Rallies Held to Protest Trump Policies and Gov’t Downsizing

Apr 14, 2025

1 min

Mary Anne Trasciatti, Hofstra University’s director of the Labor Studies Program and professor of rhetoric, talked to Newsday about rallies on Long Island and across the country to protest the Trump administration’s policies and downsizing of federal government workers.

She said the country “can’t afford to lose the services” provided by thousands of recently fired government workers.

Connect with:

Mary Anne Trasciatti

Professor of Writing Studies and Rhetoric

Dr. Trasciatti is a Professor of Writing Studies and Rhetoric

Public Memory/Commemoration Public ProtestTriangle Shirt Factory FirePublic Space and Public ExpressionWomen's Studies

Find Experts

Oct 7, 2026

1 min

Auction of LI’s Oheka Castle Draws Bidders with Big Dreams

Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of Hofstra University’s National Center for Suburban Studies, spoke to Newsday about the auction of Long Island’s Oheka Castle, which will take place later this month in Manhattan. The property has been called “a real-life Gatsby estate” and “one of the rarest trophy properties in the country.” Buyers could include hedge funds interested in developing condos, a boutique hotel chain or a catering company. “It would be broadly appealing once the economic backdrop improves in terms of being able to borrow to finance construction and purchasing,” Levy said.

Oct 1, 2026

1 min

Nor’easter Caused Widespread Damage, Worsened Beach Erosion

Following a rare September nor’easter, Dr. Jase Bernhardt, associate professor of geology, environment, and sustainability, talked to Newsday about the damage caused by the storm, including its effects on beach erosion. The slow-moving storm, which began overnight on Friday, September 25, and continued through Monday, September 28, resulted in local flooding, power outages, and thousands of downed trees. “It is unusual but not quite unprecedented for a nor’easter to linger for so long,” said Dr. Bernhardt. “It is possible that the time of year played a role, as the ‘blocking’ pattern that allowed this storm to linger for so long would be more likely to occur at this time of year versus during the winter, when nor’easters are more common.”

Sep 29, 2026

1 min

Kratom Is Easy to Find - But How Much Do Young People Know About the Risks?

Kratom products have become increasingly visible in convenience stores, smoke shops and online, but growing concerns about dependence and increasingly potent derivatives are putting the substance under greater scrutiny. Addiction treatment providers across the United States are reporting an increase in patients seeking help for dependence on kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH. Some newer products contain highly concentrated levels of 7-OH, a compound that acts on opioid receptors and can produce stronger opioid-like effects. The issue is particularly relevant for adolescents and young adults. Kratom and related products can be sold as powders, pills, gummies and liquid shots, potentially making it difficult for consumers and families to understand exactly what they are purchasing and the risks involved. Genevieve Weber, PhD, LMHC, LPC, associate professor of counseling and mental health at Hofstra University, can discuss the risks associated with kratom and other emerging substances, particularly among adolescents and young adults. View her profile Drawing on her clinical practice and community-based work educating families and retailers, Weber can address why young people may be vulnerable to emerging substances, how perceptions of availability and legality can influence perceptions of risk, and what parents, educators and communities should know as new products continue to appear. With regulators, health professionals and treatment providers paying increasing attention to kratom and concentrated 7-OH products, Weber can also offer perspective on the importance of education and prevention as the substance landscape continues to evolve. To arrange an interview today, simply click on her profile below.