Tag Archives: Charles Smith

Jeff Pegues Talks Politics And Sports

If you’ve never been to one of Jeff Pegues’ “Newsmakers” events at (or, virtually, via) the Westport Library, you’ve missed something special.

Last January the CBS News justice and homeland security correspondent, author — and 1988 Staples High School graduate — kicked off the series by interviewing (live) Mo Rocca, fellow CBS News correspondent, podcaster and TV personality.

In June (via cyberspace) Pegues chatted with billionaire businessman, hedge fund manager, major Democratic Party donor, Milwaukee Bucks co-owner (and Westport resident) Marc Lasry.

Up next: a pair of conversations about 2 American obsessions: politics and sports.

Both are virtually free. By that I mean: they are online (virtual), and there is absolutely no charge.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, November 11, 7:30 p.m.), Pegues hosts a intriguing conversation with Major Garrett and Nancy Cordes. (Click here to register.)

Major Garrett and Nancy Cordes

They’re 2 of America’s most insightful political reporters. And they just got through covering one of the most compelling, challenging and consequential elections in history.

What was it like in the newsroom this past week? Pegues will help them tell you.

Cordes is CBS News’ chief congressional correspondent. Based in Washington, she contributes to all of the network’s broadcasts and platforms.

Garrett is White House correspondent for CBS News, and  a contributor to National Journal. He previously served as chief White House correspondent for Fox News.

Next month (Tuesday, December 1, 7 p.m.). Pegues will be joined by Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, Los Angeles Sparks Forward Candace Parker, and former NBA star Charles Smith. (Click here to register.)

This is not just jock talk. Topics include how George Floyd’s death sparked a social justice movement in sports, and the ways in which athletes are using their power and influence to mobilize fans.

Jeff Pegues

Since joining CBS News, Pegues has led coverage of some of the biggest stories of the last decade. He reported on the conflict between the Black community and police, and wrote a book: “Black and Blue: Inside the Divide Between Police and the Black Community.”

Pegues has received 3 Emmy Awards, the Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists, and in 2017 was part of the CBS News team that earned an Edward R. Murrow Award.

And he know sports as well as politics. At Staples, he was an All-State sprinter, and an All-FCIAC football running back.

Winfield is one of 7 players in MLB history with over 3,000 hits and 450 home runs. The 12-time All-Star was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001 — his first year of eligibility.

Smith is a retired NBA power forward in the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers selected him as the 3rd overall pick in the 1988 NBA draft. He was named to the All-Rookie first team, and played nearly 10 years in the league.

Parker is one of the most decorated female basketball players ever. The first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft, she is a league champion, 2-time MVP, and Rookie of the Year. She is now a broadcaster, and role model for young athletes.

Roundup: Church Lane; MoCA; Charles Smith; More


Yesterday, the Board of Selectmen approved the Westport Downtown Merchants Association request for the closure of lower Church Lane throughout August.

That will allow “European-style” dining on the street, at Spotted Horse, Amis and the very new Manna Toast.

Stores will plan fun outdoor activities too.

Church Lane remains open from Myrtle Avenue to Elm Street; it’s only the short stretch leading to the Post Road that’s closed.

A scene last year on Church Lane. Expect more like it soon — with masks, of course.


On Thursday nights, MoCA Westport offers “Sunset Sketch & Paint.”

Now they’ve made this great art therapy class — a great way to relieve stress and anxiety — free to nurses and first responders,

The class is also open to any 15 and over, and includes a free glass of wine for those 21 and up. Click here for more information.

MoCA also announced a fun fundraiser. They’ve partnered with local artists to create limited edition cross-body messenger bags.

Artists so far include Amy Kaplan, Jay Petrow, Dale Najarian, Yvonne Claveloux, Trace Burroughs, Jana Ireijo, Fruma Markowitz, Susan Leggitt and Bethany Czarnecki. More will be announced soon.

The bags are available for purchase later this month through the MoCA Westport Museum Shop (in person and online). Follow @mocawestport on social media to learn more.

Untitled, by Yvonne Claveloux


The Westport Library is exploring all options for Camp Explore.

The next guest for the “virtual” youngsters’ program is former New York Knick forward Charles Smith. The Bridgeport native joins the group next Wednesday (July 29, 4 p.m.).

He’ll talk about his experiences as an athlete, business consultant, entrepreneur and civic leader.

Click here for more information, and registration,


And finally … at a time when many tempers are fraying, the Rembrandts say: