Top of the Ticker: NewsNation\u2019s Ashleigh Banfield will be vacating her 10 p.m. ET weeknight show, Banfield, to lead the news network\u2019s new true crime digital vertical set to debut in 2026. This new partnership sees her long-running podcast, Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield, available on NewsNation. <\/p>\n
Michael Corn, president of programming and specials, said Banfield\u2019s \u201cstorytelling and credibility make her the perfect partner as we build a digital destination for true crime fans while keeping her voice central to our on-air coverage.\u201d She will anchor her final show in January 2026 and will continue to provide expert legal analysis for NewsNation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe success of true crime reporting on streaming media platforms has been transformative, and I\u2019m looking forward to helping shape and enhance NewsNation\u2019s multi-platform strategy in this genre,\u201d said Banfield. The network said a slate of rotating anchors will fill the 10 p.m. ET slot until a permanent host is announced.<\/p>\n
Fourth hour co-host: Shenielle Jones has been named Jenna Bush Hager\u2019s permanent co-host for the fourth hour<\/a> of NBC News\u2019 Today. Jones, who will depart from the third hour Today, begins her new assignment on Jan. 12, 2026. She replaces Hoda Kotb, who left the network in early January<\/a>. In that time, 60 co-hosts and guests have sat next to Bush Hager, including Jones, former first lady Michelle Obama, Sheryl Crowe, Halle Berry, Taraji P. Henson, Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Rosie Perez, Regina Hall, Leslie Bibb, and Henry Winkler.\u00a0<\/p>\n Power Players: Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott and CBS News\u2019 recently appointed editor in chief Bari Weiss were both featured in Forbes\u2019 World\u2019s 100 Most Powerful Women of 2025 list<\/a>. The list recognizes women who have commanded a combined $37 trillion in economic power, influencing more than 1 billion people, and were chosen based on four metrics: money, media, impact, and spheres of influence.<\/p>\n Introducing the 22nd annual Forbes list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women: https:\/\/t.co\/90Seih1ZRM<\/a> <\/p>\n These 100 #PowerWomen<\/a>\u2014including 17 newcomers\u2014command a collective $37 trillion in economic power and influence more than 1 billion people.<\/p>\n Illustration: Oriana Fenwick for\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ljAbTuIzCJ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Forbes (@Forbes) December 10, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Revolving Door: MS NOW announced new additions to its on-air reporting team<\/a>, with three joining from ABC News, including Ines de La Cuetara, who is joining as a London-based international reporter. Will McDuffie is joining as a New York-based reporter, and Josh Einiger, who was with ABC News\u2019 New York affiliate, WABT-TV, is becoming a senior transportation and aviation reporter based in New York. Also joining MS NOW are Nick McCool and Britt Miller, who were named overnight anchors and reporters. McCool and Miller were from NBC News, with McCool previously serving as a segment producer at the network and Miller joining from NBC 4 New York, where she was a member of the news team.<\/p>\n New Hero: CNN named Quilen Blackwell its 2025 Hero of the Year during its 19th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. The award recognizes everyday people who make extraordinary contributions to improving the lives of others. Blackwell, who received $100,000, was named for his work with his organization, Southside Blooms, which turns vacant lots on Chicago\u2019s South Side into eco-friendly flower farms, employing local young people to grow, harvest, arrange, and sell flowers at his group\u2019s nonprofit flower shop.<\/p>\n Quilen Blackwell, whose nonprofit, featured on ABC7, transforms vacant lots on Chicago’s South Side into flower farms that employ at-risk young people to grow, arrange and sell the flowers, is the 2025 CNN Hero of the Year. https:\/\/t.co\/kRQ4tF90RI<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) December 7, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n