Move over cheesy romance serials. A new study suggests that women prefer television dramas featuring female heroines to love stories.  Jennifer Pozner, Executive Director of Women In the Media & News, explains the shift. (Today Show)

Three months ago today, 7-year-old Kyron Horman’s stepmother dropped him off at his Oregon school for a science fair. He never made it to the fair, and was never seen again. As Kyron’s schoolmates prepare to return to school this week, NBC’s Miguel Almaguer and former FBI criminal profiler Clint Van Zandt look at the case, and continued suspicions – but no formal charges – that Kyron’s stepmother knows something about his disappearance. (Today Show)

The Obama administration was hoping that the summer would bring an economic rebound. As MSNBC senior political analyst Mark Halperin reports, it was a disappointment that Republicans running for Congress this fall are already bringing to the forefront of their campaigns. (Today Show)

Under the watchful eye of FBI agents and other federal investigators, crews have begun the process of hauling BP’s broken blow out preventer to the surface of the Gulf of Mexico so that it can be examined to find out why it failed, causing the largest oil spill in American history. (Today Show)

The once-powerful Hurricane Earl lost some of its energy as it moved up the East Coast, staying just off-shore enough to be noticed, without causing the level of damage some feared. NBC’s Dawn Franzen reports from Chatham, Mass. The Weather Channel’s Mike Seidel reports from the eastern-most tip of Long Island. (Today Show)

At least 120 buildings were damaged but miraculously no deaths have been attributed so far from the powerful earthquake that struck New Zealand. TODAY’s Lester Holt speaks via satellite with NZ TV reporter Melissa Stokes about the search of the rubble for potential victims. (Today Show)

A 50-year-old single mother from Dublin who works as a cashier moved the judges of England’s “The X-Factor” so much that that the British tabloids are already making comparisons to the discovery of Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle. (Today Show)

TODAY takes a look at Republican Gov. Jan Brewer’s awkward and uncomfortable appearance during her opening statement at a political debate. (Today Show)

Two chefs in Serbia cook up a 112-pound burger. Despite its massive size, this burger is not the world's largest. Alex Witt has more details. (Other)

A pair of newborn panda cubs makes their first public appearance at a zoo in Japan. Alex Witt reports. (Other)

Amateur video posted on the Internet shows a fight between spectators during a U.S. Open tennis match between Novak Djokovic and Philipp Petzschner. Alex Witt reports. (Other)

With the eye of the downgraded category 2 hurricane 85 miles offshore, damage and flooding have been minimal. TODAY’s Al Roker and The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore report from N.C. and The Weather Channel’s Julie Martin reports from Ocean City, Md. (Today Show)

Despite unemployment lingering near 10 percent, CNBC’s Erin Burnett points to private employers adding 67,000 jobs and a jump in wage growth as “glimmers of hope.” (Today Show)

Law enforcement agents search James Lee's house and say they found evidence that he had been testing his bomb-making skills; they also say they believe he never had any intentions of ending his standoff alive. NBC’s Pete Williams reports. (Today Show)

As the first daughters get ready to head back to school, NBC’s Norah O’Donnell takes a look at Sasha and Malia Obama, two girls growing up in the White House spotlight. (Today Show)

TODAY’s Natalie Morales takes a look at incredible video showing nearly 100 tiger sharks preying on a school of fish off the coast of Australia. (Today Show)

NOAA’s Bill Read tracks the downgraded storm’s path up the East Coast. (Today Show)

A witness says 28-year-old Bethany Storro was approached by a woman in downtown Vancouver, Wash., and had acid thrown in her face. Doctors say the young woman suffered second-degree burns. NBC’s Kristen Welker reports. (Today Show)

Real estate expert Barbara Corcoran explains why the average size of a new American home has shrunk by 300 square feet and discusses what this shift away from the opulent means in the housing market. (Today Show)

From a bungalow in Los Angeles to a townhouse in Philadelphia, real estate expert Barbara Corcoran reveals housing bargains across the country. (Today Show)

After being told her newborn son was dead, mother Kate Ogg was able to cuddle and caress her baby’s limp body back to life, astonishing doctors. TODAY’s Amy Robach has this incredible story. (Today Show)

Nancy White, of AAA, shares advice and tips for ensuring a smooth, safe trip this long holiday weekend. (Today Show)

As chef Madison Cowan demonstrates, you can marinate these easy-to-eat crabs in a mango-lime jerk dressing, or fry them up and serve them in a sandwich. (Today Show)

For some college students, weight gain is one of the downsides to campus life. TODAY nutritionist Joy Bauer and psychologist Dr. Gail Saltz offer tips to help students watch their waistlines while staying on top of their studies. (Today Show)

With the last weekend of summer upon us, TODAY’s Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb chat about the top activities people like to do in autumn, including a flub when discussing fall foliage. (Today Show)

From blotting papers infused with bronzer to antibacterial pencil sharpeners, TODAY’s style expert Bobbie Thomas shows the best enhanced makeup products. (Today Show)

Amy Brightfield, of Woman’s Day magazine, shows off comfortable, affordable athletic gear to help you get back on track with your workout routine this fall. (Today Show)

Louis Licari, stylist to the stars, and Us Weekly’s Jill Martin transform two women on the plaza. (Today Show)

Mixologist Jonathan Pogash shows how to create refreshing cocktails, including a Watermelon Bliss, Champagne punch and Japanese lemonade. (Today Show)

Event designer Tara Wilson shares her fun and creative ideas for throwing the perfect final soiree of the summer. (Today Show)

TODAY looks back at the week's most memorable moments. (Today Show)

TODAY’s Al Roker and The Weather Channel’s Stephanie Abrams talk about how Hurricane Earl’s winds caused sand to slam them in the face while doing live shots from Kill Devil Hills, N.C. (Today Show)

In preparation of covering Hurricane Earl in North Carolina, “Wake Up with Al” producer Nick Palladino shows off all the goodies the team purchased at Wal-Mart, which includes Cheez-It crackers, Easy Cheese, Pop-Tarts and pork rinds. (Today Show)

The Weather Channel’s Stephanie Abrams takes you behind the scenes of Hurricane Earl coverage in North Carolina. (Today Show)

Nutritionist Robin Miller, author of “Robin Rescues Dinner,” shares her approach to cooking up tasty, healthy family meals in a snap. (Today Show)

Style expert Stacy London shows how to achieve this season’s curvier, sexier silhouette without looking like you’re wearing a costume. (Today Show)

As NBC’s Kevin Tibbles reports, when it comes time to say goodbye on campus, it's the parents who’ve got issues. (Today Show)

TODAY’s Willard Scott sends birthday wishes to special TODAY viewers. (Today Show)

If you're a parent, you recognize that certain milestones, like swimming alone and using social media, are inevitable. But when is the right time for your child and your family? TODAY's Matt Lauer speaks with a panel of experts. (Today Show)

Stepping a bit further out of her mother’s long shadow, Bristol Palin told Jay Leno on Friday that she is neither disappointed nor heart broken over her breakup from Levi Johnston. NBC’s Jeff Rossen reports. (Other)