In this week's conversation, the panel explores affordable housing issues in Riverside and Riverhead, highlighting the complexities of local government regulations between the two municipalities, community responses, and the ongoing legal disputes surrounding infrastructure development. Alek Lewis explains the impact of zoning laws on cannabis dispensaries, and the importance of community engagement in shaping local policies. Beth Young gives details on a new historical marker honoring formerly enslaved farmer Elymus Reeve, plus more Eastern Long Island news.

This week's panel is:

• Joe Shaw, Executive Editor at The Express News Group
• Bill Sutton, Managing Editor at The Express News Group
• Alek Lewis, Staff Writer at RiverheadLocal
• Beth Young, Editor & Publisher at the East End Beacon
• Chris Francescani, Publisher at The North Fork Sun

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WLIW-FM is community media for Eastern Long Island. Donate to WLIW-FM here.

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Please enjoy this Express Sessions while Behind The Headlines is off. This was recorded live on May 8th, 2025 and has been edited for time and conciseness. An unedited version can be found here.

Under President Trump's rescission package, public media would be crippled by the proposed slashes to funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Bob Feinberg, chief counsel for The WNET Group, joins the conversation as a special guest to explain the implications of these cuts and what is being done legally to prevent the bill from moving forward. Following this portion of the conversation, the journalists discusses environmental issues, the Evelyn Frances Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, new businesses on the East End, and more.

This week's panel is:

• Joe Shaw, Executive Editor at The Express News Group
• Bill Sutton, Managing Editor at The Express News Group
• Denise Civiletti, Editor & Publisher of RiverheadLocal
• Brendan O'Reilly, Deputy Managing Editor at The Express News Group
• Oliver Peterson, Managing Editor at DansPapers.com

Featuring special guest Bob Feinberg, Chief Legal Officer at The WNET Group

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WLIW-FM is community media for Eastern Long Island. Donate to WLIW-FM here.

Download the WLIW-FM app so you never miss a beat!

for Apple devices | for Android devices