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President Joe Biden is expected to announce Tuesday the purchase of a half-billion, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests and the mobilization of 1,000 military medical personnel to overburdened hospitals in an effort to confront surging COVID-19 infections and the new, highly-transmissible omicron variant.

FORT WORTH, Texas — Independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman on Friday reiterated his top pick to implement his energy plan that emphasizes renewable sources: Willie Nelson. ADVERTISEMENT Friedman said the country singer/songwriter and benefactor of biodiesel was a natural choice to lead a state energy department or commission, which he wants to create. He also said Nelson "would never have his hand in Texas' pocket." "My plan is to appoint the best people I can find, get out of the way and let them work ... people whose only agenda is to do the right thing for the people of...

OMAHA -- Okay, now that the election is over, are you ready to talk about 2008? Chuck Hagel is. The Republican senator from Nebraska has been thinking seriously about 2008 since he won reelection in 2002, and mulling a run for the White House even longer. He has a long history of doing, and getting, what he wants. He's ready -- well, ready to talk.

Cutting-Edge Maglev Rail Line Boosts Pride in Shanghai, but Ridership Lags SHANGHAI -- Smoothly, quietly, but relentlessly, the sleek new train picked up speed. Reaching 100 mph, it seemed similar to the fast trains of Europe and Japan. But by 200 mph, Shanghai's passing suburbs started to blur in the window. And at 287 mph, the top speed, passengers could clearly feel that their ride to the airport had become a streak into railroad history. "It's great," said Andrew Suan, 35, an investment adviser on his way to catch a flight for Hong Kong. "It's better than Disneyland." Shanghai's new...

Background Members Functions and Powers Structure Sanctions Repertoire of the Practiceof the Security Council Security Council Round-up 2002 Counter-Terrorism Committee(established pursuant to Resolution 1373 (2001)) Formal meetings Report of the Security Council to the General Assembly 16 June 2001 - 31 July 2002 UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) Sanctions Committees: Elected Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons for the period until 31 December 2003   Background The Security Council has primary responsibility, under the Charter,for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is so organized as to be able to function continuously, and a representative of each of its...