60 Minutes Reports on “Disrupter U.”, “Sculpting Evolution” & “Flight of the Monarchs” September 21 2025
This weekend’s edition of 60 Minutes offers a compelling mix of science, public debate, and breathtaking nature, with one brand-new segment and two timely updates. Airing from 7:00–8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS, the lineup includes a look at a university challenging academic norms, a breakthrough in genetic disease prevention, and an awe-inspiring butterfly migration that continues to puzzle scientists.
Disrupter U.
The first segment revisits a story with new relevance following the recent assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk. 60 Minutes correspondent Jon Wertheim returns to the University of Austin, a fledgling institution in Texas that has made headlines for promoting what it calls “ideological openness” and a firm commitment to free speech.
The university, labeled by critics as “anti-woke,” was first profiled in November. Since then, its founders and advisors have continued to position the school as a disruptor in the academic space. In the wake of national debates about political violence and censorship, this updated report examines how the university is responding—and what its students believe they are fighting for. Denise Schrier Cetta produces the segment.
Sculpting Evolution
Making its debut this Sunday, “Sculpting Evolution” explores a cutting-edge effort to reduce the spread of Lyme disease using genetic engineering. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook travels to Nantucket, where researchers are pursuing an unusual plan: releasing genetically modified mice that are immune to the bacteria causing Lyme disease.
Instead of attempting to eliminate ticks or deer, scientists hope this approach will interrupt the disease cycle entirely. If successful, it could offer a new model for how genetic engineering can be used in the wild to protect public health. This fascinating story, which raises both ethical and scientific questions, is produced by Katie Brennan and Denise Schrier Cetta.
Flight of the Monarchs
In a beautifully shot encore segment, Anderson Cooper takes viewers to the mountainous forests of central Mexico to witness one of the world’s most captivating migrations: that of the monarch butterfly. “Flight of the Monarchs” captures the annual journey of millions of butterflies traveling thousands of miles from Canada and the United States to Mexico, where they spend the winter.
This migration remains one of nature’s great mysteries. The monarchs’ ability to find their way, generation after generation, without guidance, continues to astound scientists. Cooper’s reporting brings both a sense of wonder and urgency, as the species faces threats from habitat loss and climate change. Produced by Denise Schrier Cetta, this story celebrates resilience in the natural world.
Don’t miss this thoughtful and visually stunning hour of journalism when 60 Minutes airs Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM on CBS.
