Ep 23. Wed, Feb 1, 2017

On February 1, 2017, Nightline season 38 episode 23 aired on ABC. The episode covered a range of topics, from President Trump's controversial travel ban to the unexpected surge in sales of a 1984 dystopian novel.

The episode began with a segment on the travel ban, which was signed by President Trump just days before the episode aired. Nightline reporters spoke with affected families who were separated by the ban, as well as lawyers and activists working to challenge the executive order in court. The segment also featured interviews with Trump supporters who defended the ban as a necessary measure for national security.

Next, Nightline turned to a more upbeat story about the sudden popularity of George Orwell's novel "1984." The book, which had been selling steadily for years, suddenly surged to the top of the bestseller list after Kellyanne Conway, a top aide to President Trump, used the term "alternative facts" in a TV interview. The term was seen by many as reminiscent of the book's themes of a totalitarian government controlling people's thoughts and beliefs. The segment explored the book's relevance to today's political landscape and featured interviews with writers and scholars who have studied Orwell's work.

The episode then shifted to a more serious story about sexual assault on college campuses. Nightline spoke with survivors who shared their stories of assault and their struggles to get support and justice from their universities. The segment also featured interviews with experts and activists who are advocating for better policies and resources for victims of campus sexual assault.

Next, Nightline turned to a more lighthearted topic: the resurgence of the Rubik's Cube. The iconic toy from the 1980s has been enjoying a comeback in recent years, with competitions and world records being set by skilled "cubers." The segment profiled some of the top cubers in the country and explored the science behind solving the cube.

Finally, the episode closed with a segment on teens and social media. Nightline spoke with teenagers as well as experts in psychology and technology about the impact of social media on young people's mental health and self-esteem. The segment also explored ways that parents and educators can help teens navigate social media in a healthy way.

Overall, the February 1, 2017 episode of Nightline provided a diverse range of stories and perspectives, from politics to pop culture. The show continued its mission of in-depth reporting and thoughtful analysis of the issues that matter most to viewers.