Al Roker shares picture with Dylan Dreyer and Sheinelle Jones ahead of 'special' episode

Wilson Chapman editorGrowing up, Rod Roddenberry wasn’t a huge fan of “Star Trek.”Although the series was created by his father Gene Roddenberry, and starred his mother Majel Barrett as Nurse Christine Chapel, Roddenberry was born after the original show was cancelled, and spent his childhood watching series like “Kamen Rider” and “Dukes of Hazzard.”Roddenberry spoke about his relationship with the “Star Trek” franchise at the Variety’s Changemakers virtual summit. In a keynote conversation, Roddenberry talked to Steve Shapiro, senior vice president of City National Bank, about his work as the CEO of Roddenberry Entertainment and his Roddenberry Foundation.The episode of the series that really showed Roddenberry the power of the series was the Season 1 episode of TOS “The Devil in the Dark,” which finds the crew of the USS Enterprise faced with a bizarre, seemingly violent creature in a mining colony.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media WriterThe company formerly known as Blackhall Studios announced a new name and a new investor on Tuesday, as it pursues an ambitious construction agenda in Georgia, Los Angeles and the United Kingdom.The company — which was bought last year by Commonwealth Asset Management — will now go by Shadowbox Studios. The company’s new investor is Silver Lake, the global private equity firm, which has agreed to put $500 million toward a $1.5 billion capital investment plan.Shadowbox has grown rapidly since its founding just five years ago.

Liverpool have officially left Manchester United in the dust by announcing the signing of Darwin Nunez.The striker has completed his move to Anfield after Reds chiefs shrugged off the competition from their arch rivals to secure the £85million transfer. Nunez was targeted by United but they couldn't compete in the negotiations for his signature.It's a kick in the teeth for Erik ten Hag's Red Devils - and it's not the first time they've been pipped to a signing by their Premier League counterparts.

Love Island star Gemma Owen landed in some trouble after calling Luca by her ex-boyfriend's name - but fans were convinced she did it on purpose. Gemma's ex-boyfriend Jacques O'Neill entered the villa a few days ago but assured everyone that he no longer had feelings for the 19-year-old.While Jacques chose to couple up with Paige, Gemma has been enjoying her time getting to know Luca.While messing about in the kitchen, Gemma went to tell Luca to stop, but accidentally uttered Jacques' name.Viewers immediately took to social media to accuse the dressage rider of doing it on purpose.Many theorized that the reason behind it was because she wanted attention, with one saying: "I think Gemma did that on purpose.

With Tuesday night’s episode of Love Island set to introduce us to two brand new stunners in the villa, fans will be on tenterhooks as they hope to catch a glimpse of newcomers Remi Lambert and Jay Younger following the shocking exit of Afia Tonkmor on Monday. Vying for the ladies affection, the two new entrants to the villa will be hoping to charm their way into the hearts of the singles if they hope to stand a chance of finding true love and bagging the show's £100,000 prize.

Emmerdale fans think they have figured out one of Nicola King's attackers' identity after she was mugged, beaten and left bloodied in harrowing scenes on Tuesday. During the latest episode, Laurel Thomas, Nicola and Bernice Blackstock headed out to a bar in an attempt to find romantic suitors for Laurel and Bernice.

Things are already heating up in the Love Island villa, but it looks set to get even hotter over the coming days with temperatures rising up to 40C in Mallorca. A mega heatwave has already started to hit Spain, and the Islanders have been soaking up the sun with highs of 37C in the villa so far.

TikTok trend could be the real reason tortillas are flying off grocery store shelves.Social media users are shown standing in a circle while holding water in their bulging cheeks and slapping each other with the circular flatbread, deeming whoever spits out the liquid first as the loser. Whoever keeps their composure the longest then wins the “Tortilla Challenge.” One example, posted by Patti Mac, has over 62.7 million views.

Harry Styles is opening up about the possibility of reuniting with his former One Direction in the future.

Al Roker loves nothing more than spending time with his family and enjoyed an idyllic few days with two of his children, Courtney and Nick, over the Memorial Day weekend.MORE: Al Roker's family left emotional over son Nick's achievementThe Today star often documents his life on social media and shared some lovely updates from their time together, including footage of Nick plunging into the lake during a family boat ride.The star's wife Deborah Roberts was absent from the outing and couldn't help but comment her disappointment on not having taken part in the first lake plunge of the year with her son.VIDEO: Today's Al Roker brings fans joy with incredible family update"Shucks.

