New U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff marked the start of his Senate tenure on Monday , Dec. 9, by taking the oath of office with his hand on an ancient Jewish text. The book used in Schiff’s swearing-in ceremony is the Mishneh Torah , written by the renowned Jewish philosopher and scholar Moses Maimonides. A comprehensive 12th-century codification of Jewish religious law , the Mishneh Torah summarizes all aspects of Jewish law in clear and accessible Hebrew. California Senator, Congressman Adam Schiff, right, was sworn in today, Dec. 9, 2024, conducted by Vice President and former California Senator Kamala Harris. (Photo C-SPAN2) (L-R) Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), his wife Eve Schiff and Vice President Kamala Harris pose for photographs following his ceremonial swearing-in in the Old Senate Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 09, 2024 in Washington, DC. Schiff was officially sworn in earlier by Harris in the Senate Chamber. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) (L) is congratulated by Vice President Kamala Harris as his wife Eve Schiff looks on following his ceremonial swearing-in in the Old Senate Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 09, 2024 in Washington, DC. Schiff was officially sworn in earlier by Harris in the Senate Chamber. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) California Senator, Congressman Adam Schiff, right, was sworn in today, Dec. 9, 2024, conducted by Vice President and former California Senator Kamala Harris. (Photo C-SPAN2) When sworn into office, newly elected officials often use religious texts or other meaningful books that hold personal or symbolic significance to them. For instance, in 2021 President Joe Biden took his oath of office on a 19th-century Bible that has been in his family since the late 1800s, while Vice President Kamala Harris swore in on two Bibles: one that belonged to former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and another that belonged to a former neighbor close to Harris, according to CNN . Former President Donald Trump also used two Bibles at his 2017 swearing-in ceremony : the Lincoln Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his first inauguration in 1861, and a family Bible given to Trump by his mother in 1955. The Mishneh Torah used by Schiff translates into “repetition of the Torah” or “the second Torah” in English. It was printed in Italy in 1490, according to his office. Schiff, a pro-Israel Democrat, has been open about his Jewish heritage and faith and has strongly condemned antisemitism. “Growing up in a Jewish household with strong ties to the Jewish community, I learned to revere a passage from Micah — that instructs us to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God,” Schiff previously said, according to the Jewish Democratic Council of America’s website . “I am very proud of my Jewish heritage, our traditions and values and the work our community does to build a more just and equitable world for the next generation.” In his swearing-in statement, Schiff said he will be a “tireless advocate for Californians in every part of the state and work across the aisle to deliver on day one.” Schiff, who represented an LA-area district in Congress for nearly 24 years, will complete the remainder of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s term before being sworn in for a full six-year term on Jan. 3. Sen. Laphonza Butler, who Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed in October 2023 to complete Feinstein’s remaining term, resigned Sunday, Dec. 8 . Related Articles
Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for intel chief, faces questions on Capitol Hill amid Syria falloutHyderabad: Winter is the perfect time to step out and explore the beauty around Hyderabad. If you’re tired of your daily routine and need a short escape, we’ve got you covered. From peaceful lakes and lush green hills to historical forts and wildlife parks, these amazing spots within 150 km of Hyderabad are perfect for a day trip. Let’s dive in! Hyderabad is more than just the city of biryani and pearls—it’s surrounded by incredible places to explore! Whether you love adventure, history, or nature, you’ll find something close by. These short trips are ideal for couples, families, or even solo travelers who want to recharge without traveling too far. Distance: 80 km Located in Vikarabad, Ananthagiri Hills is perfect for nature lovers. The green forests, coffee plantations, and the famous Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple make it a peaceful getaway. Things to Do: Distance: 70 km This 14th-century fort is great for history lovers. Located on a hill, it offers beautiful views and a chance to explore ancient ruins. Things to Do: Great For: History buffs and hikers. Distance: 50 km This fort, built on a giant rock, is a fun spot for a quick trek and history lesson. The views from the top are amazing. Things to Do: Great For: Adventure and history lovers. Distance: 108 km If you love animals and birds, this sanctuary is perfect. It’s peaceful and full of wildlife, including migratory birds. Things to Do: Great For: Bird watchers and wildlife lovers. Distance: 130 km This fort from the Kakatiya dynasty is a great mix of history and adventure. The trek to the top offers breathtaking views. Things to Do: Great For: History and photography enthusiasts. Whether you love trekking, history, or just relaxing in nature, these places near Hyderabad are perfect for a short trip. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and head out for a day full of fun and exploration. Have a favorite day trip spot? Share your experiences in the comments below!
