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May 15, 2008

Nassau News Live Streamcast Archives

Watch the replays of the initial streamcasts of Nassau News Live, a product of Assistant Professor Mo Krochmal's JRNL 80 (Online Journalism) class in the spring semester of 2008.

Watch the producers' camera stream of JRNL80B class streamcast on May 15, 2008, below. (Katelyn Rhoads video operator, Ken McCarron sound.)

Read the archived live blog of the JRNL80B streamcast of May 15, 2008, below:

Watch the producers' camera stream from JRNL80A class production of May 14, 2008, below [audio not available] (Amanda Chamberlain video]

Read the live blog produced by the students of JRNL80A for the May 14, 2008, streamcast below:

Posted by News Editor at 08:44 PM |

May 12, 2008

Nassau News Live Premiere

Welcome to the newest feature of Nassau News. This posting marks a new entry in multimedia journalism for the hyperlocal community journalism project of the Hofstra University School of Communication.

This frame contains three widgets -- two streaming video consoles, and a liveblog, to allow students to streamcast their final projects in JRNL 80, online journalism, for the spring semester.

You can view the unique streamcast of the news broadcast on the Mogulus.com widget (at left, below), or view the producers' view on the Ustream.tv widget (lower right) or read the script and notes with hypertext on the CoverItLive.com widget (at bottom).

You can just view all three on the screen at the same time by scrolling up to center the applications in your window -- the audio should not overlap. You can click on either video application to toggle it to full screen mode.

Follow NassauNews on Twitter.com

Posted by News Editor at 10:16 PM |

April 12, 2008

Crime in the Village of Hempstead

By Ben Golden
Nassau News Staff Writer

Hempstead has a reputation as a high-crime and high-drugs area for years. Police insists the numbers have been steadily decreasing for the better part of a decade but what is the police department doing to help continue to drive these numbers down?

Continue reading "Crime in the Village of Hempstead" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 01:04 PM |

Nassau County Consumers on Increasing Prices at the Grocery Store

By Amanda J. Rhodes
Nassau News Staff Writer

For most shoppers, it's hard to check out at the grocery store and not notice the price increases. In the past six months, everything from bread to bananas and chicken to milk has dramatically risen in price.

Why are prices increasing so quickly and dramatically, and what are Nassau County consumers doing to curb their bill at the check-out counter? Nassau News went out and asked.

Continue reading "Nassau County Consumers on Increasing Prices at the Grocery Store" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 01:03 PM |

LIRR Fares Increase

By Brett Zoeller
Nassau News Staff Writer

On March 1, the MTA (LIRR) increased fares 3 to 4 percent, straining the wallets of commuters already pressed bu fuel and food inflation. While the fare-increase amount ranges from a few dollars to almost $20, depending on which zone a commuter is in, does it make that much of a difference?

Are commuters just skeptical of any increase the MTA (LIRR) issues because of unclear financial updates the entity often provides? Is it just commuters overacting and lashing out because of other cost increases? Train ridership increased 6 percent last year for a total of about 90 million passengers for the year. Is the MTA (LIRR) trying to widen profit margins, or do high passenger volumes call for more maintenance?

The answer to these questions and the future of LIRR expansion on Long Island lie below.

Continue reading "LIRR Fares Increase" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 12:04 PM |

Taking Care of Hempstead's Animals

By Amanda Graber
Nassau News Staff Writer

The declining value of the dollar and the rising costs in food and staples not only affect human care, but animals too. What happens to the furry members of the community when economic hardships hit? Long Island boasts 41 animal shelters who all work to answer this question.

Continue reading "Taking Care of Hempstead's Animals" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:59 AM |

How Consumers Feel About the Economy and Their Money

By Teresa Hansen
Nassau News Staff Writer

The U.S. government says we are in a state of economic emergency. How is this influencing Nassau County consumers' retail spending and are people using their disposable income like before? Nassau News went out and asked.

Continue reading "How Consumers Feel About the Economy and Their Money" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:58 AM |

The Affect of Rising Gas Prices on Long Island Car Culture

By Tejal Patel
Nassau News Staff Writer

Gas prices all over the United States have been steadily increasing. In Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island, the prices for a gallon of regular gas are at their highest ever. However, the love car enthusiasts have for their vehicles apparently surpasses the soaring prices.

Continue reading "The Affect of Rising Gas Prices on Long Island Car Culture" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:57 AM |

Levittown Goes Green

By Amanda Brody
Nassau News Staff Writer

Levittown, the nation’s first suburb, will now become the nation’s first green suburb. A few months ago, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi announced his plan for a Green Levittown and partnered up with businesses in the area to provide green alternatives to energy, appliances and home improvements. P.C. Richards and Sons offers discounts on Energy Star appliances and the Bethpage Federal Credit Union offers loans to help people make their homes more environmentally friendly. Yet, going green will cost residents money and with a trying economy at stake, it is hard to ask residents to spend money to help the environment, when they can’t even afford to fill up their car’s gas tank.

