No progress reported on debt talks July 18, 2011 Economist Jared Bernstein discusses the latest in the debt talks and explains how a balanced budget amendment would work. (Martin Bashir)

Gingrich campaign finds itself in debt July 18, 2011 The Daily Beast’s Michelle Cottle explains whether this revelation will sink Newt Gingrich’s presidential campaign. (Martin Bashir)

Klein: A good debt deal is possible July 18, 2011 The Washington Post’s Ezra Klein explains why Congress shouldn’t choose between jobs and deficit reduction to establish a deal. (Martin Bashir)

Restructuring the debt July 18, 2011 Author William Cohan and panel debate what should be included in the final debt deal. (Dylan Ratigan Show)

Obama holds out hope for large debt deal July 18, 2011 Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., who is actively involved in the debt discussions, explains how Congress will be able to move the country forward. (Martin Bashir)

Was Warren passed over to appease the GOP? July 18, 2011 The Washington Post’s Ylan Mui explains why Elizabeth Warren was not chosen to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (Martin Bashir)

Mandela wished a happy 93rd birthday July 18, 2011 On his 93rd birthday, Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy were celebrated in charity and song. He was serenaded by South Africans who gave up at least 67 minutes of their day to improve the lives of ...

Ambassador leaving ‘big piece of my heart’ in ... July 18, 2011 The U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Karl Eikenberry, is stepping down this month. He shares his a unique perspective on the country with NBC’s Atia Abawi. Eikenberry first arrived in Afghanistan ...

Lawsuit alleges Ford toxic dumping causing cancer July 18, 2011 Director Mario Chermayeff and community leader Wayne Mann talk about the new HBO documentary which examines a small community’s big legal battle against one of America’s leading ...

Politico: Gay rights groups to target Bachmann July 18, 2011 Radio host Michael Smerconish shares his thoughts on how this will affect Rep. Michele Bachmann’s campaign. (NewsNation)

Obama appoints Cordray to lead consumer agency July 18, 2011 President Obama is vowing to fight any efforts to block the work of a new consumer protection bureau as he introduces Richard Cordray, a former Ohio attorney general, to run the agency. Watch his ...

Warren passed over as Consumer Bureau chief July 18, 2011 Elizabeth Warren shares her thoughts on President Barack Obama’s nominee and her future plans. (Mitchell Reports)

Murdoch prepares to face Parliament July 18, 2011 The New York Times’ John Burns talks about the legal implications in both London and America caused by the U.K. hacking scandal. (Mitchell Reports)

Actor answers a call to duty for veterans July 18, 2011 Gary Sinise talks about his documentary, “Lt. Dan Band: For the Common Good,” which is raising funds to support the military and their families. (Mitchell Reports)

Social media and Decision 2012 July 18, 2011 NBC’s Chuck Todd talks politics and social media with Facebook’s Katie Harbath; Julie Germany, former Director for Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet; and Michael Turk, former RNC ...

South Africa celebrates Mandela’s 93rd birthday July 18, 2011 As former President Nelson Mandela spent his 93rd birthday with family and friends, South Africans paid tribute to the anti-apartheid icon through song and community service projects. (NBC News)

Scantily-clad women take to streets for ... July 18, 2011 Participants at the protest in South Korea want to dispel the myth that women are responsible for sexual violence against them because of the way they dress. TODAY.com’s Dara Brown reports. (TODAY)

US overcome with troubles July 18, 2011 Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., shares her thoughts on the debt ceiling showdown, the handover in Afghanistan and trouble with Pakistan. (Mitchell Reports)

Video shows tragic family caught in river July 18, 2011 A family of five was swept away by a rogue wave during a picnic in central India. TODAY.com’s Dara Brown reports. (TODAY)

Calif. public schools to teach gay history July 18, 2011 California becomes the first state to require public schools to teach students about the historic role of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. KNBC’s Tony Guinard reports. (NBC News)