Lester Holt to Step Down as Anchor of NBC’s “Nightly News”

Lester Holt, the trusted face of NBC’s *Nightly News* for the past decade, has announced he will be stepping down as anchor of the network’s flagship evening broadcast. However, Holt isn’t leaving NBC entirely. In a note to staff on Monday, he revealed he will be expanding his role on the long-running news magazine *Dateline*, taking on a full-time position there. The transition is expected to take place early this summer, though no specific date or successor for *Nightly News* has been announced yet.

Holt, who has been with NBC for over two decades, expressed gratitude and pride in his time as anchor. “After 10 years, 17 if you include my years on the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of *Nightly News*,” he wrote. Reflecting on his career, he added, “A smile comes to my face when I think that with *Nightly News* and *Dateline*, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history.”

Janelle Rodriguez, NBC News’ executive vice president of programming, praised Holt’s contributions to the network. “Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this news organization,” she wrote. Rodriguez also emphasized that Holt will remain a key part of NBC News “for years to come,” reassuring viewers and colleagues that his presence will continue to be felt.





Holt joined NBC in 2000 and quickly became a respected figure in broadcast journalism. He took over as the permanent anchor of *Nightly News* in June 2015, after anchoring the weekend editions for eight years. During his tenure, Holt became known for his calm, steady delivery and his ability to connect with audiences during major news events, from elections to natural disasters. He has also been the principal anchor of *Dateline* since 2011, where his storytelling skills have shone in long-form investigative pieces.


Holt’s departure from *Nightly News* marks the end of an era, but it also opens a new chapter for the veteran journalist. His move to *Dateline* full-time will allow him to focus on in-depth reporting and storytelling, areas where he has consistently excelled. For NBC, the search for a new *Nightly News* anchor will be a significant decision, as the program remains one of the most-watched news broadcasts in the United States.


As Holt transitions to his new role, his legacy as a trusted and respected journalist remains secure. His dedication to delivering the news with integrity and compassion has made him a beloved figure in American households. While he may be stepping away from the *Nightly News* desk, Lester Holt’s voice and impact will continue to resonate across NBC News for years to come. /* Gradient Button 1 */ .btn-1 { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ff416c, #ff4b2b); }

Roberta Flack, Singer of "Killing Me Softly," Dies at 88

The music world has lost a true legend. Roberta Flack, the singer behind the beloved song *Killing Me Softly with His Song*, passed away at the age of 88. Her family shared that she died peacefully at home after a long illness. Flack’s voice, known for its warmth and emotion, touched millions of hearts and made her one of the most celebrated artists of her time.

Roberta Flack was born on February 10, 1939, in North Carolina. She grew up loving music and started playing the piano when she was just four years old. Her talent was so great that she earned a scholarship to Howard University, where she studied classical music. After college, she worked as a music teacher and performed in local clubs in Washington, D.C. It was there that she was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, who helped her start her career in music.

Flack became famous in the 1970s with her heartfelt songs. Her version of *The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face* became a huge hit after it was featured in the movie *Play Misty for Me*. The song won her a Grammy Award in 1973. A year later, she won another Grammy for *Killing Me Softly with His Song*, which became her most famous work. The song, written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, tells the story of being deeply moved by a musician’s performance. Flack’s gentle, emotional singing made the song unforgettable.

Flack’s music was more than just beautiful—it was powerful. She sang about love, heartbreak, and hope, and her songs connected with people from all walks of life. She also worked with other great artists, like Donny Hathaway, with whom she recorded duets like *Where Is the Love* and *The Closer I Get to You*. These songs remain classics to this day.




Beyond her music, Flack was a strong voice for social justice. She used her fame to speak out against racism and to support causes she believed in. Her kindness and dedication to helping others made her not just a great artist, but also a role model.




In her later years, Flack faced health challenges, including a stroke in 2016 that made it difficult for her to sing. But she never gave up on her love for music. In 2020, she even wrote a children’s book called *The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music*, which told the story of her early life and how she fell in love with music.

Roberta Flack’s passing is a great loss, but her music will live on. Her voice, filled with emotion and grace, will continue to inspire and comfort people for generations. She showed us the power of music to bring people together and to heal.

As we say goodbye to Roberta Flack, we remember her not just as a singer, but as a woman who shared her heart with the world. Her songs, like *Killing Me Softly*, will always remind us of her incredible talent and the beauty she brought into our lives. Rest in peace, Roberta Flack—your music will never be forgotten.

Roberta Flack, the iconic R&B singer celebrated for her timeless hits *The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face* and *Killing Me Softly With His Song*, has passed away at the age of 88. Her representatives confirmed her death in a statement, saying, "We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator."

Flack had been living with motor neurone disease since 2022, which had sadly left her unable to sing. Despite this, her legacy as one of music’s most influential voices remains untouched.

