<description>The Express News Group is launching a brand-new 27east.com this month, a major step forward for local news coverage on the South Fork. The upgrade comes during the same month that longtime Executive Editor Joseph P. Shaw steps back to a consulting editor role while Bill Sutton steps up to become the ninth editor-in-chief in the history of both The Sag Harbor Express and The Southampton Press. In addition, Brendan J. O’Reilly assumes the newly created digital editor role. In this week's podcast, the editors and co-publishers discuss these and other changes as well as the better reader experience that the new website will provide.
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The Express News Group is launching a brand-new 2…

The Express News Group is launching a brand-new 27east.com this month, a major step forward for local news coverage on the South Fork. The upgrade comes during the same month that longtime Executive Editor Joseph P. Shaw steps back to a consulting editor role while Bill Sutton steps up to become the ninth editor-in-chief in the history of both The Sag Harbor Express and The Southampton Press. In addition, Brendan J. O’Reilly assumes the newly created digital editor role. In this week's podcast, the editors and co-publishers discuss these and other changes as well as the better reader experience that the new website will provide.


A New 27east and More Big Changes for The Express News Group

<description>Hamptons Doc Fest is back, and from December 4 to 11 will screen 33 feature-length and short documentaries at Bay Street Theater, Sag Harbor Cinema and, new this year, Southampton Playhouse, which hosts the closing night film, “Lost Wolves of Yellowstone.”

This week, the editors talk to Jacqui Lofaro, founder and executive director of the Hamptons Doc Fest, about the festival’s 18th season and some of the highlights that are not to be missed.</description>

Hamptons Doc Fest is back, and from December 4 to…

Hamptons Doc Fest is back, and from December 4 to 11 will screen 33 feature-length and short documentaries at Bay Street Theater, Sag Harbor Cinema and, new this year, Southampton Playhouse, which hosts the closing night film, “Lost Wolves of Yellowstone.”

This week, the editors talk to Jacqui Lofaro, founder and executive director of the Hamptons Doc Fest, about the festival’s 18th season and some of the highlights that are not to be missed.

Spotlight on the Hamptons Doc Fest: Films, Stories and Festival Highlights

<description>The staff and volunteers at Heart of the Hamptons Food Pantry work hard year-round to feed hungry Southampton residents. But 2025 has been a particularly difficult year for those facing food insecurity. Reductions in federal funding for pantries and the added pressure of suspended SNAP benefits means the pantry is feeding more families than ever. 

This week, the editors are joined by Molly Bishop, executive director of Heart of the Hamptons Food Pantry, to talk about how she and her crew are meeting the need as they settle into their new location at 44 Meeting House Lane in Southampton Village.</description>

The staff and volunteers at Heart of the Hamptons…

The staff and volunteers at Heart of the Hamptons Food Pantry work hard year-round to feed hungry Southampton residents. But 2025 has been a particularly difficult year for those facing food insecurity. Reductions in federal funding for pantries and the added pressure of suspended SNAP benefits means the pantry is feeding more families than ever. 

This week, the editors are joined by Molly Bishop, executive director of Heart of the Hamptons Food Pantry, to talk about how she and her crew are meeting the need as they settle into their new location at 44 Meeting House Lane in Southampton Village.

Feeding Southampton: Heart of the Hamptons Responds to Rising Need

<description>The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center was recently awarded $4 million from Southampton Town’s Community Preservation Fund. The money will be used for capital projects and enhancements at the historic 1932 theater.

While the CPF, a 2 percent property transfer tax, was originally used for open space purchases, in recent years its use has expanded to include preservation of important structures owned and operated by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. In addition to the preservation of the theater’s iconic façade, the CPF agreement stipulates that WHBPAC will continue to operate as a space for diverse cultural programs, serving as a community anchor for generations to come.

This week, the editors are joined by WHBPAC Executive Director Julienne Penza-Boone and Marketing Director Heather Draskin, who talk about the history of the theater, the process that led to the CPF award and how the theater will use the funds in the future.</description>

The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center was …

The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center was recently awarded $4 million from Southampton Town’s Community Preservation Fund. The money will be used for capital projects and enhancements at the historic 1932 theater.

While the CPF, a 2 percent property transfer tax, was originally used for open space purchases, in recent years its use has expanded to include preservation of important structures owned and operated by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. In addition to the preservation of the theater’s iconic façade, the CPF agreement stipulates that WHBPAC will continue to operate as a space for diverse cultural programs, serving as a community anchor for generations to come.

This week, the editors are joined by WHBPAC Executive Director Julienne Penza-Boone and Marketing Director Heather Draskin, who talk about the history of the theater, the process that led to the CPF award and how the theater will use the funds in the future.

Preserving the Past: CPF Grant Gives WHBPAC $4 Million for a Brighter Future

<description>On Wednesday, November 5, ICE agents swept into Hampton Bays and Westhampton, setting upon immigrant laborer gathering spots and businesses that employ or are frequented by immigrants. The officers made several arrests as part of the largest local federal immigration sweep since the start of the second Donald Trump administration.

This week, the editors talk about the operation with senior reporter Michael Wright, New York State Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni and, from OLA of Eastern Long Island, Executive Director Minerva Perez and legal advocate Erika Padilla.</description>

On Wednesday, November 5, ICE agents swept into H…

On Wednesday, November 5, ICE agents swept into Hampton Bays and Westhampton, setting upon immigrant laborer gathering spots and businesses that employ or are frequented by immigrants. The officers made several arrests as part of the largest local federal immigration sweep since the start of the second Donald Trump administration.

This week, the editors talk about the operation with senior reporter Michael Wright, New York State Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni and, from OLA of Eastern Long Island, Executive Director Minerva Perez and legal advocate Erika Padilla.

Federal Immigration Sweep Shakes the East End

The editors of The Express News Group talk about what news on the East End.

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