Vice News Tonight Season 6 Episode 6 January 11, 2021

On January 11, 2021, the sixth season of Vice News Tonight aired its sixth episode, covering an array of timely and relevant topics.

The episode began by delving into the aftermath of the January 6th storming of the U.S. Capitol building by supporters of President Donald Trump. Vice News reporters explored how social media played a significant role in organizing the riot and how law enforcement failed to prepare for the violent siege. They sought to understand just how deep the roots of extremism and white supremacy run in this country, and what will be necessary to address the underlying issues that led to the insurrection.

Next, Vice News covered the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, highlighting the logistical challenges and public skepticism that poses significant hurdles to the nationwide vaccination effort. They looked at how states were approaching the rollout of the vaccines, the challenges facing frontline healthcare workers who administer the shots, and the reasons why people are hesitant to get vaccinated.

The episode then took a look inside the LGBTQ+ community in Poland, where a new law has sparked fierce debate and protests over its impact on the rights of queer people. The law essentially bans sex education in schools and restricts public discussion of LGBTQ+ issues. The Vice News team spoke with activists on both sides of the issue, exploring how this law fits into the broader political climate and highlighting the challenges that queer people face in a country where their basic rights are under threat.

Later in the episode, Vice News examined the country's post-election landscape. With President-elect Joe Biden set to take office on January 20th, Vice News explored what that means for immediate policy issues and how Washington will function under a Biden administration. They dissected the policies that a 50-50 Senate could pass -- assuming the two incoming Senate Democrats, who come from Georgia, vote with the party -- and what a divided Congress would signify for the next two years.

Finally, Vice News Tonight took a look at the complicated relationship between weed and wellness. With so many Americans using cannabis for a variety of non-medical purposes, the Vice News team examined the benefits and pitfalls of using weed as a form of self-care. They looked into the research that suggests that cannabis can alleviate anxiety, depression and stress, the ways in which underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by harsh cannabis laws, and the increasing interest in decriminalizing as a form of progressive policy.

Overall, the sixth episode of the sixth season of Vice News Tonight covered a range of issues that reflect the complicated, tangled web of issues facing the world in 2021. It looked at how American society is grappling with its extremist fringes, the challenges facing public health officials, the many obstacles that queer people face worldwide, and the complex ways in which policy, health and civil rights intersect. It offers viewers a snapshot of the complex world we are living in at the start of a new year and offers insight into the brave new world before us.