Top headlines:
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
Lobster ice cream? The scoop on new flavors: Marc Murphy of New York City's Landmarc restaurant shares some of his best seafood dishes. Learn how to make his delicious pan-seared red snapper, grilled tuna steak and mussels. ›13:44, 15.07
The six worst foods for your beach bod: Does canceling a credit card really affect your ability to borrow money from a bank? In an effort to separate fact from fiction, TODAY financial editor Jean Chatzky shares tips for folks with an eye on their credit score. ›14:44, 23.07
Celebrate America's birthday, Italian style: Sea coral is blessed with wonderful colors, an intricate design and memories of the lapping ocean, but some argue it's being harvested at a rate that nature can't keep up with.
Styled in the slammer: Japans new fashion trend: The Lopez family makes history as three siblings, Steven, Mark and Diana, head to Beijing to compete on the U.S. Olympic taekwondo team, which is coached by their brother, Jean. ›13:49, 16.07
Judge: Girl can't be called Talula Does The Hula: A family court judge in New Zealand has had enough with parents giving their children bizarre names here, and did something about it. ›10:32, 24.07
One family, three shots at Olympic gold: With nothing to lose and so much to gain, the U.K. pop singer is relishing her moment in the music spotlight and on the charts. After being known as the Single Girl, Natasha Bedingfield is finally growing up and taking the reins on life, love and her career. ›17:52, 18.07
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
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
Regain your focus by unplugging and signing out: Author Chris Balish says the way to put the brakes on high gas prices is to do the unthinkable: leave your car behind! In his new book, "How to Live Well Without Owning a Car," Balish argues that getting rid of the ride can increase your quality of life. An excerpt. ›15:32, 11.07
Group: China worlds top executioner: Executions jumped by a third in Iran and quadrupled in Saudi Arabia last year, but China remained far in front as the worlds top executioner, a rights group reported Thursday. ›15:03, 24.07
Miss USA explains why she fell: Venezuelas Dayana Mendoza, 22, took the crown at this years global pageant that included 80 beauty queens. Here are the highlights from the competition. ›14:32, 15.07
Miss Venezuela takes Miss Universe crown: Are you and your partner stuck in a cash crisis? Whether it's tapping into your 401(k) to pay the bills or not making payments on your credit cards, Stacy Morrison of Redbook magazine has smart and priceless tips to help you two get your finances back on track. ›18:35, 12.07
Russia denies report of Cuba bombers: Russia said on Thursday it had no plans to open any military bases abroad and denied a newspaper report that it might deploy nuclear-capable bombers in Cuba. ›15:50, 24.07
Stories in a bottle: Reflections on winemaking: With gardens and farmers markets bursting with fresh vegetables, now is the time to bake them into something sweet. David Guas, chef and owner of Damgoodsweet Consulting Group, has the perfect summer recipes: Zucchini pound cake with brown butter icing and spicy carrot ginger cupcakes. ›16:04, 17.07
Miley Cyrus ... not just for kids anymore: Are you a big fan? Test your knowledge on the "Hannah Montana" star! ›20:19, 22.07
Stolen $30M Shakespeare book found: Talk about long distance. An Indian Muslim couple exchanged wedding vows by telephone after the groom, who lives in Kuwait, said he did not have money to return home to get married. The entire village in Murshidabad, West Bengal watched as Irin Biswas and Safikul Islam spoke their wedding vows on a mobile phone. ›14:02, 11.07
'War and Peace': New Versions Worth the Read: 'War and Peace' has been the Everest of literature for more than 150 years. Two new English versions remind us why Tolstoy's tome is still worth the climb. ›22:06, 6.10
Q&A: Shawn Hornbecks Parents: The parents of kidnap victim Shawn Hornbeck speak out on the sentencing of their sons tormentor and the status of the boys recovery. ›20:50, 12.10
Bottled water: The new fine wine?: TMZ.com posted photos of Miss Washington Elyse Umemoto flipping off the camera while wearing her crown, playing beer pong, posing in her bra and making suggestive hand signs. ›14:20, 9.07
Israel to build new West Bank outpost: A key committee has approved construction of the first new Jewish settlement in the West Bank in a decade, an Israeli official said Thursday. The news infuriated Palestinians. ›10:01, 24.07
Experience the life of a trophy wife: Should you stay or should you go? In this uncensored look inside a marriage therapist's office, psychologist Mark O'Connell shows why it's worthwhile to make the difficult decision to work on long-term relationships. An excerpt. ›16:09, 21.07
Debt, credit, layoffs: Your questions answered:
Create a fusion of flavors with roasted Maine cod: The superstar comic whose sci-fi comedy Meet Dave is the latest in a string of box office hits that have grossed $3 billion since 1982 said he will retire from films when he turns 50 in less than three years: Then I am going back to the stage. ›19:31, 7.07
