began, Clearwater was directed by the U.S. Coast Guard to leave the parade route and was escorted out of the security zone. They were never offered the opportunity to remove the banners and continue participating in the parade. Executive Director David Tomen talks with Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine: First,Mark Dunlea speaks with the Campaign for a Nuclear Free North Country about their fight against Hochul’s nuclear energy expansion efforts. Then, we head into the kitchen to make a green sauce in the heat. Later on, Hugh Johnson joins us to discuss this week’s weather. After that, we have Everybody Moves, our weekly series that profiles the migration stories of people in our community. Finally, we have some beach read recommendations. Co-Hosts: Lenox Apudo and Sean Bernyk

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine we feature a special episode featuring a community reading of Frederick Douglass's speech commonly known as “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” This community reading took place at The Sanctuary for Independent Media on February 28, 2026 in partnership with Underground Railroad Education Center (UREC), with moderation from historian Lacey Wilson, Teen Museum Studies Program Manager of UREC. She was joined in a panel discussion by UREC Co-Founder Paul Stewart and Charles Clark III, the curator of The Black Experience in the Adirondacks exhibition at the Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake. Thanks to all who participated in this reading!

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea reports on the problems with data centers building their own gas power plants. Then, we hear part 2 of Roaming Labor Correspondent Willie Terry’s coverage of Troy’s Juneteenth “Freedom Crawl”. Later on, Sia Patel has a story on a UAlbany international student’s journey through campus life, from Japan to Albany. After that, we hear from Scott Womer, founder of Song City, the upcoming INK Songwriting Retreat, which will be held in Silver Bay, NY in October. Finally, we get a look into what it’s like to be a local farmer from Kyle Nisonger of Maple View Farm. Co-hosts: Lavender and Sina

Kyle Nisonger is the owner of Maple View Farm, an organic produce farm in Dutchess County. Kyle spoke with correspondent Lavender about what it's like being a small town farmer in the current economy and climate. You can get more details about Maple View Farm at mapleviewfarmny.com and on Instagram @maple_view_farm_ny. You can also reach Kyle by phone at 203-249-1925 or by email at [email protected]. (This interview was recorded in May 2026.)

Scott Wormer, founder of Song City, joins Arbor Mae in the studio to talk about his latest project, the INK Songwriting Retreat. INK will be held in Silver Bay, NY on Lake George from October 5th - October 8th 2026. Applications are open now until July 15th. For more information, or to apply, head to www.songcitytroy.com/ink