James Carter Senior News Editor

Norah O’Donnell recently concluded a brief return to the “CBS Mornings” desk, sparking interest among viewers about the veteran journalist’s current role at CBS News. The appearance wasn’t a permanent shift, but rather a promotional opportunity tied to the release of her novel book, “We the Women,” which explores the often-untold stories of American women. O’Donnell’s return to the morning show offered a glimpse of her continued presence at CBS, even as her primary focus shifts to this new literary endeavor and nationwide book tour.

The seasoned anchor co-hosted the broadcast with Gayle King and Nate Burleson from February 23rd through February 25th, sharing anecdotes and insights related to her book. “We the Women” delves into the contributions of women throughout American history, aiming to highlight figures and narratives often overlooked in traditional accounts. The project coincides with the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States, providing a timely platform to re-examine the nation’s past through a more inclusive lens.

O’Donnell marked her final day back on “CBS Mornings” on Wednesday, February 25th, posting to her Instagram story that it was her “last day” with the show. During a lighthearted exchange with her co-hosts, she acknowledged the challenges of early morning television, stating, “I just want to say full respect because forgot how hard This proves to secure up in the morning.” She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to promote her book on the program, thanking King and Burleson for their support.

“We the Women” launched on Tuesday, February 24th, and quickly gained traction, ranking sixth on Amazon’s Top 100 list early Wednesday, according to reports. The book focuses on the often-unrecognized achievements of women throughout American history, drawing on extensive research, interviews, and archival materials. O’Donnell explained to PBS News’ Amna Nawaz that the project aims to address a historical imbalance, stating, “It’s not that women weren’t doing stuff…They were doing plenty. It’s just we haven’t highlighted their stories.”

O’Donnell is currently embarking on a nationwide book tour, with a scheduled appearance in Boston on Wednesday. Her career at CBS News has been marked by significant roles, including serving as chief White House correspondent during the Obama administration and, later, as anchor and managing editor of “CBS Evening News.” She currently holds the position of senior correspondent for CBS News and a contributing correspondent on “60 Minutes.”

Prior to joining CBS in 2011, O’Donnell honed her journalistic skills at NBC News, covering the Pentagon, Congress, and the White House. A graduate of Georgetown University, her upbringing in a military family took her across the globe, with stops in San Antonio, Texas; Landstuhl, Germany; Seoul, South Korea; and Washington, D.C. Throughout her three-decade career, O’Donnell has received numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and the duPont-Columbia Award. She was also recognized by the White House Correspondents’ Association for her reporting on sexual assaults at the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2018.

Notably, O’Donnell has interviewed every living U.S. President, as well as a diverse range of global leaders and cultural icons, including Pope Francis, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Malala Yousafzai, and Oprah Winfrey. She also moderated the 2024 vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Kamala Harris. O’Donnell is married to Geoff Tracy, president of Chef Geoff’s Deluxe Hospitality in Washington, D.C., and they have three children together.

As O’Donnell focuses on her book tour and continues her role as a senior correspondent and contributor to “60 Minutes,” her recent return to “CBS Mornings” served as a reminder of her enduring presence and influence within CBS News. The success of “We the Women” and her ongoing commitment to highlighting untold stories suggest a continued dedication to impactful journalism and historical exploration.

What comes next for Norah O’Donnell will likely involve continued engagement with readers and audiences through her book tour and ongoing contributions to CBS News. Her work promises to preserve a spotlight on the vital, yet often overlooked, contributions of women to American history. Share your thoughts on O’Donnell’s work and “We the Women” in the comments below.

Baltimore, MD – A Maryland State Trooper was injured after being shot at during a traffic stop early Tuesday morning in Baltimore City, sparking a multi-jurisdictional manhunt that ended with the arrest of Maurquise Emillo James, 22, of Baltimore. James is now facing attempted murder charges and has also been identified as a suspect in a recent homicide in Montgomery County, authorities announced Wednesday.

The incident began shortly before 3:30 a.m. At the intersection of Belle Avenue and Milford Avenue when the trooper attempted to pull over a gray 2009 Infiniti G37 for multiple violations, including operating the vehicle without headlights and displaying no registration tags. According to police, as the trooper approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, James opened the door and fired two rounds at the trooper before fleeing the scene. The trooper, who did not return fire, was treated for powder burns and has since been released from the hospital, but is currently on administrative leave as per standard procedure.

Suspect Apprehended in Montgomery County

Following an intensive investigation involving the Maryland State Police, the FBI, Baltimore County Police, Baltimore City Police, and Montgomery County Police, James was apprehended in Montgomery County on Tuesday afternoon at approximately 3:00 p.m. Intelligence sharing between agencies was critical to his capture, officials stated. A search of two residences linked to James in Baltimore City and Baltimore County led to the recovery of the Infiniti G37 involved in the shooting.

