Behind The Headlines

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 GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor at The Express News GroupAnnette Hinkle, Arts & Living Editor at The Express News GroupBeth 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.

This week's edition of Behind The Headlines conversation explores the evolving public perception of immigration enforcement on the East End. The panel also explores the political pressures and implications of funding cuts to arts organizations, highlighting the intersection of culture and community engagement. Plus, Riverhead is suing Maureen's Haven, Southold is updating their zoning, and more.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Carlos Sandoval, Columnist, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon

Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconGrant Parpan, crime reporter, Newsday

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses impacts on the local economy from the Trump Administration tariffs; local food pantries serving more people; developments on Riverhead Main Street; Riverhead Town's plans to use eminent domain to buy the Long Island Science Center; and drama on the Greenport Village Board.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconChrissy Sampson, reporter/producer, East End News at LTV

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the importance of prescribed burns in preventing wildfires; an effort to provide markers to remember the history of enslaved people in Riverhead; a measure to allow villages to install stop sign enforcement cameras; and traffic control measures in Southampton.Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Annette Hinkle, Arts and Living Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconBrian Cosgrove, Host of The Afternoon Ramble, WLIW-FM------ 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 February 13th, 2025 and has been edited for time and conciseness. An unedited version can be found here.

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses restrictions on public comment at Riverhead Town Board meeting; congressional town hall meetings; the reaction to racist comments posted on the Butterfly Effect's social media pages; and the Southampton School superintendent's reaction of federal DEI challenges.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalAlek Lewis, staff writer, RiverheadLocal.comMichael Mackey, Local Host for Long Island Morning Edition, WLIW-FM

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the closing of Ponquogue Bridge; new voting machines; an update on the Crescent Duck Farm; developments at East Hampton Airport; and news from a county Environmental Roundtable.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon Chrissy Sampson, reporter/producer, East End News at LTV

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses federal cuts to local agencies; a new Southampton Town Police program to help victims of domestic violence; efforts to support employees of the Crescent Duck Farm; and efforts to slow traffic on County Road 39 in Southampton.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon Gianna Volpe, Host of Heart of the East End, WLIW-FM

Please enjoy this Express Sessions while Behind The Headlines is off. This was recorded live on January 9th, 2025 and has been edited for time and conciseness. An unedited version can be found here.

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses developments at the Crescent Duck Farm; limitations on public meetings in Riverhead; and officials trying to quell immigration concerns in East Hampton.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalAlek Lewis, staff writer, Riverhead Local

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel takes a deep dive into the current immigration debate, discussing the Trump administration crackdown and local reaction to the threat of enforcement sweeps.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalCarlos Sandoval, Columnist, Filmmaker, The Express News Group

Please enjoy this Express Sessions while Behind The Headlines is off. This was recorded live on November 7th, 2024 and has been edited for time and conciseness. An unedited version can be found here.

Please enjoy this Express Sessions while Behind The Headlines is off. This was recorded live on December 5th, 2024 and has been edited for time and conciseness. An unedited version can be found here.

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the Scott's Pointe water park in Calverton; Eastern Long Island Hospital's plans to open a stroke center; the Brookhaven Landfill; affordable housing; and a new documentary, “The Bonackers.”Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon J.D. Allen, Professor, Stony Brook UniversityAlek Lewis, staff writer, RiverheadLocal.com

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses pot shops; tree clearing restrictions in Southold; dumping in the pine barrens; amortizing sand mines in Southampton; and the Conscience Point Shellfish Hatchery.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Michael Wright, Staff Writer, The Express News Group

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses efforts to save the Horseshoe Crabs; Lee Zeldin's new role; the Conscience Point Hatchery loses its lease; and the Triple Five lawsuit in Riverhead. Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Brian Cosgrove, Host of The Afternoon Ramble

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses fallout from the national election; wildfires; Star Confectionary in Riverhead; nonprofits on the East End.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Michael Mackey, Host of Long Island Morning Edition

