Gun Violence Crisis & More Set for Tonight's MetroFocus on THIRTEEN

The award-winning series MetroFocus premieres new episodes in the New York and tri-state region weeknights at 5 p.m. on WLIW21, 5:30 p.m. on NJTV and 6 p.m. on THIRTEEN. All episodes are available at metrofocus.org following the broadcast.

The episodes description for tonight, Friday, July 15 follow below. Please note episode descriptions are subject to change. Please visit metrofocus.org for the latest information.

Friday, July 15 at 5:00 p.m. on WLIW21, 5:30 p.m. on NJTV and 6:00 p.m. on THIRTEEN
K2 Overdose Epedemic - More than 100 people were rushed to emergency rooms this week after overdosing on K2, or synthetic marijuana. This number is a staggering increase, since it accounts for more than all K2 hospitalizations for the entire month of June. With synthetic marijuana affecting more and more lives in the Big Apple and throughout the state, Governor Cuomo has announced an aggressive plan to stop this epidemic in its tracks. MetroFocus contributor and NJTV News anchor Mary Alice Williams speaks with WPIX11's chief correspondent, Mary Murphy about what exactly is in this drug.

Gun Violence Crisis: Dying Young - 2,600 children and teenagers lose their lives to firearms every year according to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. It's an under-reported crisis but one church in the East Village has placed a powerful vigil in their yard, hoping to create awareness and tell the stories of these often forgotten young men and women. MetroFocus' William Jones paid a visit to the church and met with a family to hear about their encounter with gun violence and the impact this crisis has had on them.

Norman Lear Part II - We continue our conversation with television producer Norman Lear, who is the latest subject in the new AMERICAN MASTERS documentary depicting his life. The documentary, titled Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You, takes a look at how he became the man behind the screen that shaped a new generation of sitcoms in the 1970's. Tonight, we switch gears from his legendary career, to his heart for political activism, speaking on subjects such as organizations he has started and what his opinions are concerning this current Presidential election.

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