Multiple Charges Filed in Two Jurisdictions

After consulting with the Baltimore City State’s Attorney, James has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, felony assault, and the leverage of a firearm during a crime of violence, along with related offenses. He is currently being held without bond in Montgomery County, where he is also facing charges in connection with the February 14th murder of 87-year-aged Robert Fuller Jr. In Potomac, Maryland. Fuller, a millionaire, was found dead at a senior living facility where James was employed as a medicine technician. James has been charged with first-degree murder in that case as well, and is awaiting a bond hearing.

According to investigators, surveillance footage from the senior living facility showed James entering the facility around 5:05 a.m. On the morning of Fuller’s death. Authorities also discovered evidence that a door alarm sensor had been tampered with and a paper towel had been used to prop open an exterior door.

Investigation Details and Evidence Recovery

The Maryland State Police investigation revealed that James had worked the night before Fuller’s death and had administered medication to the victim and his roommate. The trooper involved in the shooting was approaching the Infiniti on the driver’s side when James allegedly fired the shots. The trooper sustained powder burns due to the close proximity of the gunfire but was not struck by bullets.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during routine traffic stops. The swift apprehension of James is a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies in Maryland.

Authorities are continuing to investigate both the shooting and the homicide, and further details may emerge as the cases progress. The Maryland State Police have not released information regarding a potential motive in either case.

What comes next is the prosecution of James on multiple serious charges in both Baltimore City and Montgomery County. The legal proceedings will likely be complex, given the separate jurisdictions and the severity of the alleged crimes. The public will be watching closely as these cases unfold.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

South Williamsport, PA – Decades after being denied the opportunity to compete due to segregation, a pioneering Black Little League team is finally receiving recognition for their athletic achievements and the barriers they faced. The story of the Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars, a team that earned a spot in the 1963 Little League World Series but was prevented from playing, is a stark reminder of the racial injustices that permeated American society during the Civil Rights era. This long-overdue acknowledgment comes as a testament to their resilience and a reckoning with a painful chapter in Little League history.

The team’s invitation to the 1963 Little League World Series, just one day before the assassination of Emmett Till, was overshadowed by the systemic racism prevalent at the time. White teams in South Carolina refused to play against the all-Black team, leading to a mass exodus of Southern white teams from Little League Baseball and the formation of segregated youth baseball organizations like Dixie Youth Baseball. The story highlights how deeply ingrained segregation was, even impacting children’s sports and the lasting impact of that discrimination.

A League Born From Necessity

In 1953, Robert Morrison, president of the Cannon Street YMCA, petitioned Little League Baseball to establish a league for Black teams, a request that was ultimately granted. The following year, dozens of 11- and 12-year-old boys were selected to participate in the newly formed league, playing their games on a field of grass and gravel at Harmon Field in Charleston, South Carolina. This field was located in a city with a deeply troubled racial history, situated near Emanuel AME church, the site of a tragic mass shooting in 2015. The World details the historical context of the field and the city.

The Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars quickly distinguished themselves, earning the right to represent their league in the Little League World Series. Still, their journey was cut short by the discriminatory practices of the time. The team’s exclusion wasn’t simply a matter of logistical challenges; it was a deliberate act of segregation that denied these young athletes the chance to compete on a national stage.

Echoes of Discrimination and a Delayed Honor

The story of the Simpson Road Trojans, an Atlanta Little League team formed in 1962, mirrors the experiences of the Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars. The Trojans were the first Black Little League team to be invited to the 1963 Little League World Series, but a last-minute dispute over a player’s age, widely seen as a pretext for discrimination, prevented them from attending. WABE reports that at the time, Atlanta had a stark disparity in park access, with 42 parks designated for white residents and only three for Black residents.

More than 60 years later, the pain of this lost opportunity still resonates with the former players. The recognition now being bestowed upon these teams is not merely a symbolic gesture; it’s an acknowledgment of the injustice they endured and a step towards rectifying a historical wrong. The 1963 Little League World Series itself was won by Granada Hills National Little League of California, defeating Stratford Original Little League of Connecticut, but the story of the excluded teams serves as a poignant counterpoint to the celebratory narrative of the event. Wikipedia provides details on the 1963 tournament winners.

In February 2026, the story gained renewed attention with NPR reporting on the belated recognition of the 1963 team. NPR highlighted the significance of finally honoring these athletes and acknowledging the systemic racism that prevented them from realizing their dreams.

The honoring of these teams serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the importance of confronting the injustices of the past. It also underscores the power of sports to both reflect and challenge societal norms. As communities continue to grapple with issues of race and equity, the story of the Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars and the Simpson Road Trojans offers valuable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the enduring pursuit of justice.

The recognition of these teams is a significant moment, but the work of dismantling systemic racism continues. Further research and documentation of similar stories are needed to ensure that these experiences are not forgotten and that future generations learn from the mistakes of the past. The ongoing conversation about racial justice in sports and society will undoubtedly be informed by the legacy of these pioneering Little League teams.

Share your thoughts on this essential story in the comments below. Let’s continue the conversation and honor the legacy of these athletes.