Multimedia Reporting Fall 2017

Docked at Pier 25 in Tribeca, the US Coast Guard Cutter LILAC looks like any other old ship to the average passerby, but it is actually America’s only surviving steam-powered lighthouse tender and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built for the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1933, the ship was responsible for carrying supplies to lighthouses, maintaining buoys and range lights that would guide ships safely through the water for nearly four decades. Catherine Chojnowski has the story.

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We’ve all heard of legendary producers such Dr.Dre and Swizz Beatz, but what about those youngsters who are climbing their way to the top ? Adrian Toledo went deep into the South Bronx to interview two young up and coming producers to get all the details. Here’s the story.

More than a month since Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, 79% of the island is still without power. Damaged bridges and roadways continue to be a thorn on the islands side as relief efforts are being implemented. There are 51 recorded deaths due to the hurricane, with contaminated water and lack of medical supplies taking most of the blame. While Mayor Yulin Cruz of San Juan, and other representatives have criticized President Donal Trump for the government’s response, unions, small businesses and individuals on the mainland have sprung into action to fill the gap. Rolando Cruz reports from Brooklyn, which has the second largest Puerto Rican community in the 5 boroughs of New York City.

Host Intro: Over the last couple of years, the upper Manhattan neighborhood of Harlem has seen an increase in the number of white residents and newly built condominiums. These new faces are definitely attracting attention, seeing that Harlem is majority African American and Hispanic. Along with the new residents, trendy new businesses, as well as increasing rents have also made their way into the neighborhood. Also, the idea of rebranding the name of South Harlem, into “SoHa” has also raised many eyebrows. Many residents of the neighborhood are outraged at these changes, and have been attempting to make their voices and concerns heard. Imani Clement has the story.

The debate on kneeling in protest during the national anthem has been a hot topic all across America for NFL players. This past month, President Trump has continued to stoke the controversy with his usual dramatic tweets. New York City, home to the NFL headquarters, prides itself on being one of the most liberal cities in the country. Its two football teams, however, are stationed across the river in New Jersey. Evan Lewis went deep into the heart of East Rutherford to hear what fans had to say about the most talked about story in sports.

Since President Trump was elected last year, immigrants and their families say they have had more reason to fear of racism and deportation. From the end of DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, raids. For those who are immigrants or have immigrant family members it has been an emotional year. And for some ICE agents who have to conduct these raids it has been a very conflicting year. Rachel Rodriguez has the story.

Host Intro: First confirmed in a Series of Tweets by the Market Tracking Company NPD, it Became official that Adidas has passed Jordan Brand as the second most popular sneaker in the United States only behind Nike. Taking Kanye West under their wing and revamping the image of their brand was seen to the average consumer as “Remarkable”.   Adidas the last couple of years has made big strides that put them on the map by the way their sneakers not only feel comfort wise but the way they look as well. To figure out why people are gravitating towards Adidas over Jordan, we went directly to the source and asked customers shopping why they prefer Adidas over these other brands.  Here is Fabrizio Salerno with the story.

INTRODUCTION: On October 7th, New Yorkers celebrated the annual Diwali Festival in Times Square. For millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world, Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is the most important holiday of the year. It represents the Hindu New Year, celebrating new beginnings and the victory of good and bright over dark and evil. Stephanie Edwards has the story.