Hudson Mohawk Magazine

In this holiday special of the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, producer Justin Shi reviews the past three years of community activism against the Norlite hazardous waste incinerator.

We begin with Professor David Bond of Bennington College discussing the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — also known as PFAS or forever chemicals. Professor Bond has been a key individual in identifying the dangers of this range of chemicals and identifying its presence around Norlite.

Then, Jennifer Malinowski, who was at the time a resident of the Saratoga Sites housing project located next to the Norlite plant, discusses how the facility impacts her family and day-to-day life.

Later on, we hear segments from a climate rally held this past April at the Governor’s Mansion to raise awareness of Norlite. Alexis Goldsmith of Lights Out Norlite, Poet D. Colin, Tasheca Medina of Equality for Troy, and Kriti Sharma of the RPI Sunrise Movement speak at the event.

After that, Dave Walker, retired geologist from Columbia University, shows how to test air quality by collecting dust samples and explaining its importance, especially in the communities around Norlite.

Finally, we hear not just a story about Norlite, but about the Lafarge cement plant in Coeymans, which garners similar environmental concerns as Norlite. While not exclusively a Norlite piece, it highlights the battle for environmental equity that spans across the entire Capital Region.

In this holiday special of the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, producer Justin Shi reviews the past three years of community activism against the Norlite hazardous waste incinerator.

We begin with Professor David Bond of Bennington College discussing the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — also known as PFAS or forever chemicals. Professor Bond has been a key individual in identifying the dangers of this range of chemicals and identifying its presence around Norlite.

Then, Jennifer Malinowski, who was at the time a resident of the Saratoga Sites housing project located next to the Norlite plant, discusses how the facility impacts her family and day-to-day life.

Later on, we hear segments from a climate rally held this past April at the Governor’s Mansion to raise awareness of Norlite. Alexis Goldsmith of Lights Out Norlite, Poet D. Colin, Tasheca Medina of Equality for Troy, and Kriti Sharma of the RPI Sunrise Movement speak at the event.

After that, Dave Walker, retired geologist from Columbia University, shows how to test air quality by collecting dust samples and explaining its importance, especially in the communities around Norlite.

Finally, we hear not just a story about Norlite, but about the Lafarge cement plant in Coeymans, which garners similar environmental concerns as Norlite. While not exclusively a Norlite piece, it highlights the battle for environmental equity that spans across the entire Capital Region.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine:

We begin with a conversation with Matthew Shapiro from NAMI talking about mental health resources and NYC Mayor’s plan to address homelessness.

Then, Brea Barthel bring us up to date on youth activities at The Troy Library.

Later on, We follow the winter crow roost with Craig Gibson.

After that, Anna Allen gives us an update on her family in Ukraine.

Finally, we spotlight Sanctuary Intern Jacob Boston.

Jacob Boston reflects on his experience as an intern at The Sanctuary for Independent Media, working as a Hudson Mohawk Magazine correspondent. Jacob is headed off to college after a year of dedicated work with us. He spoke with Andrea Cunliffe and Sina Basila Hickey.

988 is the hotline for mental health concerns and suicide and it has been a big success for the mental health justice community. Matthew Shapiro of NAMI talked to correspondent Sina Basila Hickey about why 988 works and how NYC Mayor Adam's plan to address homelessness is problematic.

Capital Region's Anna Allen returns to Hudson Mohawk Magazine to update us on her family in Ukraine. After the interview she told Sina Basila Hickey about how she sees people having Ukraine War Fatique and that people are paying less attention to what is happening to her homeland.

CC image of anti-war signs on the Russian embassy in London by Kwh1050

Craig Gibson spoke with Hudson Mohawk Magazine producer Elizabeth Press (EP) about his group The Crow Patrol, community science projects with crows, the impact of crow roosts on cities, and what can be done (or not done) about them.

H Bosh Jr brings us a Triple E’s segment with returning guest Tatum Smith who has been practicing as a nurse for 23 yrs. Tatum spoke about why she became a nurse, the benefits and challenges, and the various opportunities in nursing. This is part 1.

H Bosh Jr brings us a Triple E’s segment with returning guest Tatum Smith who has been practicing as a nurse for 23 yrs. Tatum spoke about knowledge she's learned from being a nurse, nursing shortages, and the meaning behind "purse nurse." This is part 2.

H Bosh Jr brings us another dose of Triple E’s with Bill Bastuc founder and CEO of

It Could Happen To You (ITCHY), one of the nation's leading organizations on criminal justice reform. We discuss why he started ICHTY and its signature legislation on criminal justice reform. ITCHY.org for more information.