As Hoda Kotb’s departure from the Today show nears, more changes are on the horizon. Longtime host Craig Melvin is preparing to replace Kotb as co-host.

Melvin, 45, who’s already hosting his third hour of “Today” alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer, made the announcement during Thursday broadcast. The announcement comes roughly two months after Kotb announced that she was leaving the show after nearly twenty years to focus on her family.

“I’m extremely excited and grateful,” Melvin said, getting emotional during the broadcast. “I have enjoyed blessings all my life, and this is the latest in a long list of blessings.”

In an interview with Kotb, Melvin said: “It means a lot to me to inherit this from you. You have been the heart of this place for a long time. You helped save this program.”

Roker, who joined the show via Zoom to congratulate Melvin, said: “I knew this day would come. I watched you grow up. “I saw you as a journalist, but more importantly, I saw you as a dad, a son and all the things that make you who you are,” he said. “I’m so proud and happy for you right now because you’re worth it.”

Starting Monday, January 13, Melvin will host for 3 straight hours. Kotb’s last day on the program is scheduled for Friday, January 10.

The two-time Emmy winner from South Carolina has worked at NBC News for 14 years and have become the anchor of “Today” in 2018. His coverage includes breaking news, meetings with presidents and other outstanding figures, multiple Olympics and Super Bowls, and more. In 2011, he married sports presenter Lindsay Czarniak; together they’ve two children.

An anonymous source reported People Magazine“Craig is an incredibly talented presenter. It is very versatile. It has everything you need to fill this role. Hoda has two really important jobs, and they take them step by step, thinking about everything.”

Other upcoming programming changes include changing the fourth hour of the show to “TONIGHT with Jenna and Friends.” The recent hour, which debuts on January 13, will feature a rotating addition of co-hosts until a everlasting host is chosen.

After Martin Lawrence’s recent appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” fans couldn’t help but be concerned about his health once more.

Concerns about the comedian’s health began in 2023 and intensified after his appearance at the 2024 Emmy Awards, where fans noticed he had difficulty reading a teleprompter, prompting fears of a possible stroke.

Many people also noted how his longtime collaborator Will Smith often supported him during interviews and outings, and once helped Lawrence appear in a viral video.

This later prompted Lawrence to directly address the rumors about his health and make a transparent statement while promoting their latest hit, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” However, after his recent TV appearance, fans are still surprised by his health condition.

Lawrence joined Jennifer Hudson’s staff and crew for a brief promotion for the Soul Train line before heading to the most important stage. Known for his energetic personality and physical comedy, the “Big Mama’s House” star surprised viewers when fans watching him online noticed he was moving slower than usual.

#MartinLawrence is here tomorrow! 💛 pic.twitter.com/3U7EdBzFIt

— The Jennifer Hudson Show (@JHudShow) November 13, 2024

During his episode, the “Martin” star and voice creator sounded noticeably deeper and slower than his usual banter, which was enough to spark a wave of speculation online. Many longtime fans have expressed their concern on social media, suggesting that “something is wrong” with considered one of the biggest stand-up specials to happen during the “Def Comedy Jam.” Others attributed it to him growing up.

“Your brother had a stroke or something, Fr. Go what he says. He lost his rhythm” – one person wrote on X about 59-year-old Lawrence.

In his defense, someone added, “He’s an old guy,” but they were quickly reminded, “He’ll be the Old Blacksmith and he’ll still be Will Smith. Same with Denzel. I’m not trying to hear it.

Will Smith too Old and still Will Smith. Same with Denzel. I’m not trying to hear it

— Lidstradamus 🧙🏾‍♂️🪄 (@Kinglid131) November 13, 2024

Another person as well as“Look, yes, it’s older, but for anyone who watched it in the Nineties and early 2000s, there’s something incorrect with it. Like it was subtle, like in his mannerisms and the way he spoke. He wasn’t cloned, he was just drugged and in a coma, which affects the brain. But no less than he’s alive and looking good.”

Someone posted a GIF of considered one of Lawrence’s legendary scenes from his hit sitcom and noted, “He was too old to actually play it!”

😂😂😂😂

— Nate 💯 (@Dolozay87) November 13, 2024

One fan he was joking“They definitely cloned him, he doesn’t even act the same.”

In an interview on “Ebro In the Morning,” host Ebro Darden asked Lawrence if he would really like to directly address the topic of his health.