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the budding cannabis industry on the East End; an eminent domain controversy in Southold; a proposed BESS facility in Flanders; and the struggling scallop population.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses ballot propositions in the upcoming election; a lawsuit filed over a rejected veterans housing plan in Southampton; an historic church that was rebuilt after a fire in Southold; and pot shops popping up on the East End.Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Annette Hinkle, Arts and Living Editor, The Express News Group Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalJoe Werkmeister, staff writer, Newsday

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the Community Preservation Fund; the closing of the last Kmart supers store in Bridgehampton; town budgets exceeding the tax cap; and a proposal for a grassland meadow at East Hampton Town Hall.Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Annette Hinkle, Arts and Living Editor, The Express News Group Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconAlek Lewis, staff writer, RiverheadLocal.comChristopher Gangemi, Staff Writer, The East Hampton Star

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the proposed Shinnecock gas station; Riverhead pot shops; BESS regulations; and Riverhead rental code regulations. Joe Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconAlek Lewis, staff writer, RiverheadLocal.comMichael Mackey, Local Host For Long Island Morning Edition, WLIW-FM

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the presidential debate; affordable housing in Southampton; a stalled housing project in Riverhead; and a Bridgehampton teacher who was put on extended leave. Joe Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Annette Hinkle, Arts and Living Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Joe Werkmeister staff writer, Newsday

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses cell phone bans in the light of school shootings; the Riverhead Town Board abandons agri-toruism plan and adopts comp plan; beach access in Sagaponack; and the Sag Harbor American Music Fest.Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Annette Hinkle, Arts and Living Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconBrian Cosgrove, Host of The Afternoon Ramble, WLIW-FM

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the presidential election and its local impact; Southampton Head Start losing its headquarters; pieces of a broken wind turbine floating toward Montauk; and Riverhead sues Southampton over the Riverside sewer project.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Chrissy Sampson, Deputy Managing Editor, East Hampton Star Gianna Volpe, Host of Heart of the East End, WLIW-FM

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel a proposed zoning change in Riverhead; Southold rental regulations; Governor Kathy Hochul's visit to the East End; and the Vail-Levitt Musical Hall.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconAlek Lewis, staff writer, RiverheadLocal.com

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses traffic gridlock during a visit from Donald Trump; the difficulty of reporting fatal accidents; affordable housing projects; and two musicals being performed on the East End.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Annette Hinkle, Arts and Living Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the upcoming election; the moratorium on BESS facilities; Riverhead Police chief retiring; a climate change photography exhibition; and a Shelter Island sailing program.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Joe Werkmeister, staff writer, Newsday Christopher Walsh, Staff Writer, The Express News Group

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses a combined meeting of the Riverhead and Southold town boards; water protection in Greenport; a proposal for employee-owned housing in East Hampton; a new warehouse proposal in Calverton; and a special rescue by the East Quogue Fire Department.Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Annette Hinkle, Arts and Living Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconBrian Cosgrove, Host of The Afternoon Ramble, WLIW-FM

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses pool safety; an algae bloom in the ocean; the Calverton water park; free outdoor music; and traffic woes. Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News Group Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News Group Annette Hinkle, Arts and Living Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Chrissy Sampson, Deputy Managing Editor, East Hampton Star

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the presidential debate; John Avlon's primary victory; an award RiverheadLocal won from the Open Government Coalition; and a miniature railroad that is returning to Greenport.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconOliver Peterson, Managing editor, Danspapers.com

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the Gilgo Beach killings; Justin Tinberlake's arrest; the Palm Tree Music Festival; Strong's Yacht Center; and a moratorium on hotel construction in Southold.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconGrant Parpan, Staff Writer, Newsday

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the Gilgo Beach killings; Vlad the turkey Vulture; Turtle crossings; and a Freedom of Information Law lawsuit in Southampton Village.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupBrendan O'Reilly, Deputy Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalOliver Peterson, Managing editor, Danspapers.com

