Latest news with #TopStory
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Tom Llamas Era Begins on NBC Nightly News
Tom Llamas was all business on his first night as the new anchor of the NBC Nightly News on Monday. His inaugural newscast focused largely on the top stories of the day, including an attack in Boulder, Colo. that the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism. Llamas waited until the very end of the broadcast to acknowledge the changing of the guard. 'My thanks to all of you as we start this new adventure together,' he said. 'Tonight and always, we are here for you. Thank you for watching.' Llamas takes over from Lester Holt, who concluded his 10-year run as Nightly News anchor on May 30. The feel and look of the newscast remained the same, as NBC News clearly aims to signal continuity rather than a refresh for its flagship evening news broadcast. Watch the closing moments of Tom Llamas' inaugural Nightly News as anchor below: Originating from Studio 1A at the Rockefeller Center in New York-the same space as the Today show-the Nightly News did feature some slight changes, including Llamas being seated as opposed to standing during the opening intro, as well as darker lighting cues inside the studio. Al Roker was present in the studio for Llamas' first broadcast, updating viewers on the severe weather taking place across the country. The Today show veteran also noted that Llamas has 'the new anchor smell.' A new series was also introduced titled The Cost of Denial, which spotlighted the cost of healthcare and home ownership in relation to insurance coverage. Meanwhile, the upbeat news segment featured during the final block was retitled as: 'There's Good News Tonight.' In addition to his broadcast duties, Llamas continues to host his NBC News Now streaming show, Top Story with Tom Llamas, which also moved to Studio 1A. Earlier in the day Llamas appeared on Today, where he shared advice given to him by Holt while recognizing the impact of being the first Latino, a son of Cuban immigrants to anchor the program, 'To know that they came here with nothing and now I'm going to anchor Nightly News… that is the American dream,' he said.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Where Is Lester Holt? 'NBC Nightly News' Host Steps Back From Show
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NBC Nightly News anchor and managing editor, Lester Holt, has stepped down from the long-running program after 10 years. Newsweek reached out to Holt's representative via email for comment. The Context Holt was named anchor of NBC Nightly News in June 2015. Prior to that, the 66-year-old anchored the news show's weekend editions starting in 2007, and co-anchored Weekend TODAY beginning in 2003. He also currently anchors Dateline, a program he's been a part of since 2011. The journalist announced his departure from NBC Nightly News in February, and NBC's Tom Llamas, 45, will succeed him as anchor and managing editor. What To Know Holt's last day with NBC Nightly News was on Friday and he will now focus his efforts on Dateline. Prior to signing off from his last broadcast, the newsreader shared a message with viewers, which was later posted to NBC News' Facebook account: "You may recall the announcement back some months ago that I would be leaving my post here at Nightly News in order to expand my role as host of Dateline. Well, today is that day. After 10 years, this is my last Nightly News broadcast." Lester Holt reports in a temporary television studio before the start of the third U.S. presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump at the Thomas & Mack Center on October 19, 2016, in Las... Lester Holt reports in a temporary television studio before the start of the third U.S. presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump at the Thomas & Mack Center on October 19, 2016, in Las Vegas. MoreHolt added: "As anchor, it has been an honor to lead this program and an honor to be welcomed into your homes. I'm so grateful for your trust. Around here, facts matter. Words matter. Journalism matters. And you matter. Over the last decade, we have shared some dark and harrowing days and nights from our country. The pandemic. Mass shootings. Natural disasters. Each testing our resilience and our compassion. It's why I often like to leave you with something to smile about. Moments that reassure and connect us. I'll miss our evenings together, and I will miss the team that puts it all together, my dear friends and my colleagues." Members of the NBC Nightly News crew joined Holt on camera as he continued his statement. "For now, I just want to say thank you to my incredibly supportive and patient family and all of you," Holt said, before sending well-wishes to Llamas. "NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas premieres Monday, and I wish Tom great success. I'll see you on Dateline. In the meantime, please continue to take care of yourself and each other, and I'll do the same." Llamas, who hosts Top Story, "is the first weekday Latino evening news anchor of an English-language show," per NBC. On Monday, Llamas took to Instagram ahead of his first NBC Nightly News show. "Tonight's the night!" he told his 72,000 followers. What People Are Saying In the comments underneath Llamas' Instagram post, Access Hollywood host Mario Lopez wrote: "Congrats and good luck my man!" Facebook user Charmaine Glaze said in a comment with over 1,100 reactions: "I'm gonna miss Lester Holt. I looked forward to watching him every day. I'm sadden to see him go but glad I can still catch him on Dateline. Congratulations Mr. Holt. Take care of yourself and each other!!" Other Holt fans also shared how much they'll miss him on Facebook. Asha Gorwara Sachdeva shared in a note with 528 reactions: "Will be missed. He was a good journalist and a newscaster." Smith Heather posted a message with 248 reactions: "You are a class act Lester Holt. I always liked watching you report the news with heart. I will continue to watch you on Dateline." Alecia Lathrop-May added in a post with 73 reactions: "Thank you for all you have done Lester!!! Thank you for reminding us what is important, 'Facts matter, words matter, journalism matters!!'!!!" What Happens Next Dateline airs on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC and is available to stream on Peacock.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tom Llamas Marks the Start of a 'New Adventure' as He Anchors First 'NBC Nightly News' After Lester Holt's Exit
