James Sample Called Upon for Constitutional Law Expertise

Apr 24, 2025

1 min

Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University Professor James Sample was called upon to provide his feedback and expertise in constitutional law for ABC News, CBS News, and MSNBC.

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James Sample

Professor of Law

Professor Sample regularly comments on voting rights and constitutional issues in leading media outlets.

The Supreme Court Voting RightsVoting Rights PolicyConstitutional LawJudicial Elections

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Sep 27, 2026

2 min

White House Media Ban Is Over - But Questions About Press Access Remain

The immediate confrontation may be over, but the questions it raised are not. CNN, MS NOW and Politico have regained access to the White House after President Donald Trump’s administration temporarily barred the news organizations from covering the president. A federal judge ordered their access restored, finding that the outlets had not been provided constitutionally adequate due process when their credentials were revoked. While the ban has been lifted, the episode has renewed a broader debate about press access, government accountability and the relationship between a presidential administration and the journalists assigned to cover it. It also raises questions about what happens the next time an administration strongly objects to a news organization’s coverage. How much discretion should the White House have over access? What protections exist for journalists covering the presidency? And could disputes like this affect how news organizations approach their coverage? Mark Lukasiewicz, dean of The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University, brings nearly four decades of journalism and network news experience to the discussion, including 17 years at NBC News, where he served as senior vice president of specials and supervised coverage of major breaking news events, presidential elections and debates. View his profile With extensive experience in television news, journalism and political coverage, Lukasiewicz can provide perspective on the practical consequences of restricting media access, the relationship between the White House and the press corps, and what the escalating dispute could mean for news organizations covering the administration. To arrange an interview today, simply click on his profile below.

Sep 24, 2026

2 min

A Rare September Nor’easter Takes Aim at the East Coast

A rare September nor’easter is developing along the East Coast, bringing the potential for heavy rain, strong winds, dangerous surf, coastal flooding and beach erosion from the Mid-Atlantic into the Northeast. ABC News reports that the storm is expected to intensify off the coast this week, although its ultimate impacts will depend heavily on its track and how close it comes to shore. The storm arrives as El Niño continues to strengthen in the Pacific. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center says there is now a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño this fall and winter, adding another important element to questions about what kind of weather the Northeast could experience in the months ahead. Jase Bernhardt, PhD, associate professor of geology, environment and sustainability and director of Hofstra University’s meteorology program, can discuss the developing nor’easter, the factors influencing its track and intensity, and how strong El Niño conditions could shape weather patterns across Long Island and the Northeast. View his profile Covering the storm? We can help. Bernhardt can provide perspective on: Why a September nor’easter is unusual and what is driving this week's storm The potential for strong winds, coastal flooding, heavy rain and beach erosion Why small changes in a nor’easter's track can dramatically change local impacts How a strong El Niño can influence fall and winter weather patterns Whether the region could see more coastal storms later this fall and winter How residents should interpret and respond to severe-weather warnings Bernhardt's research also explores how people respond to warnings about dangerous weather. He has developed virtual reality simulations designed to demonstrate the risks associated with events including hurricanes, flash floods and snow squalls and to study whether immersive experiences can improve public response to severe-weather warnings. To arrange an interview today, simply click on his profile below

Sep 24, 2026

1 min

Professor Julian Ku Discusses U.N.’s Role in Global A.I. Debate

Hofstra Law Professor Julian Ku was quoted in a recent New York Times article examining the United Nations’ efforts to influence global discussions about artificial intelligence as the United States and China continue to lead the technology’s development. Professor Ku explained that the United Nations has historically struggled to shape how global powers use technologies unavailable to most other nations, including nuclear weapons and advanced cybertools. He said the organization may have greater success helping countries share in the benefits of A.I. than influencing the actions of the United States and China directly. “The U.N. can’t really shape the actions of those who have the power directly,” Ku said, but it can represent countries without that power.