Ep 67. January 26, 2017

On January 26, 2017, Vice News Tonight aired its 67th episode of season 1. This episode covered a range of current events and pressing issues, including the beginning of the Muslim Ban, the political climate in Romania, and the ongoing crisis in Syria.

The episode opened with a segment discussing President Trump's executive order banning people from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Correspondent Vignesh Ramachandran interviewed several people affected by the ban, including a Syrian doctor who had been living and working in the US for years but was now stranded in Istanbul. Ramachandran also spoke with attorneys working to fight the ban in court. The segment explored the chaotic implementation of the ban, the protests erupting across the country, and the legal challenges already underway.

The show then turned to Romania, where protesters had been demonstrating against the government for weeks. Correspondent Krishna Andavolu traveled to Bucharest to speak with activists and politicians about the unrest. The segment delved into the corruption and economic stagnation that had sparked the protests, as well as the government's attempts to crack down on free speech and dissent. Andavolu spoke with both supporters and detractors of the protests to present a balanced view of the situation.

Next, Vice News Tonight aired a short update on the crisis in Syria. The segment focused on the recent escalation in violence, with Syrian government forces and Russian aircraft pounding rebel-held areas in and around the city of Damascus. Correspondent Ben Anderson spoke with civilians who described the horror of the bombings and the desperate measures they were taking to protect themselves and their families. The segment also touched on the international community's response to the crisis, including the UN's attempts to broker a peace agreement.

The show then shifted to a lighter topic, exploring the burgeoning world of AI-powered personal assistants like Alexa and Google Home. Correspondent Arielle Duhaime-Ross visited the headquarters of Amazon and Google to learn more about how these devices work and what the future might hold for them. The segment also discussed some of the privacy concerns that have been raised around AI personal assistants, as well as some of the more whimsical ways people are using them.

The episode closed with a segment examining the relationship between President Trump and the Mexican government. Correspondent Alzo Slade traveled to Mexico City to speak with officials and citizens about the potential impact of Trump's proposed border wall and his harsh rhetoric on Mexico. The segment explored the history of US-Mexico relations, as well as the economic and social ties that bind the two countries together. Slade also looked into Mexico's response to Trump's provocations, including efforts to strengthen ties with other nations and increase self-sufficiency.

Overall, the January 26, 2017 episode of Vice News Tonight provided a diverse and compelling look at some of the most pressing issues of the day. From the Muslim Ban to the crisis in Syria to the emerging world of AI personal assistants, the show covered a range of topics with insight, depth, and nuance. Whether exploring far-flung corners of the globe or shining a light on issues closer to home, Vice News Tonight remained fiercely committed to providing honest and thought-provoking journalism.