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.

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

for Apple devices | for Android devices

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

This week on Behind The Headlines, the panelists outline recent reports and rumors surrounding ICE activity on the East End. The panel discusses the challenges of confirming these reports, the role of journalism in responsibly reporting on such sensitive topics, and the impact of these actions on the local community and businesses. They also go into the local reaction to upcoming protests, changes at Gosman's Dock, the impact of short-term rentals and hotel developments, decisions regarding the Vail Leavitt Hall, and the ongoing investigation into the Crown Recycling fire.

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
• Beth Young, Editor & Publisher at the East End Beacon
• Christopher Walsh, Reporter at The East Hampton Star

This week on Behind The Headlines, the panel introduces Chris Francescani, publisher of the new publication The North Fork Sun. They'll be covering everything from Riverhead to Greenport. Beth Young of the East End Beacon talks about a significant fire incident at the Crown Recycling facility in Calverton, highlighting the environmental concerns and the response from emergency services. The opening of a new freestanding emergency room in East Hampton is also covered, emphasizing its impact on healthcare access in the region. Francescani shares details of a documentary about Plum Island, focusing on preservation efforts against potential development and the ecological significance of the island. Plus, the introduction of electric planes, the East Hampton Airport, upcoming Pride events 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
• Annette Hinkle, Arts & Living Editor at The Express News Group
• Beth Young, Editor & Publisher at the East End Beacon
• Chris Francescani, Publisher at The North Fork Sun

This week, the panel discusses recent developments in Riverhead, including the Science Center project and the implications of eminent domain in recent redevelopment efforts. They also discuss the importance of symbiotic relationships in community development on the East End, recent boating accidents and safety regulations, green energy initiatives, the Southampton Golf Club, and raising awareness for organ donation.

This week's panel is hosted by Joe Shaw and Bill Sutton of The Express News Group, with Denise Civiletti of RiverheadLocal, Beth Young of the East End Beacon, and Gianna Volpe of WLIW-FM's Heart of the East End.

Please enjoy this Express Sessions while Behind The Headlines is off. This was recorded live on April 10th, 2025 and has been edited for time and conciseness. An unedited version can be found here.

In this episode of Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses Congressman Nick La Lota's stance on SALT deductions, which have a big impact on property taxes for Long Island, and the changing dynamics within the Republican Party regarding federal spending. The conversation also explores Medicaid cuts, school board elections, inequities in school funding, and traffic solutions for the South Fork rush hour.

Hosted by Bill Sutton and Annette Hinkle of The Express News Group, with Denise Civiletti of RiverheadLocal and Michael Mackey of WLIW-FM. Produced by Delaney Hafener of WLIW-FM.