Continue reading "Levittown Goes Green" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:56 AM |

How to Go Green in the Town of Hempstead

By Julia Gardiner
 Nassau News Staff Writer

Environmental sustainability has recently garnered a great deal of media attention -- from movies about global warming to magazine articles and celebrities promoting "going green." However, the degree to which the prominent media attention on the issue affects its importance locally seems to be minimal.

In the Town of Hempstead, where there are 32 miles of waterfront and the largest tract of open space left on Long Island, it is particularly important for residents to be aware of the environmental ramifications of their actions. Initiatives to make the town more environmentally friendly have been the object of debate for more than 30 years.

Continue reading "How to Go Green in the Town of Hempstead" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:55 AM |

MTBE Water Contamination in Hempstead

By Jessica Wertling
Nassau News Staff Writer

Since the 1970s, Long Island has had many instances of gasoline additive MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) leaking into drinking water as a result of irresponsible practices by gas stations. The chemical has potential to make water taste and smell unpleasant and many scientists speculate that its consumption can cause body aches, cancer, and even death. In February 2008, multiple MTBE spills were discovered in the Town of Hempstead, NY. Although the chemical was banned in 2004 in New York, old spills are still being discovered and there have been instances of illegal use of the chemical by gas stations.

Continue reading "MTBE Water Contamination in Hempstead" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:54 AM |

Proposed Redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum

By Alex Dollin
Nassau News Staff Writer

The proposed redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum and surrounding 77 acres has caused a stir on Long Island, particularly in Nassau County where the issue is closer to home.

Many local residents are opposed to Charles Wang’s Project Lighthouse, as designed and maintained by Rexcorp, which will seek to build new coliseum, housing units, hotels, office buildings, concert venues and a new practice facility for the Islanders. As explained further in this video, a major piece of legislation called a Positive Declaration, has just been put into effect. This declaration, set forth by the town of Hempstead, will force Rexcorp to come up with a solution to every major problem surrounding Project Lighthouse. As reported by Rexcorp, they are working very hard on solving major issues, like the traffic conditions on Hempstead Turnpike, and have been for several years now. Rexcorp anticipates, if all goes according to plan, breaking ground on the project starting in the summer of 2009.

Continue reading "Proposed Redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:53 AM |

Hempstead Village Mayor Looks to Push New Plan

By Kenneth McCarron
Nassau News Staff Writer

Wayne Hall, the mayor of Hempstead Village, tells Nassau News that he intends to have a new redevelopment plan in place by August 2008.

But many of the problems that were in the last plan, which he withdrew last year, still remain. The controversial plan ran into opposition from community activists on the issue of affordable housing. The mayor says a redevelopment plan is needed to rebuild the Village of Hempstead's tax base. But will the community work with Mayor Hall to accomplish this goal, or will it stop another redevelopment plan?

Continue reading "Hempstead Village Mayor Looks to Push New Plan" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:52 AM |

Commercial Development in Nassau County -- Who Wants It?

By Sean O'Kane
Nassau News Staff Writer

The potential for commercial development in Nassau County has risen recently with proposals like Trump on the Ocean and the Lighthouse Project, but little has been done to see what individual residents of the areas affected think about the proposals.

County residents share more than just mixed feelings, each has his or her own way of justifying their position, leading to a situation that could prove more than just polarizing in the normal sense. Instead of just support or opposition, residents have complex thoughts on whether or not they want commercial development.

Nassau News took to the streets to find out how a sample of people from different towns feel about commercial development near them. The results show that the divide runs deeper than previously thought.

Continue reading "Commercial Development in Nassau County -- Who Wants It?" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:51 AM |

Immigration on Long Island: How Immigration affects Long Islanders

By Valerie Esposito
Nassau News Staff Writer

Over the years, Long Island has become a diverse, multicultural suburb. 1 in 5 New Yorkers are foreign born. About 1 in 4 people in Nassau County speak another language besides English. It is no wonder that immigration has affected each and every Long Islander.

Nassau News speaks with Francisco Lopez, a 23-year-old who resides in Hempstead. Lopez moved to America with his family from Ecuador in 2002. Valerie also speaks with Dean Nora Demleitner, a law professor at Hofstra University and immigration law expert.

Continue reading "Immigration on Long Island: How Immigration affects Long Islanders" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:50 AM |

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs: Hofstra and the Community

By Nicole Flores
Nassau News Staff Writer

According to the Nassau County Community Health Assessment (PDF), two thirds of high school students reported having had sexual intercourse by the time they reached graduation. While teen pregnancy rates have declined, there is a significantly higher risk for young women who are minorities and/or suffer from socioeconomic difficulties. From 1982 to 2002, the teen pregnancy rate decreased by 51 percent; and communities in Nassau County are looking to lower that percentage each year.