is something some swear by, but it can be a risky strategy. Airbnb's cofounder and CEO Brian Chesky, for example, that he believed that nurturing high performers helps foster a culture of excellence. "If you can't have favorites, if you can't say this is a high performer, and this is what excellence is, then you are going to be in big, big trouble," he said. "That's just not good leadership." Chesky admitted that playing favorites "would be considered unfair and not systematic" at most companies and that doing so has to be done in the right way — free from bias and discrimination. In fact, a bit of healthy competition can boost productivity and engagement among colleagues, but giving a select few people blatant and unfair preferential treatment will only fester resentment among teams . Beth Hood, the founder and CEO of leadership and management training platform Verosa Leadership, told BI that favoritism in the workplace "is a slippery slope." "While recognizing and nurturing high performers can drive excellence, if not handled carefully, it risks creating and undermining team cohesion," she said. "The challenge for leaders lies in striking a balance between celebrating outstanding contributions and maintaining the motivation and engagement of the wider team." Nurturing high performers Research from the Stevens Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, , found that one upside of workplace favoritism is that it can help clarify roles within teams and . Hood said that for individuals who are highly motivated by positive reinforcement, "being openly acknowledged can act as a powerful catalyst for continued high performance. In this sense, leaders can use recognition as a tool to set a standard of excellence that inspires others to raise their game." But favoritism can also get leaders into trouble. Leena Rinne, the vice president of coaching at Skillsoft, a corporate training platform, told BI that favoritism is often "in the eye of the beholder." "A leader can have really good intentions and still be perceived as playing favorites," she said. "Recognition by a senior-level person does feel special," Rinne added. "So if that senior-level person is just even talking to or corresponding with or inviting people to different meetings, all of that can be perceived as unfair." published earlier this year, the authors pointed to the CEO of a Scandinavian robotics company who addressed just three of his nine direct reports in leadership meetings, and was seemingly he was showing. Pitting colleagues against each other — on purpose or not — can be hugely detrimental, Hood said. "While in the short term this may seem like a powerful lever to pull, in the long term it is likely to cause significant performance challenges," she said. Hood added: "It's a cynical leadership style that rarely ensures leaders can fully leverage everyone's potential, as it is predicated on a win/lose psychology." Everyone appreciates recognition Recognition is always appreciated, and it doesn't have to be big or costly. Rinne said some of the most profound recognition she has heard people speak about years later is an email they received from their company's CEO. "It takes almost no time on anyone's part, but really impacted how valued people felt, how seen they felt," she said. If there are people in the organization shining brightly but , you risk them feeling undervalued and ultimately leaving. Rinne said praise works best when leaders communicate , "ensuring that people feel that it's justified and fair." Dilan Gomih, the founder and CEO of workplace performance and wellness consultancy Dilagence, told BI that words matter. She said it's fine for leaders to favor people who are passionate about their work and do it tremendously well, but everyone has to be given the tools and opportunity to do so. "It's got to be an equal playing field for anybody to be a favorite," she said. Overall, Gomih said she struggled to see the benefit of having employees worry about being a favorite rather than about their work. "Do you really want people wasting their mental energy thinking about favoritism? Or do you want their brains thinking about 'how do I perform my best at the job that I've been hired to do?'" Gomih said. "Because if they're doing that, it's win-win." A better tactic may be to make that competition external and say, "It's us against the world," she said, to boost camaraderie and teamwork. Rinne also said that the idea of " " in companies could be reframed. "It's always the team competition, the collaborative competition, that gets the organization the results we want," she said. "In my career, I haven't seen pitting team members against each other work in any context — except maybe the offsite scavenger hunt." Airbnb declined a request to comment. Read the original article on
In President-elect Donald Trump’s , host of “Meet the Press,” he once again when he takes office in January. “You know we’re the only country that has it,” Trump . While he flubbed many of the details about birthright citizenship, our focus should be on how radical a change it would truly be to no longer guarantee citizenship and its privileges to every child born in the United States. It’s a gutting of America’s promise that could only emerge from a purposeful, malicious and inherently cruel misreading of the Constitution. As the Trump campaign , the proposed executive order he would sign would limit the scope of automatic citizenship to children born here and require at least one parent to prove they are either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. In the absence of such evidence, federal agencies would be ordered to deny the newborn from receiving a Social Security number and block the parents from receiving any federal benefits like , better known as WIC. That baby would also be denied a U.S. passport and any other documentary proof of citizenship. Trump first , but it got put far on the backburner by more cautious staffers. This time around, though, his incoming deputy chief of staff, , and other hard-liners are preparing to move forward with as many restrictions on immigration as possible. They subscribe to a worldview that has that America’s white Christian heritage can stand while also freely accepting the children of nonwhite migrants or formerly enslaved Black people as equal citizens under the Constitution. Miller’s becoming federal policy requires ignoring : “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Trump hopes to and exclude potentially hundreds of thousands of babies each year. It would, in effect, transform those newborn U.S. citizens into undocumented aliens before they’ve completed their first day on Earth. Trump’s campaign argued that the change is needed to deter illegal border crossings and prevent what’s