Antisemitism and Holocaust misinformation and denial are spreading rapidly across social media. As TikTok captures the vast majority of eyeballs amongst Gen Z audiences in the U.S. and globally, a creator with a built-in distribution platform with millions of followers - hopes to raise awareness on the issue and ensure young people understand the truth about what really happened during the Holocaust. TikTok influencer Montana Tucker is taking her 11.4 million followers on a journey by retracing her grandparents’ experience during the Holocaust in a series titled “How To: Never Forget,” which consists of ten 2–3-minute episodes. Through this exploration of her own roots, Montana is sharing her experience with her generation — Gen Z, and she joins MetroFocus along with Rachel Kastner, the producer of the series, to discuss their project. This conversation is a part of our Exploring Hate initiative.

Peril & Promise: The Women-Led, Indigenous-Owned Kelp Farm Restoring Long Island's Waters & Protecting New York From Climate Change

Long Island is on the frontlines of the global climate crisis, ranking among the most vulnerable metro areas in the country. Decades of nitrogen pollution from aging septic systems and fertilizer runoff have only made the situation worse, and the Shinnecock Indian Nation is helping lead the fight to keep communities from going underwater. The Shinnecock Kelp Farmers, a multi-generational, women-led nonprofit, is expanding their kelp hatchery and farm in Southampton to counter the effects of climate change and restore the waters they’ve lived on for thousands of years. The group recently teamed up with The Nature Conservancy, the global conservation organization, on their expansion and joining us to discuss these efforts are: Tela Troge, Director of the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers, and Tiffany Waters, Global Aquaculture Manager for The Nature Conservancy.

Inside Akwesasne Freedom School

Jenna Flanagan travels to the Akwesasne Freedom School in upstate New York for a firsthand look at a Mohawk tribe’s fight to reclaim its roots by taking control of its children’s education- starting with an encouraged ban on speaking English, in favor of their native language and culture.

In recent times, the cellphone - in the hands of ordinary people - has changed the way we remember and relate to events. In their latest book, co-authors Marc Lamont Hill and Todd Brewster argue that this is not the first time in our history that technology has played a part in America’s long struggle against racism. Tonight, they join us as a part of our Chasing The Dream initiative to discuss what we have “Seen and Unseen” - from the murder of George Floyd to the Reconstruction era.

In his new book, “Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization” famed astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson examines the biggest debates in human civilization through the prism of science. The book tackles some of the topics and issues that we argue with each other about all the time, whether through the media, online, or in real life. Dr. Tyson’s book is designed to make readers think twice about what they believe to be true, as he takes on a multitude of subjects including race, gender, religion, politics, and the law.

Donald Trump was indicted on four felony counts Tuesday, the third indictment of the former president this year. Trump was charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S., conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights. The counts are related to his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, culminating in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Joining us to discuss the historical significance of Trump’s latest criminal indictment, what the charges actually mean, and how they could impact the 2024 presidential race are: Terri Austin, host and legal analyst for Law and Crime, the nationally syndicated legal affairs program; Renato Mariotti, Politico legal affairs columnist and a former federal prosecutor; and Russell Payne, a political reporter for The New York Sun.

• TERRI AUSTIN - HOST AND LEGAL ANALYST, “LAW & CRIME”
• RENATO MARIOTTI – “POLITICO” LEGAL AFFAIRS COLUMNIST AND FORMER FEDERAL PROSECUTOR
• RUSSELL PAYNE – POLITICAL REPORTER, “THE NEW YORK SUN”

Quantum Leap: The New Technology That Could Change Humanity

Physicist and bestselling author Dr. Michio Kaku joins MetroFocus to discuss his latest book “Quantum Supremacy” on the new technology that he says will change humanity…and it’s not artificial intelligence!

Chasing The Dream: Kristi Yamaguchi Discusses Her Childhood Literacy Foundation "Always Dream"

U.S. Olympic figure skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi discusses her journey to the 1992 gold medal, the importance of the Japan Parade, and being a champion of childhood literacy with her Always Dream foundation.

Summer of Space Special: NASA's Groundbreaking Mission Back To The Moon And Beyond

For the first time in half a century, NASA is launching astronauts back to the moon, this time with a groundbreaking crew onboard. When the astronauts of Artemis II head into space, possibly as early as late next year, they will travel on a mega rocket around the moon, paving the way for future landings on the lunar surface and even Mars. Onboard will be the first woman and the first. person of color to take part in a NASA moon mission. Tonight, we’ll meet some of these next generation space explorers and the astronauts who paved the way for them one small step at a time. Joining us tonight is Reid Wiseman, Mission Commander of Artemis II, the first moon crew in over 50 years.

Buzz Aldrin's Journey To The Moon

On July 20, 1969, NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin made history by being the second person to walk on the moon. Tonight, he shares his story.

"8 Days To The Moon And Back"

The documentary “8 Days: To the Moon and Back” features NASA footage to provide the blueprint for a recreation of the first lunar landing.

It’s been nearly four decades since “The Karate Kid” hit the big screen and became a cultural phenomenon. And now with the Netflix reboot series “Cobra Kai” a whole new generation of fans are learning that lessons taught in the dojo can help us navigate life. Tonight, the “Karate Kid” himself, Long Island’s own Ralph Macchio discusses his new book, “Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me.”

In an era where social media platforms have been under scrutiny for their role in disseminating misinformation, The WNET Group’s digital series "Take on Fake" serves as a timely reminder of the importance of responsible information sharing. The series encourages viewers to question sources, verify facts, and think critically before sharing any information online. Tonight, series host and executive producer Hari Sreenivasan joins MetroFocus to give viewers some practical tips and tools to distinguish between reliable and fake information, and to tell us how misinformation and disinformation have impacted journalism as a whole.

Election 2024: Does Chris Christie Have A Chance At Winning The Republican Presidential Nomination?

A number of Republicans have already announced their plans to run for president in 2024, but almost all of them have been reluctant to consistently attack the frontrunner in the race, former President Donald Trump. But there is one candidate who seems eager to go on the offensive, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has publicly stated that he is running not only to try to win, but to ensure that Donald Trump loses. Christie, who has gone from one of Trump’s earliest and strongest mainstream supporters to one of his harshest critics, recently described the former president as a “loser,” and has publicly questioned Trump’s fitness for elected office. What explains Christie’s changing attitude towards Trump? Could Christie actually win the Republican nomination? State of Affairs host Steve Adubato joins us to break down the former governor’s campaign.

"American Cities Rebuilding": Senator Cory Booker On Criminal Justice Reform

Since the onset of the 2020 pandemic, America’s cities have faced unique challenges such as rebuilding their devasted economies, providing adequate healthcare and education for their residents, fixing a broken criminal justice system, and dealing with the ever-growing threat of climate change. In order to address these issues, The WNET Group recently participated in a livestream journalism series called, American Cities Rebuilding, for the third consecutive year. The series, made in partnership with PBS stations across the country, and sponsors Wells Fargo and PSE&G, brings together the top minds of today for conversations on the unique problems cities are facing and what they can do to bounce back, better than ever. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker recently joined us, as part of American Cities Rebuilding, to discuss how criminal justice reform is an essential step in helping cities rebuild in a post-pandemic reality.