In 2002, Hofstra University joined Planned Parenthood to create a program that encourages girls in the nearby Roosevelt School District to focus on their goals, build confidence, and express their feelings through writing. The Reading/Writing Learning Clinic at Hofstra University chose to work with the seventh through twelve graders because they are seen as being at “high risk” for teenage pregnancy; as the Roosevelt school district has the one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy in Nassau County.

Continue reading "Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs: Hofstra and the Community" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:49 AM |

Wheat and Flour Prices in Nassau County

By Matthew Zaslow
Nassau News Staff Writer

When people think about something that is going up in price, they automatically think gasoline.

However, with recent climate changes, they should think about another basic commodity that is rising higher in cost, and that is wheat and its byproduct, flour.

This grain is an integral part of the United States’ economy. It is used to feed livestock that provide meat, as well as being a main ingredient in some of our favorite foods like pasta, bread, bagels, and, of course, pizza.

But with the rapidly rising cost of flour, store owners must combat the preparation costs somehow and have begun to raise their prices to match that of the ingredient.

Continue reading "Wheat and Flour Prices in Nassau County" »

Posted by Jrnl 80B Spring 08 at 11:48 AM |

April 11, 2008

Impact of Subprime Mortgage Crisis in Nassau County

By Jean H. Telfort
Nassau News Staff Writer

As the subprime mortgage crisis escalates nationwide, mortgage defaults in Nassau County increase as well, leading to scores of foreclosures in recent months.

At the onset of this project, there were only 114 homes listed on the foreclosure reports. That number has increased to over 300, nearly a month later.

Reports show that Suffolk and Nassau counties accounted for 33 percent of subprime loans that were made in 2006 in New York. At the same time, Long Island has 30 percent of all subprime loans scheduled to be reset before October 2009. These are alarming statistics with an already declining economy.

Continue reading "Impact of Subprime Mortgage Crisis in Nassau County" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 12:00 PM |

Illegal Strip Searches In Nassau County

By Alison D'Arrigo
Nassau News Staff Writer

Between 1997 and 1999, thousands of people that were arrested for misdemeanors and illegally strip searched in Nassau County jails. The strip search policies practiced today in Nassau County jails have changed as a result of the questionable practices nearly a decade ago. Nassau News investigates the story.

Continue reading "Illegal Strip Searches In Nassau County" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:59 AM |

Nassau County Stays True to its Roots

By Alyson Gordon
Nassau News Staff Writer

With the go-green movement influencing our generation, many Long Islanders seek new ways to give a little back to their environment. Whether it means driving a hybrid car, eating natural organic foods or even volunteering as a way to give back to Mother Nature, taking the right action towards making the world a better place lies within Nassau County's own back yard.

Continue reading "Nassau County Stays True to its Roots" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:58 AM |

The Polish Community on Long Island

By Andrzej Sienko
Nassau News Staff Writer

Long Island has for years been a beacon for upwardly mobile immigrants and their descendants. Escaping persecution abroad or even urban sprawl in Brooklyn, Polish-Americans have established a large community on Long Island, heavily supported by events and organizations steeped in tradition.

Explore how a people try to hold onto their identity as they face the challenge of teaching a new generation the importance of the past. This demand has been met by a number of clubs and organizations, supported largely by Polish commuters from all over Long Island.

So put down those pierogi, turn off the Chopin, and listen to what this community has to say.

Continue reading "The Polish Community on Long Island" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:57 AM |

Crime in Hempstead

By Rich Forestano
Nassau News Staff Writer

Crime in the village of Hempstead, specifically drug use and distribution, has deterred the growth of the community for quite some time. According to crime indexes, 15 percent of over 2,600 criminal offenses in Hempstead in 2007 were related to drug activity. That number is projected to be matched in 2008.

Seven murders were reported all of last year and there have been five this year through April 1. Areas like Terrace Avenue and Bedell Street have become the lowlights of a place that use to service as the “hub” of Long Island, NY.

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice and Hempstead Chief of Police Joseph Wing are working to rid Hempstead of violence and drug use.

One such initiative, the Terrace-Bedell Initiative was put in place when the Hempstead Police Department and the District Attorney’s office joined together in the war on crime. Nassau News takes a look at the current state of affairs in law and order in the village.

Continue reading "Crime in Hempstead" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:56 AM |

Jets Leaving Their Hofstra Training Camp in 2008

By Christine Herbst
Nassau News Staff Writer

After training camp is completed in August, the New York Jets will pack up and leave Hofstra University, where they have been for over 30 years, to move into new quarters in Florham Park, N.J.

Nassau News talked with local business leaders about how they will deal with the loss of the Jets.

