The latest news on Medicaid Cuts, Prison Reform, Economy and Children, Demographic Changes, Egyptian Military, Egypt-U.S. Policy, Tunisia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Burma Opens Parliament, Nelson Mandela, and Select Op-Eds.

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Quote of the Day "Before we started the Cousins Club, I never even knew a Muslim person. I am so blessed that I have made such dear friends. It feels like sisters coming into my home." Shayna Lester of the West Los Angeles Cousins Club, a grassroots discussion group that brings together Jewish and Muslim women to explore spirituality and mutual understanding. (Los Angeles Times)

RELIGION IN THE NEWS

How Davos found God "In addition to the corporate and political bigwigs leading talks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week is one not-so-usual suspect: an evangelical minister. "There is some real soul searching going on here," said the Rev. Jim Wallis, an American Christian activist who is moderating sessions at this year's summit."

Muslim Brotherhood mutes its religious message "The question is whether the organization's religious agenda fits easily into an Egypt that is more tolerant and susceptible to Western-style liberalism and hip TV preachers."

Violence grips Nigeria "Fresh violence has flared up in the Nigerian flashpoint city of Jos after clashes between Christians and Muslims in central Nigeria last week left 35 people dead."

NEWS AT HOME

Medicaid cuts. For Governors, Medicaid Looks Ripe to Slash "Hamstrung by federal prohibitions against lowering Medicaid eligibility, governors from both parties are exercising their remaining options in proposing bone-deep cuts to the program during the fourth consecutive year of brutal economic conditions."

Prison reform. Conservatives latch onto prison reform "Reduced sentences for drug crimes. More job training and rehabilitation programs for nonviolent offenders. Expanded alternatives to doing hard time.