derisively called “anchor babies” from acting as a backdoor for undocumented parents to remain. But the requirement would also exclude babies born to parents who are in the U.S. but aren’t permanent residents. Not only would that exclude babies born to those on temporary work or student visas, but it would also exclude babies born to those who’ve been admitted as refugees or granted political asylum. In the latter case, asylees and refugees must wait a year before even applying to become a permanent resident. Even applying for and acquiring . And as best we can tell from what Trump’s team has said, babies born in the meantime wouldn’t be counted as citizens, no matter where in the application process their parents might be. Instead, there would now be a second-class tier of children who could be expelled with their parents as part of . Tellingly, the way that the policy has been described suggests that Trump’s team has learned from the chaos of the 2017 “Muslim ban.” Rather than going for the most sweeping change possible, Miller and his cohorts have suggested that would save taxpayers money, only affect children born to two undocumented parents and not be retroactive. Even so, such a change will provoke almost immediately, and rightly so. It will be a hard sell even for the archconservative majority on the Supreme Court to affirming that citizenship is granted at birth. But that won’t stop from pushing for that to be overturned. There’s a danger in even being willing to accept any exceptions in the notion that people born in the United States are citizens. It’s just a small step from there to requiring citizenship from one parent as a prerequisite; then both parents; then grandparents. America would be transformed from one of the most free and welcoming countries into a “blood and soil” nation of exclusion, one built on the backs of children whose only crime was being born under Trump’s second regime.
No. 2 Auburn not taking Monmouth lightlyWhite House vows support for Syria as the Assad regime endsThe suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO struggled with deputies and shouted while arriving for a court appearance Tuesday in Pennsylvania, a day after he was arrested at a McDonald's and charged with murder. Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car, spun toward reporters and shouted something partly unintelligible referring to an "insult to the intelligence of the American people" while deputies pushed him inside. Prosecutors were beginning to take steps to bring Mangione back to New York while new details emerged about his life and how he was captured. The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family was charged with murder hours after he was arrested in the Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson, who led the largest U.S. medical insurance company. At the brief hearing, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey informed the court that Mangione will not waive extradition to New York but instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors said he was too dangerous to be released. Mangione, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally consulting papers, rocking in his chair or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion but was quieted by his lawyer. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that at the time of his arrest, Mangione was carrying a handwritten document expressing anger with what he called "parasitic" health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed and power. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while "our life expectancy" does not, according to the bulletin. In social media posts, Mangione called "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski a "political revolutionary," according to the police bulletin. Kaczynski carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology. Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors have obtained an arrest warrant, a step that could help expedite his extradition from Pennsylvania. McDonald's customer recognizes suspect Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania — about 370 kilometers (about 230 miles) west of New York City — after a McDonald's customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Officers found him sitting at a back table, wearing a blue medical mask and looking at a laptop, according to a Pennsylvania police criminal complaint. He initially gave them a fake ID, but when an officer asked Mangione whether he'd been to New York recently, he "became quiet and started to shake," the complaint says. When he pulled his mask down at the officers' request, "we knew that was our guy," Officer Tyler Frye said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald's while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the suspected shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Mangione also had a three-page, handwritten document that shows "some ill will toward corporate America." A law enforcement official who wasn't authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said the document included a line in which Mangione claimed to have acted alone. "To the Feds, I'll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn't working with anyone," the document said, according to the official. It also had a line that said, "I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming." Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. Police quickly came to consider the shooting as a targeted attack by a gunman who appeared to wait for Thompson, came up behind him and fired a 9 mm pistol. Investigators have said "delay," "deny" and "depose" were written on ammunition found near Thompson's body. The words mimic "delay, deny, defend," a phrase used to criticize the insurance industry. From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus. Suspect's family prays for victim's family A grandson of a wealthy, self-made real estate developer and philanthropist, Mangione is a cousin of a current Maryland state legislator. Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. "Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi's arrest," Mangione's family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Delegate Nino Mangione. "We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved." From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a "co-living" space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. "Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints," Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they're saying he committed." At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago.Salman Sagar visits fire victims in Khanyar, reviews snow-clearance operations
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