Top headlines:
Kay Ryan named next U.S. poet laureate: TODAY wine columnist Edward Deitch reviews the memoir of American wine merchant Neal Rosenthal, in which he details his experiences in the vineyards and cellars of France and Italy. ›22:32, 16.07
Fun and healthy foods for kids: Are you struggling with how to lose weight? Are you frustrated about boring exercises? Are you having trouble curbing cravings? If you have any questions about successful dieting, e-mail TODAY and nutrition editor Joy Bauer may answer them. ›15:22, 3.07
At 41, swimmer Torres is Beijing-bound: Are you having difficulty getting your children to eat better? Try turning your meals into characters they'll love to see on their plates! Cookbook author and mom Annabel Karmel offers healthy and easy-to-make dishes like "hidden vegetable tomato sauce" and "pita pizza faces." ›19:37, 1.07
How to buy and sell homes in a shaky economy: On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the people who won our independence. But as TODAYs Bob Dotson reports, for some, Independence Day marks a far different anniversary. ›16:03, 3.07
Natasha Bedingfield: The Single Girl grows up: Your body and mind change as you age, making it harder to keep off those extra pounds. Dr. Laura Berman gives tips on how women can keep their appetites and emotions under control. ›14:42, 16.07
From pills to pillows, when to replace your stuff: Andre Norton, one of science fiction's most prolific female writers until she died three years ago, left her friends and fans a final puzzle: Who should control the rights to her more than 130 books, including the popular "Witch World" series. ›13:53, 6.07
Do you take this credit card?: On the first Saturday in August, at midnight, Wordsmiths Books in Decatur, Ga., will be decorated in black and red and packed with teens dressed like vampires and werewolves. What is this festive feast for? To celebrate the release of best-selling author Stephenie Meyer's "Breaking Dawn, the fourth and final book of her Twilight series. ›22:14, 9.07
Burmese Battle Spiritual and Economic Ills: Businesses are struggling, prices are rising and residents are facing a spiritual crisis. An on-scene report from post-protest Rangoon. ›18:10, 11.10
Baby daughter inspires Olympic boxer: Do thunderstorms, traffic noise and house guests get your pet's heart racing? Veterinarian Sue Wagner provides a guide to using classical music to help calm your canine companion. An excerpt. ›16:55, 10.07
Celebs run scared in Vampyres of Hollywood: Dara Torres is off to an unprecedented fifth Olympics but even though she's 41 and the oldest woman ever to make theU.S. Olympic Swim Team, she considers herself just another working mom. The water doesnt know what age you are, she said. ›15:20, 4.07
Rushdie wins Best of Booker award: Do you have money problems? Are you struggling to get out of debt? Are you burdened with payments for your house, for college, or for elderly parents? TODAY is here to help. Tell us your story and we might address your concerns on an upcoming TODAY segment! ›19:18, 9.07
Grizzly bear mauls woman in Alaska: A 21-year-old woman was attacked by a grizzly bear about 25 yards from an Alaskan lodge. ›21:44
Uncovering the best barbecue in the U.S.: At 37, Cathy Alters life was a disaster. So she turned to a source of consolation: the magazine rack. In "Up for Renewal," she writes about how that decision changed her. An excerpt. ›17:10, 9.07
Choose Life T-shirt designer enjoys fashion return: From the aye-aye to the star-nosed mole, wildlife never looked so wild ›13:04, 8.07
Interview: Susan Faludi on 9/11 Myths: In her new book, Susan Faludi examines the cultural impact of the 9/11 terror attacks. What she says about their effect on U.S. politics, feminism and the differences between American and European approaches to history. ›17:08, 8.10
Show of solidarity: Bishops take to the streets to highlight poverty ›15:28
Murray through to face Djokovic: Andy Murray beats Stanislas Wawrinka to set up a Toronto Masters quarter-final against Novak Djokovic. ›20:04
France: Is 35-hour workweek a faux pas?: Dow Chemical Co. said Thursday that despite record sales and two double-digit price increases unveiled in the second quarter, its profit for the period fell 27 percent. ›16:36
Suspension for 'suicide' case GP: A Glasgow GP is suspended for six months by the General Medical Council after prescribing sleeping tablets to a suicidal patient. ›15:12
Oops - drilled Chinese vase 'only' fetches £25,000 at sale: A rare Chinese vase valued at £50,000 in mint condition sells for £25,000 after a hole was drilled in its base so it could be used as a lamp. ›20:36
Danielle Steel writes to give people hope: Japan's latest trendy fashion comes from a place most high-end shoppers wouldn't go looking: a jailhouse. Apparel by the inmates at the Hakodate Juvenile Prison is becoming must-have both in and out of jail. ›14:17, 16.07
Parties for last book in 'Twilight' series: In these hard times, wedding experts are increasingly dealing with what they call budget brides. Left behind is an army of caterers, dress makers and photographers whose livelihoods depend on the bigger-is-better attitude. ›12:54, 10.07
Grill skills: Al Roker's BBQ recipes, tips, tricks: Christie Brinkleys estranged husband said Wednesday he had sex with his teenage lover in his office, then paid her $300,000 while hoping to keep their affair quiet.
Video: Minimum wage raised to $6.55: July 24: For many workers, high fuel prices are eclipsing the good news that the minimum wage has been raised by 70 cents, to $6.55 an hour. NBC's Brian Williams reports.(Nightly News) ›23:08
