Behind The Headlines

In this episode of Behind the Headlines, the panel takes another deep dive into the cannabis issues on the East End, spurred by a legalization lawsuit filed by Southampton and Riverhead Towns. They also talk about the challenges of local zoning laws, the evacuation of a nursing home during a nor'easter, the expansion of the Riverhead Ambulance Corps, and the controversial purchase of an armored ve...

On this week's Behind The Headlines, the panel details concerns over contaminated soil in Calverton, the unsolved cold case of Montauk Mary, and innovative care programs for the aging population. The conversation also touches on traffic management experiments aimed at improving flow on County Road 39 and highlights the upcoming Hamptons International Film Festival, with Annette Hinkle mentioning A...

On this week's edition of Behind The Headlines, the panel discusses the cannabis shop in Southampton which opened without complete permitting, state regulations versus local laws in cannabis and the frustrations of local cannabis operators. They also talk about the political dynamics surrounding candidate engagement in Riverhead and recent changes in COVID vaccine accessibility in New York State,...

In this episode of 'Behind the Headlines,' Bill Sutton covers the recent removal of trash cans in Southampton. Denise Civiletti discusses the cold case of the murder of anonymous woman known only as Montauk Mary and the historical significance of Sound Avenue. The panel invites Jack Motz to dive into the approval of a dock in Three Mile Harbor and the history of the HMS Culloden shipwreck. Christi...

In this episode of 'Behind the Headlines,' the panel reflects on the recent assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk, highlighting the dangers of political violence though expressing disagreement with his views. They also discuss dredging projects in Montauk and Mattituck, Poxabogue Field debates, and the Osprey and Bald Eagle population recoveries. Denise and Alek explain the Riverhead...

In this week's conversation, the panel reflects on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, discussing community memories and local commemorative events. They also touch on the preservation of working waterfronts through new legislation, the challenges facing the offshore wind industry due to the Trump administration, and a local church's initiative to provide affordable housing. They wrap with a...

In this episode of Behind the Headlines, the panel discusses the legal challenges surrounding cannabis dispensaries in Riverhead, the water pipeline proposed by the Suffolk County Water Authority, New York State's new cell phone policy in schools, and the upcoming documentary on Billy Joel. This week's panel is: Bill Sutton, Managing Editor at The Express News Group Annette Hinkle, Arts & Livi...

Carlos Sandoval is a filmmaker and writer who has been a vital part of the East End community for over three decades. In this episode of Behind The Headlines, Joe and Bill welcome him to reflect on his time on the East End as he prepares to leave the area for a new stage of life. Sandoval talks about the evolution and shifts that he's seen in the East End Latinx community, being a complex combinat...

In this week's edition of Behind The Headlines, the panel discusses the the challenges facing public media and the changing nature of local journalism more generally. The panel also explores the impact of development projects in Riverside, misinformation around zoning laws in Southold, and the significance of early childhood education programs. Brian Cosgrove closes the conversation touching on a...

In the wake of the passage of the rescissions package, the panel discusses what impact WLIW-FM may feel in addition to what it means for independent public media stations across the country. They also touch on affordable housing and the relationship to short- and long-term rentals on the East End, zoning, changes, and more. This week's panel is: Joe Shaw, Executive Editor at The Express News Group...

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 engageme...

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...

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...

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 openi...

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...

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 rus...

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. J...

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 Beacon Grant 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 ,...

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 Livi...

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 Group Bill Sutton , Managing E...

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 Group Bill Sutton , Managing Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti , Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Be...