A top United Nations official is calling on the international community to make sure the drought in Ethiopia does not degenerate into a famine.

U.N. humanitarian chief John Holmes arrived in Ethiopia Monday to meet with officials and to get a first-hand look at the impact of the drought.

He began the three-day visit with a tour of the Arba Minch region, about 500 kilometers south of the capital Addis Ababa.

ST. PAUL, MINN. — A series of disclosures about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Sen. John McCain’s choice as running mate, called into question on Monday how thoroughly McCain had examined her background before putting her on the Republican presidential ticket. More on Vetting of Palin gets own scrutiny