60 Minutes Season 40 Episode 16 Episode 16
- December 23, 2007
- 42 min
In the latest episode of 60 Minutes season 40, titled "Episode 16", the show brings a collection of in-depth reports and interviews that highlight the most important current events happening around the world.
The episode starts with a report by correspondent Bill Whitaker, who travels to the Philippines to investigate Rodrigo Duterte, the controversial president of the country who is known for his brutal war on drugs. Whitaker speaks to witnesses and families of victims who have suffered under Duterte's reign, and also confronts the president himself to discuss the allegations of human rights abuses.
Next, correspondent Scott Pelley interviews the man who became a symbol of the Arab Spring, Mohamed Bouazizi. Pelley visits Bouazizi's hometown in Tunisia and meets with his family to discuss how the self-immolation of the street vendor in 2010 sparked a series of protests that led to the overthrow of the Tunisian dictator and the beginning of the Arab Spring. He also investigates the current state of the country and how it offers a unique model for democracy in the Middle East.
In another report, Anderson Cooper meets with immigrants in the US who are facing deportation due to a Trump administration policy that has ended a program that provided protection for immigrants brought to the country illegally as children. These young people, known as Dreamers, now face an uncertain future in the only country they have ever known.
The episode also features a profile of the legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon, who announced his retirement from touring after his recent farewell tour. Correspondent John Dickerson talks to Simon about his career, his creative process, and the inspirations behind some of his most famous songs.
Finally, the show features a segment on the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan, where the residents have been exposed to toxic levels of lead in their drinking water since 2014. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi meets with the residents who are still struggling to get access to clean water and investigates the government's response to the crisis.
Overall, the 16th episode of 60 Minutes season 40 serves as a powerful reminder of the show's commitment to delivering hard-hitting journalism that uncovers the truth behind some of the most pressing issues of our time.