Hudson Mohawk Magazine

On May 17, Nauman Hussain, the operator of the limousine company that killed 20 people in a crash in Schoharie County in 2018, was convicted on 20 counts of second-degree manslaughter. He faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced later this month. Earlier the judge had rejected a deal negotiated by Susan Mallory, the Schoharie District Attorney, where Hussain would have avoided jail time by pleading to criminally negligent homicide. The jury took only a few hours to reach the verdict. Larry Rulison, who has covered the case for the Times Union, provides an update to Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine, including possible charges against Mavis Discount Tire for falsified records on brake repairs it failed to do.

Gabby's Garden is a community garden in downtown Albany. Moses Nagel stopped by for their Full Moon planting party to talk to some of the organizers and volunteers about what's planned this season.

Dan Wilcox of Veterans for Peace discusses why the group marches in the annual Memorial Day Parade in Albany and how they are received by other veteran groups and the public. VFP opposes all war, which is why Dan opposes arming any of the combatants in Ukraine. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Last year the nonprofit Capitol Roots voluntarily recognized that their workers wanted to form a union after most of them signed organizing cards. But ten months later many of the workers have left or been fired and Capitol Roots are seeking to rescind their recognition of the union. Sean Collins, the organizer for SEIU Local 200United provides an update on the union organizing effort to Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Pete Tridish is a technician for community radio stations, most recently working in Alaska. He came onto Hudson Mohawk Magazine and spoke with Caelan McPherson and David Moore about his work, using renewable sources for radio power, and how important radio is to staying connected.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine,

First, state lawmakers joined 100 advocates at the NY State Capitol to demand that the NYS Legislature pass the NY HEAT Act before the end of session. Mark Dunlea shares audio from various advocates from the rally.

Then, Moses Nagel speaks with Terry Diggory of the Saratoga Immigration Coalition about some more compassionate ways to conceive the recent influx of asylum seekers.

Later on, we talk with Pete Tridish, a technician for community radio stations

After that, we hear from the Master Gardeners at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Greene and Columbia counties about all things asparagus.

Finally, this week’s “Talking with Poets” is a replay of Thom Francis’s conversation with Mary Panza and her poem, "We're Barefoot People."

State lawmakers joined 100 advocates at the NY State Capitol to demand that the NYS Legislature pass the NY HEAT Act before the end of session. The critical climate bill would cap energy bills at 6% of household income for low and middle income families, saving them up to $75 per month. On top of the $75 monthly savings, NY HEAT gets rid of the unfair 100 foot rule, which forces New York families to subsidize new gas hookups to the tune of $200 million every year and worsens the climate crisis. We hear first from Betta Broad, Campaign Director for New Yorkers for the Clean Power, followed by Sen. Liz Krueger, the lead sponsor of the NY Heat Act. Also speaking are Sonal Jessel, Policy Director for WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Alycia Bacon of Mothers Out Front, and Albany County Legislator and SHARE co-chair Mert Simpson, who discusses the 100% Renewable Capitol bill.

Saratoga and Rensselaer counties both declared a state of emergency last week in response to an expected influx of asylum seekers after New York City announced plans to begin bussing migrants upstate. Rumors and fear-mongering have been rampant, including at least one case in Poughkeepsie of clear fraud: officials bribing homeless men to pose as veterans displaced by incoming immigrants. Terry Diggory of the Saratoga Immigration Coalition spoke with Moses Nagel about some more compassionate ways to conceive of the recent developments.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine,

We begin with a look at how Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus helps adult newcomers to Albany adjust to a new language and culture.

Then, we hear about a “Skills 4 life” job fair sponsored by the [more-ROW] Community Center, and the holistic approach they use to help job hunters.

Later on, Ellie Irons, Nature Lab’s Community Science Educator, talks with Abby Kinchy about how the group “Our Soil” seeks “citizen scientists” to help with their work.

After that, Sina Basila Hickey talks with photographer Dong Hu about his use of large-format photography.

Finally, retired meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins us once again for a look at the tropical storm Mocha, the Canadian wildfires, and our weather forecast for the week.

Retired meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins Brea Barthel and Alisha Washington for a look at the tropical storm Mocha, the Canadian wildfires, and our weather forecast for the week.