Stories from United States

A jury convicted a spiritual leader on 13 charges following a years-long investigation. Three victims testified during the trial, describing the ordeal as a recurring nightmare. Prosecutors stated the defendant used his position to gain trust and abuse victims, including a 14-year-old. The convicted individual will be eligible for parole after 37 years. Additional charges related to this case remain pending in Canada.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston plans to undergo costly renovations on several rare 17th-century tapestries in its collection. The museum is one of 18 organizations worldwide to receive an art conservation grant from Bank of America. The grant will fund the shipment of four wall hangings to a specialized facility in Belgium for cleaning. The Belgian facility specializes in the conservation of ancient French and Flemish tapestries. Ancient French and Flemish tapestries from the Gardner Museum collection will undergo a cleaning and restoration process at a specialized Belgian facility. Curator Diana Greenwald noted the process provides an opportunity to study the works. These works have been displayed in the museum's little salon for over 100 years and are currently embedded with dirt and wax.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued a non-binding opinion raising constitutional doubts about a ballot question regarding state legislator stipends. The proposed measure seeks to limit special leadership stipends used to increase legislative pay, such as those for chairing committees. Justices suggested the ballot question might be invalid because stipends are considered internal policy rather than law. The court did find that the public is permitted to vote on the matter.

Texas Southern University is expanding its aviation program with the addition of a new hangar at the Houston Spaceport.

A district court in El Paso ruled that Texas engaged in racial gerrymandering of congressional boundaries. The state launched a rare mid-decade redistricting process at the request of President Trump to increase Republican representation in Congress. The court stated that substantial evidence supports the claim of unconstitutional redistricting. The justices overturned a November ruling from a district court in El Paso.

Research indicates that business operations skills are the most sought after qualities in job postings. These skills include customer service and administrative experience. The findings suggest that companies are prioritizing these human-centric skills over AI expertise. This trend was noted during a discussion on job market qualities.

A pistol once owned by George Washington has been located at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The firearm originally belonged to British General Edward Braddock during the French and Indian War in the mid-1700s. Washington served as a volunteer under Braddock during that period. The item reached the museum after being held by a private collector. The firearm was a gift from Braddock, who was shot during the Battle of Monongahela. Washington reportedly rallied troops to retreat under Braddock's orders before Braddock died. The pistol represents a mentorship relationship between the two men. The source noted that Washington's lack of official British army rank during this period contributed to his discontent with colonial status. Washington subsequently buried Braddock a few days after the battle. It features ornamental flower etchings on the handle.

A ZipRecruiter survey indicates that work experience is a strong predictor of employment for recent graduates. Working during college can more than double a person's chances of securing employment. Recent interviews with recent graduates and those about to graduate indicate that work experience significantly increases employment chances. This finding comes as entry-level positions shrink and competition intensifies in a slowing job market. Work experience, including internships or part-time roles, provides insight into business operations, wage structures, and payment processes. Roles such as checking IDs at a library, working in food service, or working in a school cafeteria are considered valid experience. This practical exposure helps individuals understand how businesses run and how they are paid.

NASA head Jared Isaacman is working to speed up development of lunar lander hardware. The effort involves two companies with existing NASA contracts, SpaceX and Blue Origin. Isaacman, a businessman and private astronaut, is pushing for the hardware required to land on the moon. The exact timeline for readiness remains uncertain due to the nature of the commercial companies involved. Assembly of the core stage is currently in progress. Astronauts are scheduled to fly by the Moon as part of the mission progress. The assembly process is continuing as part of the mission preparations.

Families in some US districts are now loading money onto school meal accounts without paying previous fees that cost up to 60 cents per dollar. This change follows a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report indicating families paid over $100 million annually in such junk fees. The report highlighted the financial burden these fees placed on households. Schools must also limit added sugars in items such as breakfast cereals, yogurt, and flavored milk.