Vice News Tonight Season 6 Episode 15 January 22, 2021

On January 22, 2021, Vice News Tonight aired its 15th episode of season 6. This episode delved into several major news stories from the day, presented through Vice's unique and hard-hitting investigative lens.

One of the primary stories covered in the episode was the ongoing fallout from the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The Vice News Tonight team explored how social media platforms were taking action to remove far-right extremists and conspiracy theorists in the wake of the attack. Viewers got an inside look at the process that companies like Twitter and Facebook were using to identify and ban users who had played a role in inciting the insurrection. The episode also looked at how these bans were affecting right-wing social media platforms like Parler, which had been removed from the Apple and Google app stores.

In addition to domestic politics, the episode also explored international news stories. Vice News Tonight examined the COVID-19 vaccine distribution efforts across Africa, where the vast majority of countries had yet to receive any doses. Correspondents spoke with vaccine experts and local officials to understand the challenges that were preventing African countries from accessing vaccines, and how this could lead to a prolonged pandemic. The episode also explored how China was using vaccine supplies as a tool for diplomacy, sending doses to countries in Africa and elsewhere in order to curry favor and extend its global influence.

The episode also featured several in-depth investigative pieces. One story looked at how police officers and other law enforcement officials in the United States were using facial recognition technology to identify suspects, often without proper oversight or regulation. Vice News Tonight explored the potential harms of this type of technology, which has been shown to be deeply flawed and prone to errors, particularly when it comes to identifying people of color.

Another segment examined the role of police in schools across the country. Viewers saw how school policing was disproportionately affecting students of color, who were more likely to be arrested or disciplined for minor infractions. The episode looked at initiatives that were seeking to reduce the presence of police in schools and replace them with mental health professionals and other supports for students in need.

Finally, Vice News Tonight covered the ongoing crisis in Yemen, where a civil war had led to widespread destruction and displacement. The episode examined the ways in which the United States and other countries had contributed to the conflict, including through arms sales and support for parties involved in the fighting. Correspondents spoke with people on the ground in Yemen to understand the toll of the conflict on civilians, particularly children, who had suffered from malnutrition, disease, and trauma.

Overall, the January 22, 2021 episode of Vice News Tonight covered a wide range of issues, from domestic politics to global crises. Through its investigative reporting and in-depth coverage, the show offered viewers a unique perspective on some of the most pressing issues of the day.