May de Blassio's Tenure So Far Set for Next METROFOCUS

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 descriptions for Thursday, December 17 and Friday, December 18 follow below. Please note episode descriptions are subject to change. Please visit metrofocus.org for the latest information.

MetroFocus #1036
Thursday, December 17 at 5:00 p.m. on WLIW21, 5:30 p.m. on NJTV and 6:00 p.m. on THIRTEEN
The Atlantic staff writer Molly Ball examines Mayor Bill de Blasio's tenure so far and discusses the perception that he's more focused on issues outside THE FIVE boroughs. When it comes to your Christmas tree, which is better for the environment: real or fake? We weigh both options with The Nature Conservancy's Bill Ulfelder. And as National Education Week wraps up in New York City, our expert roundtable breaks down the big ideas to come out of the annual education conference.

MetroFocus #1037
Friday, December 18 at 5:00 p.m. on WLIW21, 5:30 p.m. on NJTV and 6:00 p.m. on THIRTEEN
As the Syrian War rages on and the debate over accepting refugees in the U.S. heats us, we discuss the crisis with Middle East expert Ambassador Dennis Ross. We sit down with actress Sonia Manzano, who is moving on after playing Sesame Street's Maria for more than 45 years. Finally, we'll take you to the "Holiday Lights Spectacular at Jones Beach," a two-and-a-half mile stretch that boasts more than 150 animated and synchronized light displays.

MetroFocus Series Overview MetroFocus is an award-winning multi-platform news magazine focusing on the New York and tri-state region. The MetroFocus television program features interviews, in-depth reporting, content from many partners and solutions-oriented reports from the community. Major areas of coverage include sustainability, education, Science and technology, the environment, transportation, poverty and underserved communities.

MetroFocus.org amplifies that reporting with daily updates and original stories that also cover culture, government and politics, the economy, urban development and other news in the metropolitan region. More information at: thirteen.org/metrofocus/about-us-faq/

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