60 Minutes CBS “Elemental Crisis, The Knowledge, Banana Ball” July 5 2026
CBS’ 60 Minutes returns with an encore edition on Sunday, July 5, 2026, featuring three memorable reports that explore global competition for critical resources, one of the world’s most demanding taxi licensing systems, and the baseball phenomenon that has reimagined America’s pastime.
This updated postseason broadcast takes viewers from the Mojave Desert to the streets of London before wrapping up in Georgia with one of the fastest-growing live sports entertainment sensations in the United States.
Elemental Crisis Examines America’s Race for Rare Earth Independence
The broadcast opens with correspondent Jon Wertheim reporting from the only active rare earth mine in the United States, located deep in California’s Mojave Desert near the Nevada border. The report focuses on one of the most strategically important industries in the world as geopolitical tensions between the United States and China continue to shape global supply chains.
Rare earth elements are essential components found inside countless modern technologies. They help power smartphones, electric vehicles, robotics, wind turbines and countless consumer electronics, while also playing a critical role in military equipment including fighter aircraft, drones, radar systems and advanced weapons technology.
The report explains how China currently dominates the global rare earth industry, controlling much of the world’s mining, refining and magnet production. That dominance has made rare earths a significant point of leverage in the ongoing trade relationship between the two countries, particularly as China has previously threatened to restrict exports.
Wertheim visits the American mining operation that is attempting to reduce that dependence. Once operating solely as a private company, the mine now has partial federal government ownership as efforts accelerate to rebuild an American supply chain capable of mining, processing and manufacturing rare earth magnets domestically.
The segment explores the enormous investment required to compete in an industry where China has spent decades building infrastructure and expertise, while examining why securing a domestic source of these materials has become both an economic and national security priority.
Anderson Cooper Explores London’s Legendary “Knowledge”
Correspondent Anderson Cooper heads to London for a story that blends history, tradition and modern technology by examining one of the world’s most demanding professional qualification tests.
While technology companies continue promoting artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles as the future of transportation, London’s famous black cab drivers continue to rely on a centuries-old system built entirely on human memory.
Prospective cab drivers must complete “The Knowledge,” an examination dating back more than 160 years that requires candidates to memorize thousands of streets, landmarks, hotels, government buildings and countless possible routes across the sprawling city.
Cooper rides through London’s ancient streets and medieval alleyways while learning how drivers spend years preparing for a qualification that many consider one of the toughest licensing examinations in the world.
The report explores why experienced black cab drivers believe their extensive local knowledge still offers significant advantages over GPS navigation and emerging autonomous driving technology. Their expertise allows them to adapt instantly to road closures, changing traffic conditions and the city’s constantly evolving landscape.
As artificial intelligence continues transforming many industries, the segment asks whether human experience, memory and instinct still have an important place in modern transportation.
The Savannah Bananas Bring Banana Ball to a National Audience
The final story takes viewers to Savannah, Georgia, where correspondent Lesley Stahl meets the colorful team behind one of the biggest sensations in live sports entertainment.
The Savannah Bananas have transformed baseball into something entirely different with their own version of the game known as Banana Ball, blending athletic competition with music, comedy, dancing and nonstop fan interaction.
Founded by Jesse Cole, whose signature bright yellow tuxedo has become synonymous with the franchise, the Bananas have developed a unique set of rules designed to keep games moving quickly while maximizing entertainment for spectators.
Among Banana Ball’s distinctive rules are a strict two-hour time limit, no bunting, no walks, no mound visits and perhaps the most unusual rule of all: if a spectator catches a foul ball, the batter is automatically ruled out.
Stahl witnesses the energetic atmosphere that has helped the Bananas sell out Major League Baseball stadiums around the country. Between innings filled with choreographed dance routines, backflips, lip-sync performances and constant audience participation, the games resemble a cross between professional sports and a live theatrical production.
The report also profiles founder Jesse Cole and examines how his unconventional vision has attracted millions of fans while challenging many traditional assumptions about what a baseball game can be.
When to Watch
This encore edition of 60 Minutes airs Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network and will also be available to stream on Paramount+.
The broadcast features updated versions of previously aired reports on America’s rare earth mining industry, London’s iconic black cab drivers and the Savannah Bananas’ growing sports entertainment phenomenon.
