Behind The Headlines

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, 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
• Joe Werkmeister, Staff Writer at Newsday
• Beth Young, Editor & Publisher of East End Beacon
• Michael Mackey, host of The Long Island Daily on WLIW-FM

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

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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. Christine Sampson talks about the impact of the decline of civics education, and they also touch on the controversy surrounding a teacher's comments on social media, 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 at RiverheadLocal
• Jack Motz, Staff Writer at The Express News Group
• Christine Sampson, Director of Community Engagement at LTV

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

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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 Town Square project, exploring its potential impact on the community and the controversies surrounding it, and Beth Young outlines the legal complexities of seaplanes landing on the North Fork.

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 at RiverheadLocal
• Beth Young, Editor & Publisher at the East End Beacon
• Alek Lewis, Staff Writer at RiverheadLocal

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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

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 recap of a recent Metallica concert at the Stephen Talkhouse, highlighting the cultural significance of such events in the community.

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

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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

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 & Living Editor at The Express News Group
• Denise Civiletti, Editor & Publisher at RiverheadLocal
• Beth Young, Editor & Publisher at the East End Beacon
• Brian Cosgrove, host of The Afternoon Ramble on WLIW-FM

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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!

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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 combination of increased acceptance and intolerance. He shares his insights on the challenges and future outlook for the community, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and history in understanding the Latino experience.

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 at RiverheadLocal
• Beth Young, Editor & Publisher at the East End Beacon
• Carlos Sandoval, Filmmaker and Express News Group contributor

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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

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 new documentary about Long Island icon Billy Joel.

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 at RiverheadLocal
• Beth Young, Editor & Publisher at the East End Beacon
• Brian Cosgrove, Host & Producer of Heart of the East End

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

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for Apple devices | for Android devices

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
• Bill Sutton, Managing Editor at The Express News Group
• Denise Civiletti, Editor & Publisher at RiverheadLocal
• Beth Young, Editor & Publisher at the East End Beacon
• Gianna Volpe, Host & Producer of Heart of the East End

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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

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.