Social Issues

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Syrians struggle to get pillows and blankets distributed at a camp for displaced civilians, in the village of Atmeh, Syria. Other Syrians have escaped the conflict by going to neighboring countries, taxing the ability of those nations and international relief agencies to help them. "In terms of the overall numbers, it is very clear the region is facing a humanitarian disaster that is deepening by the day," said Sharon Waxman, of the International Rescue Committee's Commission on Syrian Refugees. (Associated Press)

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"This is a jobs budget," said Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley of his proposal that creates 8,200 jobs for school construction, 1,900 for a rental housing works initiative and about 16,240 jobs in transportation projects. (The Washington Times)

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From left: Hinna Zeejah, 8, Taejah Goode, 10, Julia Stokes, 11, and Grant Fritz, 8, who wrote letters to President Obama about the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., watch as the president jokes about being left handed as he signs executive orders outlining proposals to reduce gun violence on Jan. 16, 2013, at the White House. (Associated Press))

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Lynn and Chris McDonnell, parents of Grace McDonnell, who was killed in the Newtown, Conn., school shooting, listen as President Obama talks about their daughter during a Jan. 16, 2013, news conference at the White House on proposals to reduce gun violence. (Associated Press)

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NAACP President Benjamin Jealous (right) speaks Tuesday in support of repealing Maryland’s death penalty. Though repeal is backed by Gov. Martin O’Malley, the legislation faces detractors who see capital punishment as a tool in the judicial process. (Associated Press)

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Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (center), speaking at a rally Tuesday in Annapolis in support of repealing the state’s death penalty, said, “I don’t fear the judgment of the people of Maryland,” when asked about the possibility of a referendum. He said he would throw his support behind legislation to end capital punishment this year. He backed two earlier unsuccessful attempts during his first term as governor. (Associated Press)

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Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney wrote to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in November to declare the state’s intention to set up a state-run exchange under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. (Associated Press)

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New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says the idea for fitting fake pill bottles with GPS devices was prompted by high-profile crimes associated with the thriving black market for oxycodone and other prescription drugs. (Associated Press)

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While medicine and humanitarian supplies are not blocked by the economic embargoes on Iran, the pressures are clearly evident in nearly every aspect of health care with shortages at pharmacies and long lines at hospitals. (Associated Press)