Tom Llamas celebrated his debut as the new anchor of NBC Nightly News on the June 2 episode, calling it the start of a "new adventure" Llamas, who is also host of Top Story with Tom Llamas, succeeds Lester Holt in the role The journalist spoke to Today ahead of his first episode behind the Nightly News desk, revealing how he feels as the first Latino weekday evening news anchorTom Llamas is signing on. Llamas made his debut as the new anchor of NBC Nightly News on the June 2 episode, taking over the reins from Lester Holt. "That's Nightly News for tonight, my first as the anchor of this great broadcast," Llamas said at the end of the episode. "My thanks to all of you as we start this new adventure together. Tonight, and always, we're here for you." Llamas also introduced a new series during his debut episode called "The Cost of Denial," which he explained is "a spotlight on the issues millions of American face across healthcare and homeownership when it comes to insurance coverage." Ahead of his first episode anchoring Nightly News, Llamas sat down with Savannah Guthrie on Today to discuss his new role. "I feel excited. I'm so looking forward to this. I can't wait," he said, adding that he "never in my wildest dreams" thought he could get to this point in his career. "I'm a little nervous, but I'm looking forward to the challenge. I think it's good to be a little nervous." With his new gig, Llamas is the first Latino weekday evening news anchor — something he called both a privilege and an honor. "I thank all the Hispanic journalists that came before me because when I was watching news and growing up, we'd watch news in English and Spanish, I saw people like José Díaz-Balart, people that I could look up to. And I saw, well, if they can do it, I could do it," said Llamas, who is Cuban-American. "I think even bigger than that, my parents came here as immigrants. They came here with nothing. Their son is now going to be the anchor of Nightly News, one of the biggest and most important newscasts in our country," he continued. "What it tells me is that the American dream is still alive. I know that because I'm living it." Llamas also called his wife, Jennifer, and their three children "my biggest cheerleaders." Holt signed off as Nightly News anchor on the May 30 episode after more than a decade in the role, calling his stint on the evening news show "the honor of a lifetime." "Around here, facts matter, words matter, journalism matters and you matter," Holt said in his farewell. "Over the last decade, we have shared some dark and harrowing days and nights from our country — the pandemic, mass shootings, natural disasters — each testing our resilience and our compassion. That's why I often like to leave you with something to smile about, moments that reassure and connect us." "Please continue to take care of yourself and each other, and I'll do the same," he added, also wishing Llamas "great success." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tom Llamas' 3 Kids: All About the 'NBC Nightly News' Host's Daughters Malena and Juliette and Son Tomas
Tom Llamas has a close relationship with his kids: Malena, Juliette and Tomas. The broadcast journalist and his wife, Jennifer, a former news and executive producer, married in June 2006. They eventually started a family, welcoming daughter Malena in March 2013, followed by daughter Juliette in December 2015 and son Tomas in October 2017. After living in New York City for years, the Llamas' moved to upstate New York in 2022, per The New York Times. Despite his busy schedule — hosting Top Story with Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW and succeeding longtime host Lester Holt on NBC Nightly News starting on June 2 — Tom remains dedicated to his loved ones. 'We're always together and we're such a close family. I really hope that never changes,' he told Yahoo! Life in November 2021. 'I grew up with a certain set of values and I want to share that with my kids — that they have a loving home, they have two people who love them more than the world. I think that's our driving force.' Tom is open about his family life, often sharing snippets of his children on social media — from attending baseball games to family activities and birthday celebrations — proudly using the moniker 'Team Llamas.' Here's everything to know about Tom Llamas' kids: Malena, Juliette and Tomas. Tom and Jennifer welcomed their first child, daughter Malena, in March 2013. In March 2025, Tom posted a slideshow on Instagram wishing Malena a happy 'golden birthday' and calling her the 'best big sis we know.' The previous year, for Malena's 11th birthday, Tom also celebrated with a post on Instagram, referring to her as the family's 'drama queen, nature lover, and future TikToker.' In both posts, Tom included photos celebrating Malena's stage performances, including playing Snow White in a drama production. Following in her father's storytelling footsteps, Malena is also interested in writing. Recently, one of her stories was selected for the Frightopia young writers short story anthology, published by Writopia Publishing Labs. Aside from her hobbies, Malena enjoys hanging out with her siblings. Speaking to The New York Times in October 2024, Tom revealed that the whole family often plays together when he gets home from work, especially Malena and Juliette. 'We'll come back home and pop out to the backyard for an hour of family playtime. My son has become obsessed with baseball,' he told the outlet. 