In a move that has stunned viewers and sparked widespread speculation, Fox News has officially tapped Wheaton native Sandra Smith as the new co-anchor of its popular morning program, America’s Newsroom. Known for her poised delivery and incisive interviews, Smith’s return to the anchor desk is already drawing intense attention. Network insiders say the shake-up is aimed at boosting ratings and revamping the show’s chemistry. While many fans are thrilled to see Smith back in a lead role, others are wondering what prompted the sudden change and what it signals about the direction Fox News is heading.

Curious what’s really driving this big move—and what it means for the show going forward? You’ll want to catch all the behind-the-scenes details in the full story!

Fox News’ Sandra Smith used to split her time between New York and Chicago, where her husband, John Conolly, worked.

Now they live in New York with their two young children, but Smith’s commute is still not enviable. The 37-year-old Wheaton native says she will likely leave her home at about 4 a.m. when she begins her new job Monday as co-anchor of “America’s Newsroom” with Bill Hemmer.

“It’s going to be a long day and early mornings, but I am up for it and honored to do it,” Smith told the Tribune by phone.

Smith, who attended Louisiana State University and worked as a stock analyst in Chicago before eventually joining Fox Business Network as a reporter in 2007, will continue to serve as co-anchor of Fox’s “Outnumbered” while adding “America’s Newsroom” to her plate. Smith lauded “America’s Newsroom” as a “place where you can begin your day, and it really does a great job combining news, opinion of our guests and expert analysis.”

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Network representatives announced Smith’s move as part of a shake-up to its daytime schedule that includes the promotion of two other female Fox News co-hosts, Harris Faulkner and Dana Perino. The announcement comes as Fox News faces a spate of harassment and discrimination allegations.

“I think Fox News Channel is amazing at looking at individual backgrounds and experiences and expertise and putting people and their talents where they will have the biggest impact, and I think this case is no different,” Smith said. “My experience at Fox News Channel has been a wonderful one. It’s been a wonderful place to work, it’s a wonderful place for women, it’s a wonderful place for men, it’s a wonderful place if you have a family. It is like a family here and we do support each other. It’s very much a team atmosphere.”

“America’s Newsroom” airs from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays, while “Outnumbered” airs from 11 a.m. to noon weekdays.