60 Minutes Season 39 Episode 25 The Anthrax Case, Left Behind, The Widows of Harlan County

In episode 25 of season 39 of 60 Minutes, titled "The Anthrax Case, Left Behind, The Widows of Harlan County," the show investigates three different stories.

First, the episode discusses the contentious and highly publicized investigation into the 2001 anthrax attacks, which killed five people and sickened 17 others. Despite the FBI's identification of a suspect, Dr. Bruce Ivins, questions remain about the strength of the case and the possibility of Ivins's innocence. Correspondent Scott Pelley interviews Ivins's colleagues and family members, as well as the lead investigator on the case, to provide a detailed account of the investigation and its aftermath.

Next, 60 Minutes delves into the issue of "Left Behind" children in China, who are growing up without one or both parents due to the country's strict one-child policy and the country's economic migration. Correspondent Holly Williams follows the story of a young boy whose mother was forced to leave him behind in order to work in a city far from their rural home. The segment explores the emotional toll on both the children and the absent parents, as well as the social and economic conditions that have contributed to this situation.

The final story in this episode explores the plight of the widows of coal miners in Harlan County, Kentucky, who are struggling to make ends meet following their husbands' deaths from black lung disease. Correspondent Lesley Stahl interviews several of these women, who face a difficult battle against both the coal companies and the government in order to receive the benefits they're entitled to by law. The story sheds light on the broader issue of the ongoing fight for workers' rights in America's coal mining communities.

Overall, this episode of 60 Minutes is an emotional and thought-provoking look at three pressing issues in today's world. Through expert reporting and in-depth interviews, the show provides viewers with a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of these complex topics.