Behind The Headlines - podcast cover

Behind The Headlines

WLIW-FMwww.wliw.org
Behind the Headlines is a new one-hour, weekly public radio program featuring conversations about the local and regional news of the week. Providing analysis of the latest local and regional and cultural issues, Behind the Headlines is hosted by Express News Group editors Bill Sutton and Joseph P. Shaw. To bring listeners a diversity of perspectives, voices and views, each week Sutton and Shaw will host a rotating panel of esteemed guest journalists and colleagues, from a robust collection of East End, Long Island, and regional news and public affairs outlets. Confirmed participating organizat
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Episodes

Workforce housing vs. affordable housing in Riverhead, and more

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 ...

Jul 12, 202554 min

Public media faces existential threats from Trump administration

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,...

Jun 28, 202554 min

Facts vs. rumors regarding ICE activity on the East End

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 ...

Jun 14, 202554 min

Significant fire incident at Crown Recycling in Calverton

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 h...

Jun 07, 202554 min

Riverhead makes unconventional use of eminent domain

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 Grou...

May 31, 202554 min

Congressman LaLota breaks with Republican Party over SALT cap

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...

May 17, 202554 min

Local impact of federal immigration policies

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 ...

May 10, 202554 min

Downtown Riverhead continues redevelopment efforts

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...

Apr 26, 202554 min

Long Island economy feels impacts of Trump tariffs

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 Local Beth Y...

Apr 05, 202554 min

Prescribed burns play important role in preventing future wildfires on Long Island

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 Local Beth Young , ...

Mar 29, 202554 min

Riverhead Town Board restricts public comment at meetings

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 Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti , Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Alek Lewis , staf...

Mar 08, 202553 min

Ponquogue Bridge closed indefinitely

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 Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon Chrissy Sampson , reporter/producer, East End News at ...

Mar 01, 202553 min

Long Island feels effect of federal cuts as hundreds face lay-offs and slashed services

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 Group Bill Sutton , Managing Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti , Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Beth Young, Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon Gianna...

Feb 22, 202553 min

Crescent Duck Farm advocates for vaccine research following mass euthanization

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 Group Bill Sutton , Managing Editor, The Express News Group Denise Civiletti , Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Alek Lewis, staff writer, Riverhead Local...

Feb 08, 202553 min

How will Trump’s immigration policies affect Eastern Long Island?

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 Group Bill Sutton , Managing Editor, The Express News Group Beth Young , Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon Denise Civiletti , Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Carlos Sandoval, Columnist, Filmmaker, The Express News Group...

Feb 01, 202554 min

Express Sessions: Solving the Sag Harbor Parking Puzzle

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 .

Jan 18, 202554 min

Changes in trash policy could affect Brookhaven Landfill

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 University Alek Lewis , staff writer, RiverheadLocal.com...

Jan 11, 202554 min

Pot shop conversation continues for East End

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...

Dec 07, 202455 min

Triple Five lawsuit saga in Riverhead continues

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...

Nov 23, 202454 min

What is the wildfire threat on Long Island?

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...

Nov 16, 202454 min

Eminent domain controversy unfolding in Southold

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...

Oct 26, 202454 min

Pot shops popping up on the East End?

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 Beacon Denise Civiletti, Editor/Publisher, Riverhead Local Joe Wer...

Oct 19, 202454 min

Kmart's last U.S. location closing in Bridgehampton, and more

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 Beacon Alek Lewis , staff writer, RiverheadLocal.com Christopher Gangemi, Staff Writer, The...

Oct 05, 202454 min

Where does the Shinnecock Nation's gas station stand?

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 Group Bill Sutton , Managing Editor, The Express News Group Beth Young , Editor/Publisher at East End Beacon Alek Lewis , staff writer, RiverheadLocal.com Michael Mackey , Local Host For Long Island Morning Edition, WLIW-FM...

Sep 21, 202455 min

Where does affordable housing stand in Southampton?

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 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 Joe Werkmeister staff writer, Newsday...

Sep 14, 202454 min
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