Is Poppy Harlow trading in her cue cards for a courtroom? While announcing her leave of absence from CNN on August 17, the journalist revealed she was saying goodbye to her seat at the network to pursue a one-year Master of Studies in Law program at Yale Law School. “Starting next week, I will be taking a break from being with you every morning on this show so that I can go back to school. Yes, school!” she marveled (via CNN). “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. And if this year and a half has taught me anything, it is, why not try!”
Harlow echoed her sentiment while chatting with Variety, saying she always “wanted to learn more about the law” and what goes down in the courtroom. “I really felt that over the last year and a half,” Harlow stated in an interview published on August 17. Fortunately for CNN fans, Harlow’s exit is only temporary. “I’m here to stay for good as a journalist,” she added, revealing she’ll continue to fill in on the network on rare occasions, like when she “[doesn’t] have class,” as well as “every single holiday.” The “CNN Newsroom” co-host said, “You will see me filling in wherever they need me.” According to Harlow, she plans to return to CNN next spring after she finishes her law program.