Continue reading "Jets Leaving Their Hofstra Training Camp in 2008" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:55 AM |

Hofstra University Commuter Transportation

By Luba Patlakh
Nassau News Staff Writer
While Hofstra is no longer a 'commuter school,' there are still a number of faculty, students and staff that rely on Hofstra transportation to get around on the campus and to the nearby communities of Hempstead and Mineola. Nassau News spoke with the head of Hofstra transportation, Charles Forrest, who talks about changes that will or won’t be made.

Continue reading "Hofstra University Commuter Transportation" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:54 AM |

Wealthy Long Islanders Go to Kitchen Kabaret in Roslyn Heights for the Scene

By Micah Jesse Koffler
Nassau News Staff Writer

ROSLYN HEIGHTS, NY – Kitchen Kabaret is an upscale eatery/delicatessen in Roslyn Heights and is situated among some of the most exclusive and expensive shopping in the state of New York. It caters to the wealthy demographic of those living in Roslyn, Mineola and Manhasset. Nassau News went and explored the scene.

Continue reading "Wealthy Long Islanders Go to Kitchen Kabaret in Roslyn Heights for the Scene" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:53 AM |

Chaminade vs. St. Anthony's

By Richard Adragna
Nassau News Staff Writer

Since the formation of the Catholic High School Football League and the Nassau-Suffolk Catholic High School Athletic Association in 1954, Chaminade High School in Mineola and St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington have enjoyed a rivalry high in both prominence and competition. Games between the teams have a reputation for being hard-fought and competitive.

Continue reading "Chaminade vs. St. Anthony's" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:52 AM |

Little India in Nassau County

By Saira Bajwa
Nassau News Staff Writer

A growing South Asian community has given rise to an Indian center of commerce in Hicksville. A wide array of businesses along Route 107 began dotting the landscape over a decade ago and have now morphed into a South Asian hub of commerce and culture.

Continue reading "Little India in Nassau County" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:51 AM |

Censorship in Nassau County

By Sarah Schoenholtz
Nassau News Staff Writer

"Censorship is alive and well," says a representative of the Nassau County chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union.

Nassau News speaks to Long Island students and the Nassau chapter of the NYCLU express their views about censorship in the area and its consequences.

Continue reading "Censorship in Nassau County" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:50 AM |

Sex Offenders in Hempstead

By Nicole Vella
Nassau News Staff Writer

According to information provided on the website familywatchdog.us there are 40 registered sex offenders living in Hempstead. By looking at a map of sex offenders in Hempstead, one can see that most of the sex offenders live very close to each other, and usually live within blocks of schools, playgrounds,and parks. This has prompted Nassau County politicians to pass legislation dealing with residency restrictions for sex offenders. Along with residency restrictions, legislation has also been passed to monitor the online activity of convicted sex offenders.

To view the video version of this story click on the embedded player below

Continue reading "Sex Offenders in Hempstead" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:48 AM |

ADHD: Prescription Drug Abuse Devastates a Long Island Families Future

By Adam Holden
Nassau News Staff Writer

Nassau News explores how Adderall, an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication, changed the life of Brian Helfstein, a former Hofstra University student.

Continue reading "ADHD: Prescription Drug Abuse Devastates a Long Island Families Future" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:47 AM |

Coffee Drinking in Nassau County has Negative Effects

By Shanna Brownlee
Nassau News Staff Writer

Due to the growing popularity of coffee in Nassau County, it's only fair that the public learn about the negative effects of drinking the caffeine-rich beverage.

Continue reading "Coffee Drinking in Nassau County has Negative Effects" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:46 AM |

Sexual Offender E-mail Alert System Upgraded

By Amanda Kenney
Nassau News Staff Writer

You may not realize it, but communities and neighborhoods are surrounded by registered sexual offenders. There are websites where you can search for sexual offenders in your area, but how will you know when a new sexual offender has moved into your neighborhood? This is where Parents for Megan's Law can help, with its newly upgraded e-mail alert system.

Continue reading "Sexual Offender E-mail Alert System Upgraded" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:45 AM |

Long Island: The Most Dominant Lacrosse Hotbed

By Brian Schneider
Nassau News Staff Writer

Why does Long Island continually produce the top lacrosse talent in the world? Nassau News explores.

Continue reading "Long Island: The Most Dominant Lacrosse Hotbed" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:45 AM |

Horseradish In Hempstead

By Sara Knee
Nassau News Staff Writer

Horseradish is a ground-up root that makes a very spicy condiment. Gold's Pure Food Products is the company that has brought horseradish to Hempstead in 1993. The company is a fifth-generation family owned business that shows no signs of leaving Hempstead. Nassau News follows the story.

Continue reading "Horseradish In Hempstead" »

Posted by Jrnl 80A Spring 08 at 11:45 AM |