60 Minutes Season 40 Episode 19 Episode 19
- January 13, 2008
In season 40, episode 19 of the long-running CBS News program 60 Minutes, viewers are treated to a diverse range of stories covering topics of global concern.
The episode kicks off with a segment on the perils of improper fetal tissue disposal in the United States. Correspondent Scott Pelley investigates how fetal remains end up in landfills, and interviews a Catholic leader who urges hospitals to treat such remains with the same dignity as human bodies. The story is timely given the recent focus on reproductive rights and the politicization of women's health in America.
Next up is a feature by correspondent Jon Wertheim about former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Jalen Rose, who opened the first non-charter public high school in his native Detroit. The school has a unique curriculum that incorporates coding, financial literacy, and mentoring to help underserved students succeed. Wertheim speaks with Rose, students, and staff to showcase how the unique approach is making a difference in the community.
Following that is a segment on the importance of language access for limited-English proficient (LEP) individuals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Correspondent John Dickerson visits California's Central Valley, where many LEP farmworkers are struggling to navigate information about the virus in a language they understand. The segment highlights the serious consequences of language barriers in health care, education, and other areas, and the need for more funding to address these disparities.
A story about a groundbreaking new documentary that captures the emotional impact of COVID-19 on the medical community is also featured in episode 19. Correspondent Bill Whitaker speaks with director Alexandra Pelosi about "American Selfie: One Nation Shoots Itself," which was filmed entirely on iPhones and offers an intimate look at the human toll of the pandemic. The segment offers a glimpse into some of the most poignant moments of the film and the challenges of capturing an ever-changing crisis on film.
Finally, the episode wraps up with a profile of vintner Michael Mondavi, who has spent decades building a wine empire in Napa Valley. Correspondent Tracy Smith explores Mondavi's family legacy and his passionate pursuit of creating the perfect bottle of wine. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process and the dedication it takes to produce a truly exceptional vintage.
Overall, 60 Minutes season 40, episode 19 offers a diverse array of stories that speak to important issues of our time. From reproductive rights to COVID-19 to the art of wine-making, the episode showcases the breadth and depth of the program's storytelling, and is sure to engage viewers interested in a wide range of topics.