Social Issues

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Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid promises “debate about how to change laws and culture that allow violence to grow.” (Associated Press)

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Congratulatory public cards for Rep. Tim Scott’s appointment to the Senate were a favorite of many well-wishers. This one is from the National Republican Congressional Committee. (National Republican Congressional Committee)

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Marion Barry, current D.C. Council member and former mayor, says he will try to pass his measure protecting ex-offenders from discrimination at the council’s final legislative session on Tuesday. He has openly criticized other council members and called out a prominent business leader over the issue. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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These students may choose to join Culinary Workers Local 226 if they take jobs on the Las Vegas Strip. More than 90 percent of Culinary’s 60,000 mostly immigrant workers opt to be dues-paying members, even though Nevada law says they can’t be forced to pay unions for their services. Local 226 represents hotel and casino staff. Housekeepers in most Strip hotels start at $16 an hour with free health care and pension. (Associated Press)

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President Barack Obama speaks during an interfaith vigil for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012 at Newtown High School in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School Friday and opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

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Mourners leave a funeral service for Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim Jack Pinto, 6, on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into the Newtown school on Friday and opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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Mourners gather outside the funeral service of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim, Jack Pinto, 6, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Friday and opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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Mourners arrive for the funeral service of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim, six-year-old Jack Pinto, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. Six-year-old student Jack Pinto, who was killed Friday when a gunman opened fire inside the Sandy Hook Elementary School, is scheduled to be buried at the cemetery Monday afternoon. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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Mourners arrive for the funeral service of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim, six-year-old Jack Pinto, Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Newtown, Conn. A gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Friday and opened fire, killing 26 people, including 20 children. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell waves to legislators after he addressed a joint meeting of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees at the Capitol Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 in Richmond, Va. McDonnell delivered his 2013 budget reccomendations to the committees. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

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Legislators look over the 2013 Virignia budget as well as related materials as Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell addresses a joint meeting of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees at the Capitol Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 in Richmond, Va (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

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Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell acknowledges the applause as as he arrives to address a joint meeting of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees at the Capitol Monday, Dec. 17, 2012 in Richmond, Va. McDonnell delivered his 2013 budget before the committees. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

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Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell acknowledges the applause as he arrives to address a joint meeting of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees at the Capitol on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Richmond. Mr. McDonnell delivered his 2013 budget before the committees. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

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** FILE ** Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell gestures as he addresses a joint meeting of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees at the Capitol on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Richmond. Mr. McDonnell delivered his 2013 budget proposals to the committees. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

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Delegate Lacey Putney, the House Appropriations Committee chairman, and Delegate William Howell (right), the House speaker, listen as Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell addresses a joint meeting of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees at the Capitol on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Richmond. The governor delivered his 2013 budget proposals to the committees. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

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Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell kisses his wife, Maureen, after he addressed a joint meeting of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees at the Capitol on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, in Richmond. Mr. McDonnell delivered his 2013 budget proposals to the committees. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)