Ep 204. July 19, 2017

On July 19, 2017, Vice News Tonight aired its 204th episode, which focused on a range of news topics from around the world. The episode kicked off with a report on the removal of Confederate monuments in New Orleans, which had come under fire following a white nationalist rally in Virginia. Vice News Tonight sent a team to New Orleans to speak with locals about the controversy surrounding the statues, and to explore the wider debate over the role of Confederate symbols in US history.

From there, the episode turned to international news, with a detailed report on the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela. Correspondent Alex Miller spoke with Venezuelans who had fled to neighboring Colombia, and examined the economic conditions driving the unrest in the country. Miller also spoke with members of the Venezuelan opposition, who were calling for the removal of President Nicolás Maduro.

Next up was a deep dive into the world of competitive drone racing. Correspondent Arielle Duhaime-Ross traveled to a racing event in New York City, where she spoke with pilots and organizers about the burgeoning sport. The segment offered a fascinating glimpse into the high-tech world of drone racing, which has emerged as a major new hobby and industry in recent years.

The episode then took a dark turn with a report on the horrific practice of forced conversion therapy in Ecuador. Correspondent Paola Ramos spoke with LGBTQ activists, survivors, and family members of victims about the dangerous and abusive practices used by religious groups to try to "cure" gay and transgender people. The segment was a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ people in countries around the world.

Moving back to the US, Vice News Tonight then turned its attention to the contentious issue of drug pricing. Correspondent Ellen Ruppel Shell explored the high cost of prescription drugs in America, and spoke with experts and patients about the impact of skyrocketing prices. From there, the episode delved into the subject of police reform in America, exploring efforts to improve trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Finally, the episode offered a lighthearted segment on the world of professional hot-dog eating. Correspondent David Noriega visited the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York, where he spoke with competitors and examined the history and culture of the sport. The segment offered a fun and quirky conclusion to the episode, reminding viewers that not all news has to be serious and grim.

Overall, Vice News Tonight season 1 episode 204 offered a diverse and compelling lineup of stories, covering everything from political turmoil in Venezuela to the world of hot-dog eating. With its sharp reporting and edgy style, the show continues to offer a fresh and unique perspective on the news of the day.