Los Angeles County, CA

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Herbie J Pilato

It's been eight years since beloved former child star and Oscar-winning actress Patty Duke died from sepsis (a ruptured intestine) at only 69 in 2016. She was also the recipient of two Golden Globes, three Emmys, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In the 1960s, she was the star of her own TV sitcom. In the mid-1980s, she served as President of the Screen Actors Guild. Through it all, she was married four times (including once to actor John Austin), had three sons, and never stopped acting. This is her tragic yet triumphant story.

In Memory of Former Child Star and Oscar-winning Actress Patty Duke: 8 Years After Her Tragic Death

It's been over twenty-five years since actor/photographer Roddy McDowall died of lung cancer in 1998. McDowall, despite some career challenges, was one of that breed of rare former child actors who successfully transitioned into Hollywood adulthood. He was also, however, one of the industry's "openly closeted" actors, which came with its own sense of issues. This is his story.

The Not-So-Secret Gay Life of Actor Roddy McDowell: 25 Years After His Tragic Death From Lung Cancer

The Keith Urban concert planned for Friday September 13, 2024 has been cancelled. If you are interested in attending a future concert, visit TODAY.com/concerts for more details.

Keith Urban concert on TODAY: What you need to know

Los Angeles, CA

It's been more than four decades since former child star William “Billie” Thomas Jr. died in Los Angeles of a heart attack at only 49 on October 10, 1980. Best known as "Buckwheat," the character he portrayed in the original Hal Roach-ignited Our Gang/Little Rascals classic film shorts from 1934 to 1944, Thomas faced similar challenges and misfortunes of several of his co-stars and other former child actors. This is his story.

Billie "Buckwheat" Thomas - 'Little Rascals'/'Our Gang' Child Star: 44 Years After His Tragic Death

Minnesota State

Jessica Harris was a 24-year-old single mom and newly sober when she became pregnant in 2019. At the time, Harris and her toddler son Tristan were living in a one-bedroom apartment in Minnesota, and relying on spotty public transportation after her license was suspended due to a DWI. “I was...

A mom placed her baby for adoption. Years later, she asked that child to be her flower girl

Denver, CO

Welcome to Start TODAY. Sign up for our Start TODAY newsletter to receive daily inspiration sent to your inbox — and join us on Instagram!. When Chay Venrick, 54, decided she wanted to improve her health, she couldn’t see a clear path forward. She was a cardiomyopathy survivor and had been diagnosed with prediabetes. She wasn’t very active, and she didn’t always choose healthy foods. Her excess body weight was affecting her mobility. She knew she needed to make some changes.

How 1 woman learned to control her anxious thoughts — and lost 100 inches

"Property Brothers" duo Jonathan and Drew Scott have unveiled a project that they hold near and dear to their hearts. The HGTV stars shared in the September/October issue of HGTV Magazine that they recently gave their parents, Joanne and Jim Scott, the ultimate home makeover. The Scott brothers said that...

Jonathan and Drew Scott renovate their parents' new LA home — take a tour

Philadelphia, PA

I live for summer, drinking extra icy cold brews outside, walking around barefoot against my better judgement, and of course enjoying the much longer, sunny days where laughter and fun sees no end. I’m usually not fazed by the heat, but this year when a few 75-degree days came our way mid-August in Philadelphia, my mindset quickly shifted. I’m seriously living for crisp, cozy weather right now.

This dress is perfect for the end of summer — and fall, and winter!

Beacon, the golden retriever therapy dog for the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team, is still hospitalized while his owner continues to search for answers about his health. In a new Sept. 6 update, Tracey Callahan Molnar shared that the 4-year-old pup was “tired but still eager and open to gentle hugs, pets and conversation” when she visiting him at the hospital.

Owner of hospitalized US Olympic gymnastics therapy dog gives update

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

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Akeena

After serving the Fort Lauderdale community for over 25 years, Canyon restaurant has officially closed its doors, making way for a new culinary experience. The beloved dining spot, known for its Southwestern flavors and loyal following, will be replaced by Daniel’s, a steakhouse from the Miami-based Gioia Hospitality Group.