Jenna Bush Hager was praised for her "hustle" by her co-star on Thursday after she ran to the Today Show studios to sit with an emotional Hoda Kotb who hosted the first 10 minutes on her own.ALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleJenna was filming a segment on the USS Baatan on Wednesday morning and believed she could make it to the studio by 10am but by 9.30am was still on the vessel and nowhere near the studios. They then made it to the car but were stuck in morning traffic.WATCH: Jenna Bush Hager 'hustled' to get to Hoda Kotb after emotional Today Show episodeLaughing, Hoda shared with viewers on Thursday: "And so what did Jenna do? She was running with her 'I Love NY' jacket, with her assistant and Photo Nate was shooting this while carrying bags."Photo Nate is what the pair call their producer, and he appeared on screen to praise Jenna's hustle: "I think a lot of people think its glamorous and it is but it takes having to hustle and get out of the traffic [to get to work on time]."MORE: Hoda Kotb talks difficult career goodbyes with Today co-starMORE: Hoda Kotb shares fears about being an older mom: 'It's scary'"Only you would get out of the car and run through the streets," added Hoda.However, the absence of Jenna was felt even more when Hoda almost broke down in tears as she spoke about the deaths of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas.

Al Roker is sharing a message of support and sympathy to all parents worried about their children's future.ALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleThough his own children are all beyond their school-age years, his youngest son, Nick, was only ten-years-old when the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting occurred in Newtown, Connecticut.Filming from his home gym as he walked on a treadmill, a sight very familiar for his loyal fans, the Today Show star used the 1986 hit Higher Love by Steve Winwood to deliver his thoughtful message.WATCH: Al shares emotional tribute during recent Washington DC tripMORE: Al Roker's wife Deborah Roberts left emotional by son Nick's big achievement"What greater love is there than people who love their children, whether it's a parent to a son or daughter, whether it's a godmother or godfather, or grandparents who care about their children or people who care about all of our kids."Continuing, he pleaded: "Higher love.

Dylan Dreyer was able to enjoy some time away from the studio with her co-stars in tow as evidenced by her new social media posts.MORE: Dylan Dreyer was once left with concussion while reporting on a snow stormThe Today star took to Instagram earlier in the week to share pictures of herself with the cast of Third Hour of Today from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.VIDEO: Dylan Dreyer reunites with Today co-starsShe was joined by Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Sheinelle Jones, along with the full crew of the show, for the special shot from their gorgeous beach house there.Everyone geared up in their best vacation clothes, with Dylan in a bright blue summer dress herself, riding around on bicycles on the beach with her co-stars.MORE: Dylan Dreyer marks special milestone with baby Rusty - see sweet family photosThey even got to celebrate Craig's birthday with a delicious-looking nautical-themed two-tiered cake, and the trip proved to be even more fun than they'd planned.Dylan and her Today co-stars spent a few days by the beachDylan looked back on it fondly, gushing in her caption: "When I tell you the crew @todayshow knows how to take a show on the road, believe me. "Each and every person in this picture (and those who were back in NYC) went above and beyond to put on our show from @hiltonhead_sc. MORE: Dylan Dreyer in awe as she marks incredible achievement: 'Pinch me'MORE: Dylan Dreyer looks fabulous in lace during glamorous date with husband"Thank you to @vrbo for the gorgeous house and incredible visit and thank you to the incredible kind and helpful folks of Hilton Head Island for making this happen!! And @photonate captured it all! We hope you enjoyed our little tour! And Happy Birthday Craig!!"Fans loved seeing the

Al Roker and his wife Deborah Roberts had quite the emotional Sunday as they saw their son Nick grow up right before their eyes.MORE: Today's Al Roker completes Brooklyn half marathon - and he looks incredible!The two took to social media to share over the weekend that their youngest gave the sermon at their church as a graduating senior.VIDEO: Al Roker celebrates son Nick's 19th birthdayThey shared many family snapshots that included Nick in his robes and some while he gave his sermon as they looked on with joyful and with pride.Deborah in particular revealed that she was left in tears as she shared her thoughts, writing: "Sentimental Sunday for this mama. Please allow me to bask and boast a bit about our beautiful youngest, Nick. MORE: Al Roker shares unexpected video for daughter revealing unfortunate health diagnosis"After years of demonstrating what it means to show up, reach high and press on, Nick was chosen to speak about his journey @stjameschurchnyc today." She then paid a heartfelt tribute to him as she added: "Since childhood, Nick has had the kindest heart that is bursting with warmth and wonder and wide open optimism.

