WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama Administration is likely to stay focused on toughening regulatory oversight of the U.S. offshore oil industry and may push back lifting a ban on deepwater drilling after the latest accident in the Gulf of Mexico, analysts said on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed to a series of direct talks on Thursday, seeking to forge the framework for a U.S.-backed peace deal within a year and end a conflict that has boiled for six decades.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House stressed on Thursday that no second economic stimulus package is being considered as part of new measures under review by President Barack Obama's team.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said on Thursday that President Barack Obama's top economic adviser will visit China from Saturday for three days of meetings.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Passing food safety reform legislation this year is a "priority" for the Senate, said a spokesman for Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, as Congress feels pressure from consumer groups to act following the latest recall to highlight weaknesses in the system.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A last-minute change in the fall course schedule of Harvard law professor Elizabeth Warren has fueled speculation the White House might soon nominate her to head the newly created U.S. consumer financial agency.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will hold a press conference on Friday, September 10, the White House said on Thursday.

WASHINGTON/PHOENIX (Reuters) - The Justice Department on Thursday sued an Arizona sheriff for refusing to cooperate with its investigation into allegations he and his police force discriminate against Hispanics in his program to crack down on illegal immigrants.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Never mind the ceremonial handshakes and diplomatic fanfare.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Never mind the ceremonial handshakes and diplomatic fanfare.