LGBT Safe Schools and Brad Thor 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 1 follow below. Please note episode descriptions are subject to change. Please visit metrofocus.org for the latest information.

Friday, July 1 at 5:00 p.m. on WLIW21, 5:30 p.m. on NJTV and 6:00 p.m. on THIRTEEN "L" Train Nightmare to Cause Transit Woes - Every day, 225,000 commuters take the "L" train to shuttle between Brooklyn and Manhattan. But soon, they will be looking for a new way to get around. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is considering two proposals, slated to take effect in 2019 that would repair a subway tunnel badly damaged during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. One plan would call for a complete shutdown of the tube while the other would drastically reduce service on one of the city's busiest subway lines and take twice as long to complete. Both scenarios have straphangers frustrated, questioning why the shutdown is necessary and how they will get around. Vincent Barone, transportation reporter for amNewYork, is on the story. He joins us to break down both options and tell us what a shutdown would mean for New York City.

Safer Schools for LGBT Students - The Orlando massacre was a harrowing reminder of the legitimate safety fears that members of the LGBT community face every day. For LGBT youth, who can face challenges of harassment, abuse, and bullying on a daily basis, it was particularly alarming. Research shows that more than 81% of LGBT youth reported being harassed because of their sexual orientation. Now, New York City's Department of Education has taken an important step in providing positive and supportive school environments for LGBT students. For the first time, the department is hiring an LGBT community liaison to facilitate making schools an inclusive space and to develop an LGBT curriculum for teachers. New York City Council Member Daniel Dromm spearheaded this initiative and he joins us tonight to talk about it.

T hor Tackles Terror - Political commentator and #1 New York Times best-selling author Brad Thor has written over 16 books featuring Scot Haravath, a former Navy seal turned espionage and counter-terrorism operative. In the latest installment of thriller series, Foreign Agent, the story continues as Haravath goes on a journey to track down a dangerous terrorist. Is art imitating life? Brad Thor is with us today to share this thoughts on the Orlando terror attacks, take us inside his latest novel, and address controversial statements he made on the Glenn Beck Show.

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