Savannah Guthrie is one caring lady, and during the week she told her fans about a challenge that her friend was undertaking for a special cause.WOW: Savannah Guthrie's youthful looks are the talk of the town after posing with Today co-starsThe Today presenter shared a photo of her friend, Tara, who has down syndrome and is due to compete at the GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge. Savannah shared a photo of Tara standing with medals that she had won at previous events, and also shared a leaflet promoting the event, as well as explaining the goals of the organization that arranged it.WATCH: Savannah Guthrie shares touching tributeIn her caption, the mom-of-two explained: "So proud of my @bestbuddy Tara! She will be participating this Sunday, May 22nd, as GiGi's Playhouse of Patchogue NY holds its GiGiFIT Acceptance Challenge at Hecksher State Park.MORE: Savannah Guthrie gushes about her co-stars during fun night outMORE: Savannah Guthrie reveals 'dream' transformation in new backstage glimpseShe added: "Gigi's Playhouse mission is to change the way the world views Down Syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all!"Her followers were amazed at what Tara were doing and thanked Savannah for sharing the news, as well as offering their wishes of support to the athlete.

Hoda Kotb braved the New York rain on Thursday to watch Harry Styles perform a bombastic set live from Rockefeller plaza.MORE:  HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleThe pair were captured by The Today Show's social media team on stage with Hoda dancing and hyping up the crowds who were caught in the downpour.WATCH: Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb brave the pouring rain Hoda, who wore a Barbie pink dress and paired it with a fire-engine red coat, was caught bouncing up and down and pulling funny faces with the crowd while Savannah spoke to producers.The pair were outside to prepare for Harry Styles' performance as he sang new single As It Was and spoke to Hoda about his lost ring at Coachella Music Festival which fans managed to find in the field and returned to the star.MORE: Hoda Kotb shares heartfelt statement about co-star's future on TodayMORE: Savannah Guthrie reveals 'dream' transformation in new backstage glimpseHarry rocked a bold yellow and brown striped jumpsuit for the performance, and appeared happy to be with fans despite the weather.Hoda and Savannah's appearance came a day after they transformed themselves into characters from New York in the 1940s for a special rendition of an old radio play, Murder in Studio One. Hoda was caught on camera hyping the crowdsHoda and Savannah took on the leading roles, and they were joined by the likes of Al Roker, Jenna Bush Hager, Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, Dylan Dreyer, and Tom Llama for the Today segment.While a table reading and character assigning was first held before the pandemic, the project had to take a backseat and only recently resumed.

Hoda Kotb joined in with her Today co-stars for a special kind of transformation for a new undertaking, that being an off-Broadway play.MORE: Hoda Kotb shares heartfelt statement about co-star's future on TodayALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleThe TV star was one of the members of the cast and crew that transformed themselves into characters from New York in the 40s-50s for a special rendition of an old radio play.VIDEO: Watch Today Show's Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker's Super Bowl commercialThe group performed a show titled Murder in Studio One, where Hoda and Savannah Guthrie took on the leading roles.They were joined by the likes of Al Roker, Jenna Bush Hager, Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones, Dylan Dreyer, Tom Llamas, and many others.MORE: Savannah Guthrie reveals 'dream' transformation in new backstage glimpseThe Today Show included a segment in the most recent installment that showcased the cast's extensive transformation for the show and how they got into character.While a table reading and character assigning was first held before the pandemic, things took a backseat and didn't resume once more till more recently.The cast shared a behind-the-scenes peek at their off-Broadway debutAlong with coaching on their lines and performances, a special Hollywood dialect coach was even brought on to train them in perfecting the perfect New York affectation, particularly with Savannah for her Brooklyn-bred role.During rehearsals, chaos ensued, with Al teasing that it would be "worse than the Hindenburg," and Hoda spending most of her time trying to perfect the word "lepidopterology."MORE: Al Roker shares unexpected video for daughter revealing unfortunate health

