While Hurricane Earl lost much of its punch before hitting land, it's still being blamed for coastal damage and flooding as it sweeps up the East Coast. NBC's Peter Alexander reports.(Nightly News)

The Weather Channel's hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross reports.(Nightly News)

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit New Zealand just west of Christchurch on Friday. Geologist Mark Quigley and his partner Candace Egan report from the scene via Skype on the destruction left behind.(Nightly News)

The unemployment rate ticked up a notch to 9.6 percent Friday as discouraged workers continue their job hunt and others cling to their businesses by a thread. NBC's Kristen Welker reports.(Nightly News)

A new blowout preventer will be placed on the now-plugged well-head on BP's busted Gulf oil rig as the old one is examined to determine what went wrong. NBC's Brian Williams reports.(Nightly News)

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer was forced to face a political nightmare Friday after finding herself at a loss for words during a televised debate Thursday night. NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports.(Nightly News)

From the time they entered the White House, President and Mrs. Obama have tried to keep their daughters' lives as private as possible. But recently, the proud parents have been talking openly about how Malia and Sasha are growing up. NBC's Norah O'Donnell reports.(Nightly News)

An excerpt from his Stephen Hawking's new book has fired up Twitter users. NBC's Brian Williams reports.(Nightly News)

Brother and sister panda twins were in good health during their first public appearance at a Japanese zoo on Friday. NBC's Brian Williams reports.(Nightly News)

According to a new study, adults keep cell phones near or in their beds at night just like teenagers. NBC's Brian Williams reports.(Nightly News)

A new study shows that driving around lost can waste thousands of dollars in gas. NBC's Brian Williams reports.(Nightly News)

Making a Difference: The American flag that flew at the World trade Center and was shredded on 9/11 will travel to all 50 states, where 50,000 firefighters, policemen and many others who lost family members in the attack will each sew a stitch to repair the tattered flag. NBC's Roger O'Neil reports.(Nightly News)