Social Issues

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** FILE ** Todd Humphreys, director of the University of Texas’ Radionavagation Laboratory in Austin, Texas, uses an unmanned drone for an experiment. Texas is among seven states to recently pass a law limiting drone use in civilian airspace. (AP Photo/University of Texas)

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Supporters of former presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador cheer during a protest against the proposed energy reforms that would allow private companies to explore the country's oil and gas reserves. The proposal requires constitutional changes that strike at the heart of one of Mexico's proudest moments: President Lazaro Cardenas' nationalization of the oil company in 1938.

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** FILE ** Stephanie Denise-Carter, left, a supporter of gay marriages, argues with Pastor Bill Devlin, right, outside the Pennsylvania Judicial Center following the hearing of Montgomery County Clerk Bruce Hanes issuing same-sex marriage licenses Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Bradley C Bower)

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"Bullies and tyrants don't respect weakness or appeasement. In the Arab world, appeasement only encourages more violence," Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, says Wednesday at the Heritage Foundation. (Associated Press)

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A Syrian refugee sits on the ground at a temporary refugee camp in the eastern Lebanese Town of Al-Faour, Bekaa valley near the border with Syria, on Sept. 11, 2013. Lebanon is a tiny country that shares a porous border with Syria, and has seen cross-border shelling, sectarian clashes and car bombings in recent months related to the civil war raging next door. The country of 4.5 million already is already host to nearly 1 million Syrian refugees. (Associated Press)

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** FILE ** The aftermath of a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv left more than 20 people dead. (Associated Press)

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Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie announces a special session on gay marriage for the state Legislature on Monday. If lawmakers pass a bill, Hawaii would join 13 states and the District of Columbia in allowing gay marriage. The special session is scheduled to begin on Oct. 28. (Associated Press)

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"A blind spot [on public health] anywhere in the world is a risk to us," says Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)