'Sometimes the girls come by and want to hit balls, too, or Juju and Malena will play together on the trampoline.' Tom and Jennifer welcomed their second child, their daughter Juliette, in December 2015. Juliette, whom the family calls 'Juju,' loves to cook, Tom told The New York Times. On Sunday mornings, 'my wife and daughter Juju will start making breakfast, usually pancakes or omelets,' he said. 'Juju loves to cook — and she's pretty good at it, too!' During the week, though, she lets her dad be more hands-on. Ahead of his debut on NBC Nightly News, Tom spoke to Today about his morning routine, which he revealed involves cooking breakfast for his kids and sending them off to school. Tom has shared photos of Juliette's accomplishments on social media, from taking 'big steps' at her First Communion in June 2024 to getting first place in a gymnastics competition in April 2024 and celebrating her birthday on a family ski trip in December 2023. In 2021, Tom told Yahoo! Life what having two daughters has taught him. 'It's opened my eyes to a new way of living and life. It's wonderful,' he explained. 'It's like, whatever they ask, I'll give them. I'm gonna be the worst parent when they're older.' Tom and Jennifer welcomed their youngest child, son Tomas, in October 2017. 'Yesterday we were blessed to welcome this healthy and handsome baby boy into our lives. Mom is doing amazing and his big sisters are over the moon,' Tom wrote in an Instagram post announcing Tomas' birth. 'So far 'Baby T' is a lot of fun.' Over the years, Tom has shared glimpses into his son's personality. In October 2024, he told The New York Times that Tomas was 'obsessed' with baseball and the Yankees. Apart from letting him stay up past his bedtime to watch games during the 2024 playoffs, they also attended one in person. But the father-son duo spend time together outside of baseball, too. In May 2022, Tom took Tomas fishing, posting a photo on Instagram of him holding up a fish. 'The young man and the sea,' Tom wrote in the caption. 'My little guy slammed half dozen mangrove snappers on his first outing.' That same year, Tom and Tomas dressed up for Halloween in coordinating Jurassic Park costumes and attended the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade together. In October 2024, Tom wrote an essay in Men's Health about how he bonded with Tomas over Metallica. 'Parenting often plays this odd trick on me where I'll think of my son at his age and then I'm transported back to where I was that age,' he wrote, reminiscing on memories of listening to music with his own father. 'My son doesn't know it now, but one day he'll be somewhere and a song will play and he'll remember. Him. Me. The music.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tom Llamas 'excited' and ready to put his stamp on 'Nightly News' as he takes over
Tom Llamas said he's "excited" to take the helm of "Nightly News" and will live by his tenets of being "tough but fair" while reporting "without fear or favor." Llamas succeeds Lester Holt as anchor and managing editor of 'Nightly News' in a historic move making him the first weekday Latino evening news anchor of an English-language show. "I'm a little nervous, but I'm looking forward to the challenge," Llamas told "TODAY" anchor Savannah Guthrie in a sit-down interview. His new role is the peak of his decadeslong career in journalism, that started when he was just 15. "Never, ever in my wildest dreams, did I think I could get to that point ... You get a new opportunity, a new challenge, and you get to a point where you think, 'Wow, maybe that could be me,'' Llamas reflected. "You just kind of keep running your race, and that's what I've been doing. It's like everybody dreams of this happening to them." He said he'll come into work with the same fire and fuel he had when he was younger working overnights in the industry "because I know this is a calling." Llamas said that little by little, "I do want to put my stamp" on "Nightly News." "I'd like to launch an investigative series into the insurance industry. I think people are having a tough time getting house insurance, getting medical insurance, trying to find a doctor, trying to get their kids covered. So I think we should take a look at that a little closer," he explained. Holt announced in February that he planned to step down over the summer. He will remain a fixture at NBC with a full-time role at 'Dateline,' where he has been the principal anchor for nearly 15 years. In addition to his duties at 'Nightly News,' Llamas will continue to anchor 'Top Story,' a daily evening newscast that streams on NBC News NOW. Llamas started out as an intern at a local Telemundo station before kick-starting his professional journalism career at NBC News, working as an overnight production assistant and then a political campaign embed. He rose through the news business as a local journalist at WTVJ in Miami and WNBC in New York. He later moved to ABC, serving as the network's chief national affairs correspondent and anchoring weekend editions of 'World News Tonight.' Llamas returned to NBC News in 2021 as a senior national correspondent and then took the helm at 'Top Story.' He was a regular fill-in anchor on 'Nightly News.' In recent years, Llamas has led coverage of major breaking news and political events for NBC News Now, reporting on pivotal storylines such as the Israel-Hamas war; Russia's invasion of Ukraine; the July 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump; and the Tokyo and the Paris Olympics. He has interviewed key world leaders, including Trump during the 2016 presidential contest, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Llamas, who grew up in Miami in a Cuban American family, credited his parents with inspiring his journey. "My parents came here as immigrants. They came here with nothing. Their son is now going to be the anchor of 'Nightly News,' one of the biggest and most important newscasts in our country. What it tells me is that the American dream is still alive. I know that because I'm living it," he said. He also praised his three children, calling them "my biggest cheerleaders," and his wife, a television producer and "his best editor," with helping him soar in his career. This article was originally published on
