From CNN Chief Mark Thompson: Christine Amanpour stepping down Dear all,   I’m writing today with news about a CNN icon – and our dear friend and colleague – Christiane Amanpour.   After more than 43 years at CNN, Christiane has decided that the time is right to begin a new chapter. Early in 2027, she will scale back her CNN International show, Amanpour, to once a week. The program will conclude in May, and she will leave CNN at the end of June.   Christiane has thought carefully about this decision, and she and I have been discussing it for some months. Like so many CNNers who will hear the news today, I’m very sorry to see her go, but I’ve come to accept that this is the right time for her, both personally and professionally.   Christiane has been a household name around the world for decades. Yet she began more than 40 years ago not as one of the biggest stars in CNN’s history, but as a news desk assistant in our Atlanta newsroom. Famously, one of her bosses told her back then that she didn’t have what it took to become a foreign correspondent – or to hold any on-air role at all. Boy, did she prove him wrong!   It would be impossible to list all of her reporting triumphs, exclusive interviews, awards and broadcasting firsts, or the many other accomplishments that have made her one of the most trusted and beloved journalists anywhere. We will make sure to share and celebrate them all before she departs next year.   In the meantime, on behalf of the entire CNN leadership team, I want to thank Christiane for 43 extraordinary years of remarkable journalism, loyalty and friendship.   Mark

Disney lawyer Beth Wilkinson: "We don’t want to be here." U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan: "I don’t want to be here either."