David Muir rarely shares personal snapshots on his social media, but there's one figure that will usually make frequent appearances, that being his dog Axel.MORE: David Muir shares heartbreaking Covid story that leaves fans in tearsThe ABC anchor took to Instagram to post a picture of himself posing alongside his dog as they both pulled off an identical stance.VIDEO: Does David Muir have a partner? Here's all we knowThey both sat on the sofa with their hands crossed together, with David also giving Axel a sly look as he wrote: "We cross our paws together."Many of his fans felt like they were seeing double with the photograph, with fellow ABC colleague Deborah Roberts writing: "Too cool!"MORE: David Muir has the sweetest message for Kelly Ripa and her childrenKelly Ripa said: "[heart emoji] you too," with Ginger Zee simply quipping: "Stately." A fan also commented: "Very elegant! The swagger!""Such a handsome duo," another added, with a third also writing: "You two are one of a kind. Very special," and one also calling them "two distinguished gentlemen." David and Axel struck matching posesThe World News Tonight star recently had another personal set of photos to share, this time celebrating a bit of good news.The reporter had the honor of being Syracuse University's class of 2022 commencement speaker at their graduation.MORE: David Muir shares rare personal photographs during break from ABCMORE: David Muir has reason to celebrate following latest career newsHe certainly took the position seriously, sharing on Instagram some images from the special occasion ahead of his speech, which was no doubt inspiring.

Dylan Dreyer has been working at NBC News since 2012 and just a year after moving to New York from Boston, the mother-of-three experienced a terrifying day at work.MORE: Dylan Dreyer marks incredible achievement: 'Pinch me'The TV star was covering a blizzard for Today when en route from New York to Hartford, Connecticut, she was involved in a car crash that left her with mild concussion.Opening up about the incident at the time to Zap2it, she said: "It was so unfortunate; we just spun out. It didn't help that we took the Merritt Parkway.VIDEO: Dylan Dreyer's baby Rusty's cute milestone "It's so winding, and once we got to Connecticut, the roads deteriorated instantly and I ended up hitting my head."MORE: HELLO!'s Platinum Jubilee T-shirts to celebrate the QueenMORE: Dylan Dreyer looks fabulous in lace during glamorous date with husbandDylan missed work at Weekend Today to recover, and was looked after by her husband, Brian Fichera."I've been covering storms for 10 years, and I'd never been stuck in one before," she said.

Today Show viewer, especially fans of 3rd Hour with Hoda and Jenna, that both on and off the screen, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager are inseparable.ALSO: HELLO! launches Jubilee T-shirt collection to celebrate Queen Elizabeth in styleThe two have had a palpable chemistry and admirable friendship since Jenna joined the show as Kathy Lee Gifford's replacement in 2019, becoming instant friends.Now, as Today and its beloved hosts continue to celebrate the iconic show's 70th anniversary, Hoda is opening up about what makes her co-host so great, and what she sees for her when it comes to her place on Today.WATCH: Jenna shares emotional message about working on Today with HodaMORE: Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager evoke hysterical response with latest group photosThe star began her heartfelt tribute by commending Jenna for stepping into such a high-regarded role so seamlessly. She said: "Jenna stepped into that show which was one of those things which would have been difficult for anyone."She explained: "Jenna has a way of taking her heart, putting it on the table, and offering it up.

Dylan Dreyer has many reasons to celebrate right now, and this week she marked something very close to her heart.MORE: HELLO!'s Platinum Jubilee T-shirts to celebrate the QueenThe TV star has been working on Today for over a decade and previously revealed that the job changed her life.So it was incredibly special for her to reunite with her entire Today family to mark the show's 70th birthday on Wednesday.VIDEO: Dylan Dreyer reveals son Rusty's adorable new milestone Taking to Instagram, the mother-of-three shared a group picture of herself with her co-stars, including Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker, and wrote: "I still rally can't believe I'm part of this incredibly group of people on @todayshow!! What a great night celebrating 70 years of Today at the @paleyceter!!"MORE: Dylan Dreyer looks fabulous in lace during glamorous date with husbandMORE: Dylan Dryer shares very real parenting struggle as fans offer supportShe added the hashtags "pinch me" and "here's to 70 more!"Fans were quick to comment on the post, with one writing: "Congratulations you all deserve this!" while another wrote: "Love you guys!" A third added: "Such a great team!"A post shared by Dylan Dreyer (@dylandreyernbc)Dylan Dreyer was delighted to be celebrating Today's 70th birthday Dylan first joined Today as a weekend host, before moving to the Third Hour, where she hosts alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin.MORE: Dylan Dreyer invites fans on special date with husband as they open up about family lifeMORE: Dylan Dreyer shares sweet baby video from New York home and fans notice the same thingThe star made the difficult decision to step back from her weekend hosting duties earlier in the year, shortly after welcoming her third