Born in North Carolina and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack’s musical journey began as a classical pianist. A child prodigy, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old. While she initially pursued a career in teaching, her love for music led her to perform at night, accompanying opera singers on piano and singing pop standards during breaks.


Reflecting on her early years, Flack once said, "The whole while I was studying classical music, especially in my younger years, I was also doing a lot of doo-ron-ron, shoo-doo-bee-doo, all of that stuff, with my peers. I've been fortunate enough to be surrounded by music all of my life—the Bach and the Chopin and the Schumann on one hand, and all the rhythm and blues."


Her big break came when musician Les McCann discovered her singing in a jazz club. He later described her voice as something that "touched, tapped, trapped, and kicked every emotion I've ever known." Despite her undeniable talent, Flack didn’t achieve her first major hit until her 30s. Her rendition of Ewan MacColl’s *The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face* became a sensation after it was featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film *Play Misty For Me*. The song earned Flack her first Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1973.


She repeated the feat the following year with *Killing Me Softly With His Song*, which also won Song of the Year. Flack’s soulful, emotive delivery made the track an enduring classic, later covered by artists like the Fugees. In 1974, she topped the charts again with *Feel Like Makin’ Love*, solidifying her place as one of the era’s most beloved artists.


After her string of hits, Flack took a step back from performing to focus on recording and charitable work. Throughout the 1980s, she toured extensively and collaborated with legendary artists like Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis. In 1991, she returned to the charts with *Set the Night to Music*, a duet with Maxi Priest.


Flack’s passion for music never waned. In 2012, she released *Let It Be Roberta*, an album of Beatles covers, showcasing her versatility and deep love for music.



Roberta Flack’s passing marks the end of an era, but her music and influence will continue to inspire generations. Her voice, filled with warmth and emotion, brought comfort and joy to millions. As we remember her, we celebrate not only her groundbreaking career but also her dedication to education, charity, and the power of music to connect us all. Rest in peace, Roberta Flack—your songs will forever remain in our hearts.

Google Pixel 9 Price Drops Below Rs 71,000: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Google Pixel 9 Price Drops Below Rs 71,000: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The Price Drop: How Does It Work? This means that there are several offers bundled up involving the Pixel 9 which includes retailer offers, bank offers, and exchange offers. These deals bring down the price of the device, particularly during the period that is considered to be festive season and the end user year sales. Let’s break it down:

1. Retailer Discounts

 Online and offline retailers are cutting down their prices in their promotional strategies. On the flip side, e commerce platforms have further cut down the base price of Google Pixel 9 almost touching Rs 71000 or even below it at times. Even the offline stores are claiming to offer similar prices, so no one will be left out of these deal offers

 2. Bank Offers 

Promotions have also been made whereby retailers collaborate with famous banks that offer further cut rate for some branded credit or debit cards. Such offers are normally quick deals or cash back, which lowers the pixel 9 real cost even when purchased online. Remember to read more on the fine print because these promotions are bound to change with the bank as well as the mode of transaction.

3. Exchange Programs

But for those who are planning to trade their old phone, then exchange offers are a must-go-to deals since they are even cheaper. Google has announced that you can get up to 300 dollars off the Pixel 9 depending on the model and the condition of the old smartphone you want to exchange. Most merchandisers today provide instant valuation tools where you can determine the exchange discount before buying

Why Choose the Google Pixel 9?

The Pixel 9 stands out as one of the most versatile smartphones available today, combining premium hardware with Google’s cutting-edge software capabilities. Here are some key features that make the Pixel 9 a worthy investment:

1. Advanced Processor

The Pixel 9 is powered by Google’s latest Tensor G3 processor, offering unparalleled performance and energy efficiency. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or using AI-driven applications, the Pixel 9 ensures a smooth and responsive experience.

2. Exceptional Camera System

Known for its camera prowess, the Pixel series continues to impress with the Pixel 9. Equipped with advanced computational photography, the device captures stunning images and videos, even in challenging lighting conditions. Features like Magic Eraser, Real Tone, and Super Res Zoom elevate the photography experience.

3. Vibrant Display

The Pixel 9 features a stunning OLED display with a high refresh rate, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details. This makes it ideal for streaming, gaming, and everyday use.

4. Seamless Software Experience

As a flagship Google device, the Pixel 9 runs on the latest Android 14 and promises timely updates for years to come. With features like enhanced privacy controls and exclusive Pixel tools, it offers a refined and user-friendly experience.

5. Sustainable Design

Google has also focused on sustainability, using recycled materials in the Pixel 9’s design. The device is not only sleek and durable but also eco-friendly, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.

Final Thoughts

The Google Pixel 9’s price drop to under Rs 71,000 is a game-changer, making it one of the best deals in the premium smartphone segment. With its powerful features, robust performance, and attractive price point, the Pixel 9 is a great choice for anyone seeking a flagship experience. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer—check with your favorite retailer today and take advantage of these incredible savings before stocks run out!

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