Beloved Florida Restaurant Closes Its Doors After 25 Years, Steakhouse Set to Move In

It's been forty-five years since former child star Darla Hood, best known for the classic Our Gang/Little Rascals film shorts, died tragically of a heart attack at only 47 years old in Canoga Park, CA. This is her story.

A Look Back at Child Star Darla Hood ('Our Gang'/'Little Rascals'): 45 Years After Her Tragic Death

RATE THIS RECIPE (0) Sticky toffee pudding is a traditional British dessert featuring a moist sponge cake that’s infused with finely chopped dates and generously covered in a rich toffee sauce. It’s typically paired with vanilla ice cream or custard, which makes for a delightful contrast. The origins...

Sticky Toffee Pudding

I first saw it on my feed in the beginning of August: a thick, brick-like chocolate bar filled with a pistachio-green substance that both looked gooey and sounded crunchy whenever someone took a bite. As with most food trends on the internet (see: cucumber guy, fluffy Coke and the Olympic...

Why the viral Dubai chocolate bar is all over TikTok

Even in the most lavish of worlds, there’s no such thing as the perfect life — or the perfect couple. That’s the premise of Elin Hilderbrand’s 2018 novel "The Perfect Couple" and a Netflix series of the same name out Sept. 5. Hilderbrand, who has been...

What happens at the end of Elin Hilderbrand’s ‘The Perfect Couple’?

Scituate, MA

Users in NewsBreak’s Contributor Program who have not yet self-verified their accounts.

Camilo Díaz

(MA) Get ready to meet a fluffy little Shih Tzu who is ready to move into your place as soon as possible. Clover recently came into the Scituate Animal Shelter of Massachusetts' care for unspecified reasons. He is a happy little pup who is happiest when with his humans. He would be even happier if YOU were his number one human. I think you would be happier too!

This Little Shih Tzu Is Searching For Love

Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend has clearly never worn Brooks running shoes. These sneakers have been my go-to accessory for the last decade, as I’ve run multiple marathons, over a dozen half marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks and even a few triathlons in them. In fact, they’ve been the most reliable item in my closet for a third of my life at this point.

From running marathons to walks around the block, I’ve worn the same sneaker brand for nearly a decade

Black history meets pure pomp in Peacock’s latest limited series, “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” inspired by a podcast and based on a true story. Peacock is owned by NBCUniversal, TODAY’s parent company. The eight-episode series unfolds at an afterparty following Muhammad Ali’s return to...

Is ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist’ based on a true story?

Flint, MI

A bride and groom were arrested in Flint, Michigan, last week after the groom allegedly ran over and killed one of his groomsmen hours after the wedding, according to police. The City of Flint Police Department responded to the 1400 block of E Hamilton Avenue on Aug. 30 for a report of a “pedestrian injury crash,” the department said Wednesday in a Facebook post.

Michigan newlyweds arrested after groom allegedly runs over and kills groomsman hours after wedding

Watch the 2024 Paris Olympics on NBC and streaming on Peacock, July 26 - Aug 11. Team USA Paralympic swimmer Jessica Long joins TODAY after winning gold in the women’s 400-meter freestyle. She shares what the moment felt like when she won her 30th Paralympic medal and her plans to go to the Games in Los Angeles in four years!

Jessica Long talks 30th Paralympic medal, 'farewell' in LA

Massachusetts State

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Dianna Carney

Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a foster-based rescue in Massachusetts, has recently introduced a tiny six-pound dog named Alistair who is looking for his forever home. At only one year old, this little boy is a sweet dog who is thought to be a Maltese, "but we can’t make any guarantees that he would be suitable for those with allergies," explains the nonprofit animal rescue.

Meet The Tiny 6lb Dog Looking For Love

NewsBreak

Exclusive: Macaulay Culkin announces ‘Home Alone’ tour

Macaulay Culkin known for his role as Kevin McCallister in “Home Alone” is going...

Exclusive: Macaulay Culkin announces ‘Home Alone’ tour

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