The iconic host didn’t hesitate and said, “I’m wonderful. I’m in God’s hands. I’m blessed, you realize.”

Lawrence further“I’m happy to wake up every day and everything. I’m fine. There is no need for people to worry.”

With characteristic humor, he added: “I’m healthy as hell. Stop the gossip!”

During his appearance on Hudson’s show, Lawrence also discussed his film Y’all Know What It Is! comedy tour that may feature not only his new material, but also emerging comedy talents as opening acts.

Lawrence talked a bit of about his parenting style, saying that he’s an understanding father to his three daughters and allows them to make their very own decisions because they’ve shown common sense to date. He also mentioned the relationship of considered one of his daughters, Jasmine Lawrence, with Eddie Murphy’s son, Eric Murphy.

This allowed Hudson to dig deeper and uncover one other exclusive piece on Lawrence’s upcoming sequel to the 1999 film “The Blue Streak.” He also revealed that he’s collaborating along with his longtime friend and Life co-star Eddie, and fans are hoping for an element two.

“He and Eddie should make ‘Life 2.’ Life after prison with Claude and Ray…would be an instant classic,” one superfan wrote on YouTube.

While fans are concerned about Lawrence’s health, it looks like Lawrence is targeted on living life to the fullest and savoring his enormous success, including considered one of the biggest movies of the 12 months.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) Amid the chuckles and talk of history that filled the Cleveland Cavaliers locker room, Donovan Mitchell tried to add some perspective on the team’s 13-0 start to the NBA season.

“We’re being chased, but it’s also November,” the Cleveland star said after scoring 23 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists in the game The Cavaliers won 114-106 against Philadelphia on Wednesday evening. “Let’s relax. You know, I say it’s November and we’re not winning the championship right now. But these are good tests for us.”

Cleveland became the first team since Golden State in 2015–16 to win 13 straight games to start the season. The Warriors team holds the record for many wins, having began the season with 24 straight wins.

The Cavaliers are only the sixth team in NBA/BAA history to start a game 13-0. Four of the previous five teams reached the championship round. In doing so, he tied Cleveland’s franchise record of 13 consecutive wins, set 3 times previously – in 2009, 2010 and 2017 – all with LeBron James.

“It’s an 82-game season and we only have 13 left,” said guard Darius Garland, who led Cleveland with 25 points in the last win. “We have to clean up so much of things. But it’s good that we also can achieve such victories. We have a superb balance now because we all know we are able to get a lot better regardless that we’re still undefeated.

Part of the Cavaliers’ success was based on ball movement and scoring. Six Cleveland players – Mitchell, Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Caris LaVert and Ty Jerome – entered Wednesday night’s game averaging double-digit points.

“We’ve all played a lot of games and you can get tired mentally and physically,” Mitchell said. “But you’ve to have the ability to still do little things for one another. That’s what an evening like tonight will take (to win).

“You have to be a team that does the little things for each other in those moments and still makes the right plays.”

Wednesday night turned out to be tighter than expected against a short-handed Philadelphia lineup that was missing Joel Embiid (left knee contusion), Paul George (left knee contusion), Tyrese Maxey (right hamstring strain) and center reserve Andre. Drummond (illness).

It also showed how much of a burden Cleveland was carrying due to its winning streak.

“If you were the Sixers coming in, you’d be thinking, ‘We could end this streak,’” first-year Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson said. “It all the time motivates players and coaches, knowing you possibly can throw someone off. I do know our players feel it and have talked about it.

First-round rookie Jared McCain scored a career-high 34 points to lead Philadelphia to victory with just over three minutes left.

“He came out and showed he could play,” Garland said. – He can be searching for a spot on this team. It was good, it was a superb performance for all of us.

That’s when Mitchell got hot, ending with 11 points in the final three minutes and nearly missing his first profession triple-double.

“He made a big step back three,” Atkinson said. “We will forgive him (for missing the triple-double).”

After a break day on Thursday, Cleveland will host Chicago on Friday and Charlotte on Sunday before the final litmus test – Tuesday’s game against defending NBA champion Boston.

“We have a mature and consistent group that is neither too high nor too low,” Atkinson said. “It’s a modest group. I don’t know if they read the media quotes and I don’t think anyone is beating the drum and saying how great we are. Donovan always says we haven’t done anything yet, so they understand what we need to do and what the next step is. And they keep that chip on their shoulder.”