Fri May 30 19:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version in the style of a news article:

**Summary:**

This article from *PEOPLE* provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of David Muir, the anchor of ABC’s *World News Tonight*. While known for his serious on-screen persona, Muir reveals his love for the outdoors, especially his connection to his upstate New York hometown. He recounts his childhood fascination with news and his early internships. Despite his success and public attention, including humorous “thirst edits” online, Muir remains grounded, attributing his passion to his continued desire to learn and improve. He cherishes his time off-screen, often spent with his dog, Axel, in nature. He’s recognized for both his news coverage and his fundraising achievements.

**News Article:**

**David Muir Reveals His Down-to-Earth Side, Reflects on Career and Connection to Roots**

*New York, NY* – David Muir, the anchor of ABC’s *World News Tonight* and one of America’s most recognizable faces, has offered a rare glimpse into his personal life in a recent interview with *PEOPLE*. Beyond the headlines and the anchor desk, Muir reveals a deep connection to his upstate New York roots and a passion for the outdoors.

“I’d say my most comfortable element is being outside, covered in mud,” Muir told *PEOPLE*, describing a recent Memorial Day weekend trip back to his hometown. He talked about spending time with his German short-haired pointer, Axel, observing a beaver building a dam.

Muir, 51, who has anchored *World News Tonight* since 2014, has covered some of the most significant global events of our time, including the killing of Osama bin Laden and the recent installation of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope. He’s also spearheaded successful fundraising efforts for the World Food Program, raising a record $9 million through his reporting on climate change. Most recently, he was honored on the 2025 Time 100 list.

Growing up, Muir was captivated by the news, idolizing anchors like Peter Jennings. “I was a nerd who felt this gravitational pull to the news,” he recalled. He pursued his passion early, writing letters to local reporters and interning at news stations as a teenager. He graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in journalism.

Despite his success, Muir remains humble, crediting his continued curiosity and desire to improve as key to his longevity. He also jokingly addressed the online attention he receives, including the viral “thirst edits” on platforms like TikTok.

“People will forward TikTok videos, but only because they are laughing out loud at them and making fun of me and saying, ‘When did you become Daddy?'” he said with a laugh.

Muir maintains a lighthearted perspective on his public image, he emphasizes that his dog, Axel, is likely more popular. As for the future, Muir says he will keep striving to be a better reporter.

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