Abbas, Netanyahu vow to meet every two weeks for peace (AFP) AFP - Israeli and Palestinian leaders launched their first direct negotiations in 20 months here Thursday, agreeing to meet every two weeks in a bid to settle core differences within a year.
White House: No second stimulus being considered (Reuters) 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.
Justice Department sues Arizona sheriff in immigration probe (Reuters) 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.
No sign of oil after Gulf platform fire: Coast Guard (Reuters) Reuters - An oil and gas platform operated by Mariner Energy burst into flames in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, but the crew of 13 escaped and there were no signs of an oil spill, the Coast Guard said.
Israel and Palestinians agree to more peace meetings (Reuters) 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.
Earl weakens but still powerful as it smacks NC (AP) AP - The last ferry left for the mainland and coastal residents hunkered down at home as Hurricane Earl closed in with 105 mph winds Thursday on North Carolina's dangerously exposed Outer Banks, the first and perhaps most destructive stop on the storm's projected journey up the Eastern Seaboard.
AP Source: UNC's Little won't travel for LSU game (AP) AP - North Carolina receiver Greg Little won't travel to Atlanta for the 18th-ranked Tar Heels' opener against No. 21 LSU due to the ongoing NCAA investigation at the school, a person with knowledge of the decision said Thursday night.
Pack of son of promoter Bob Arum found in Cascades (AP) AP - Searchers in the rugged North Cascades of Washington state have found a climbing backpack and a daypack belonging to the son of Hall of Fame boxing promoter Bob Arum, but are still looking for the missing climber.
Ireland in first ever clash with Armenia (AFP) AFP - Ireland are taking a long trip into unknown territory when they start their Euro 2012 campaign against Armenia in their opening Group B fixture here on Friday.
Woods looks to keep going at FedEx Cup (AP) AP - A chart of FedEx Cup standings at the Deutsche Bank Championship showed Tiger Woods at the top, not unusual considering he was won the cup and its $10 million prize every year he has played.