East End journalists discuss this and more.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupAlek Lewis, staff writer, RiverheadLocal.comMichael Mackey, Local Host For Long Island Morning Edition, WLIW-FMChrissy Sampson, Deputy Managing Editor, East Hampton Star

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses a pregnancy counseling service drawing fire in Riverhead; the Strongs' Yacht Center application in Mattituck; the first cruise ship to dock in Sag Harbor; a resurgence of coyotes on Long Island; and a new brewery in Riverhead.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconOliver Peterson, Managing editor, Danspapers.com

Please enjoy this Express Sessions while Behind The Headlines is off. This was recorded live on February 16th, 2024 and has been edited for time and conciseness. An unedited version can be found here.

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses a new tax credit for local newspapers; the new Southampton superintendent of schools; the Riverside sewer district being approved; and a mysterious bus that was seen dropping people off in Hampton Bays.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconMichael Mackey, Local Host For Long Island Morning Edition, WLIW-FM

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses school budgets; drinking water contamination; housing in downtown Riverhead; and the Riverside Sewer District.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconChrissy Sampson, Deputy Managing Editor, East Hampton Star

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the upcoming eclipse; rejection of a proposed RV park in Calverton; groundwater pollution; the East Hampton Airport; and changes to the business landscape in Southampton Village.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalJoe Werkmeister, staff writer, NewsdayBrian Cosgrove, Host of The Afternoon Ramble, WLIW-FM

Please enjoy this Express Sessions while Behind The Headlines is off. This was recorded live on February 1st, 2024 and has been edited for conciseness. An unedited version can be found here.

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the 1st Congressional District race; Canio's Books losing its lease; a proposed RV park in Calverton; speed bumps popping up all over the South Fork; and a new addition at Steinbeck Park.Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupAnnette Hinkle, Arts & Living Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconChristopher Gangemi, Staff Writer, The East Hampton Star

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses George Santos throwing his hat into the 1st District Congressional ring; Hampton Jitney fighting congestion pricing; an open seat on the Shelter Island Town Board; and a possible challenge to cannabis zoning rules in Riverhead.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalChrissy Sampson, Deputy Managing Editor, East Hampton StarJoe Werkmeister, staff writer, Newsday

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the announced retirement of State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr.; a proposed Shinnecock tax-free gas station in Hampton Bays; an update to the state cannabis rollout; and a proposed charter high school in Riverhead.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconBrian Cosgrove, Host of The Afternoon Ramble

Please enjoy this Express Sessions while Behind The Headlines is off. This was recorded live on January 11th, 2024 and has been edited for conciseness. An unedited version can be found here.

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses reforms to the state IDA law; Riverhead developers influencing code changes; a Hampton Bays school financial literacy program; a possible strike at Peconic Bay Medical Center; and suspension of pickleball play at SYS.Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End BeaconGianna Volpe, Host of Heart of the East End, WLIW-FM

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the closing of sand mine in Noyac; state aid cuts for local school districts; the Riverside sewer district; and a sewer plant in Montauk. Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalChrissy Sampson, Deputy Managing Editor, East Hampton StarMichael Mackey, Local Host For Long Island Morning Edition, WLIW-FM

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses reduced state aid for schools; a dicey intersection in East Hampton Village; an affordable housing plan in Water Mill; a possible zone change at Tanger Outlets; and historic buildings in Sag Harbor. Bill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupAnnette Hinkle, Arts and Living Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalChristopher Gangemi, Staff Writer, The East Hampton StarJoe Werkmeister, staff writer, Newsday

This week on Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses recent storms leading to flooding and erosion; beach nourishment projects; affordable housing; the Stony Brook Southampton campus; and an EPCAL lawsuit in Riverhead. Joseph P. Shaw, Executive Editor, The Express News GroupBill Sutton, Managing Editor, The Express News GroupDenise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead LocalBrian Cosgrove, Host of The Afternoon Ramble, WLIW-FMBeth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon