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A thrilling victory for the New Orleans Pelicans over the Charlotte Hornets in March 2023 is now at the center of a sprawling federal investigation into illegal sports betting, with the arrests of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups shining a harsh light on potential game manipulation that hit close to home for Crescent City hoops fans.
The FBI’s “Operation Nothing But Bet” takedown Thursday morning nabbed more than 30 suspects across 11 states, including Billups and Rozier, in two intertwined probes: a sports wagering scheme exploiting insider NBA information and rigged high-stakes poker games tied to New York organized crime families.
FBI Sting Centers on Pelicans Game, NBA Players
For Pelicans supporters, the sting is personal — Rozier, then with the Hornets, is accused of leaving a March 23, 2023, matchup against New Orleans prematurely as part of a plot to cash in on prop bets, a game where the Pels rallied from a 19-point deficit to win 117-110 behind CJ McCollum’s 37 points.
The Pelicans Game: A ‘Preplanned’ Exit?
According to federal indictments unsealed Thursday, Rozier played just 10 minutes before exiting with a reported foot injury — a move prosecutors allege was orchestrated to trigger a flurry of bets on the “under” for his points, rebounds, and assists.
Unusual wagering patterns flagged by sportsbooks included 30 bets totaling $13,759 placed in a frantic 46-minute window, prompting several operators to shut down prop betting on Rozier mid-game.
All told, authorities claim $200,000 was wagered across platforms on those unders, netting illicit profits from non-public info shared among a network of bettors, players, and insiders.
The game in question:
That night at the Smoothie King Center, the Pelicans’ comeback felt like vintage New Orleans grit: Zion Williamson dropped 26 points and 10 rebounds, while the crowd erupted as Charlotte’s lead evaporated. But now, whispers of foul play could retroactively sour one of the team’s most memorable regular-season wins from the 2022-23 campaign, a season that ended in playoff heartbreak for Willie Green’s squad.
Rozier’s attorney, Jim Trusty, vehemently denied the charges, calling the arrest a “photo op” and insisting his client was cleared by an NBA investigation in 2023 after cooperating with the league and feds.
“Terry is not a gambler, but he is not afraid of a fight, and he looks forward to winning this fight,” Trusty told ESPN. Rozier, traded to Miami shortly after that Pelicans loss, was arrested at an Orlando hotel and skipped the Heat’s game against the Magic the night before on a coach’s decision — his court appearance set for later that day in Florida, with arraignment to follow in Brooklyn.
Broader NBA Fallout Hits Louisiana’s Betting SceneThe betting ring, which ran from December 2022 to March 2024 and touched seven NBA games, allegedly leaned on friendships, coercion, and threats to players like the now-banned Jontay Porter, who pleaded guilty to related prop-bet manipulation.
cbssports.com Former NBA player Damon Jones, also arrested, is accused of leaking tips on Lakers games. Billups, a Hall of Famer and 2004 Pistons champion, faces separate charges alongside Jones for participating as a “face card” — a celebrity draw — in mafia-rigged poker dens using high-tech cheats like X-ray tables and marked cards.
cbssports.comIn Louisiana, where sports betting launched in late 2021 amid a post-Hurricane Ida economic boost, the probe raises alarms.
The state raked in over $300 million in sports wagering handle last year alone, with NBA games a staple at DraftKings and FanDuel apps popular among Saints and Pelicans faithful. Local experts worry this could erode trust in the league just as the Pelicans gear up for another playoff push, with Zion back healthy and rookie Yves Missi turning heads.
“The integrity of the game is everything here in New Orleans — we live and breathe this,” said Saints & Hoops podcast host Jake Madison. “If fans start questioning wins like that Hornets thriller, it hits different. We’re talking about our home team.”The NBA responded swiftly, placing Rozier and Billups on immediate leave pending review.
cbssports.com “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the league stated. Commissioner Adam Silver, a vocal betting reform advocate, recently pushed partners to limit prop bets on fringe players to curb manipulation.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, addressing reporters, detailed the schemes’ reliance on “corrupt individuals” like Rozier and threats to indebted players.
FBI Director Kash Patel hailed the bust as a blow to “La Cosa Nostra” influence in sports.
As the investigation continues, New Orleans basketball die-hards are left grappling with a tainted memory — and a reminder that even in the Big Easy, the house always has an edge.
The Pelicans host the Heat on November 15; whether Rozier’s shadow looms over that tip-off remains to be seen.
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In a welcome show of solidarity, National Guard troops are set to roll into the Crescent City by late November, bolstering local law enforcement ahead of our biggest holiday bashes.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick shared the positive update during an interview with CBS News, highlighting a smooth chat with a Guard major about the upcoming plans.
National Guard To Be in New Orleans for Bayou Classic, Other Big Events
“We’re teaming up on this – it’s all about collaboration, not control,” Kirkpatrick emphasized Tuesday night. “This is a true partnership to keep our streets safe during these high-energy events.”
While NOPD put in a request for Louisiana National Guard help specifically for New Year’s Eve crowds, the earlier wave of federal Guard support stems from a late-September ask by Gov. Jeff Landry.
Kirkpatrick confirmed the troops will touch down just in time for the electrifying Bayou Classic showdown – that legendary two-day college football clash between Grambling State and Southern University at the Caesars Superdome from November 27 to 29.
Expect them to stick around through the countdown to 2026 on New Year’s Eve and all the way to the wild vibes of Mardi Gras in February, with patrols filling the gaps to ensure smooth sailing in what is being called “Operation Swamp Sweep.”
This isn’t the first time the Guard has rolled into the Big Easy.
They stepped up big at the start of the year after the heartbreaking New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street, claiming 14 lives in the heart of our French Quarter.
And remember Super Bowl LIX right here in NOLA back in February? Those extra eyes and boots on the ground were present in the global spotlight.
Stripping away any political noise, Kirkpatrick stressed the rock-solid ties already in place.
“We’ve built strong bonds with the Guard over the years,” she said. “At the end of the day, my top priority is safety for everyone in this city – and if they can multiply our efforts, that’s a win for all of us.”
The feds have dispatched Guard units to hotspots like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland lately, responding to unrest tied to the Trump administration’s tough immigration stance.
But here at home, we’re seeing brighter numbers: NOPD’s latest stats show crime dipping across nearly every category compared to this time last year – a testament to the hard work of our officers and community partners.Kirkpatrick dropped these insights right in the thick of our annual Night Out Against Crime event, where neighbors and badges come together to build trust and tackle issues head-on. It’s events like these that remind us: When we stand united, New Orleans shines even brighter.
Stay tuned to NOLAFI.COM Now for updates on public safety and how you can get involved. Got tips or stories? Hit us up at news@nolanow.com.
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In a seismic shift for the American workforce, internal Amazon documents leaked to The New York Times reveal the e-commerce giant’s ambitious strategy to automate vast swaths of its operations, potentially sparing the company from hiring more than 600,000 U.S. workers over the next decade by deploying advanced robotics.
The plan, detailed in a 2025 robotics strategy presentation to the company’s board, signals a profound transformation in how goods are moved and packaged, raising alarms among labor advocates even as Amazon insists the changes will spawn new opportunities.
Report: Amazon’s Internal Documents Reveal Mass Automation Plans
The documents, which outline a goal to automate 75% of Amazon’s fulfillment operations by 2033, project that the company could avoid adding to its U.S. payroll despite an anticipated doubling of sales volume.
By 2027 alone, Amazon’s automation team forecasts dodging the need to onboard over 160,000 employees, a move that could save the retailer approximately 30 cents per item processed—translating to $12.6 billion in efficiencies between 2025 and 2027. This comes at a time when Amazon, the nation’s second-largest private employer with nearly 1.2 million U.S. workers, has already invested billions in robotic infrastructure, including over 1 million robots deployed globally.
Shreveport Automation Plans
At the forefront of this revolution is a cutting-edge facility in Shreveport, Louisiana, where a symphony of robotic systems—ranging from puck-shaped movers acquired through Amazon’s 2012 purchase of Kiva Systems to more sophisticated “cobots” that collaborate with humans—has slashed staffing needs.
Last year, the warehouse operated with a quarter fewer employees than similar sites; projections for next year call for halving that number further, with packages rarely touched by human hands after initial sorting. Amazon plans to replicate this model across about 40 facilities by the end of 2027, starting with a warehouse in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
The strategy also targets retrofits of older warehouses, such as one in Stone Mountain, Georgia, currently employing around 4,000 workers. Internal estimates suggest the site could process 10% more items with up to 1,200 fewer staff once robotic overhauls are complete, relying more heavily on temporary hires rather than full-time positions.
Amazon’s Post-Pandemic Plan for Robots
Workers at the facility have reportedly been kept in the dark about the scale of these changes, with one local job seeker venting frustration on Reddit about elusive openings amid a five-month job hunt.
Amazon’s push, accelerated under CEO Andy Jassy since 2021, reflects a post-pandemic recalibration toward ruthless efficiency amid softening consumer spending and rising labor costs. Yet the documents caution against overt language like “automation” or “A.I.” in public discussions, opting instead for euphemisms such as “advanced technology” to manage perceptions.
Employees involved in the Stone Mountain transition have been coached to “control the narrative,” emphasizing community benefits and innovation to win over local officials.Labor experts warn of ripple effects far beyond Amazon’s walls.
Daron Acemoglu, an MIT economist, described the retailer as having “the strongest incentive to automate profitably,” predicting it could pioneer a wave of job displacement across competitors like Walmart and UPS. “Amazon is on the verge of becoming a net job destroyer rather than a creator,” Acemoglu told The Times, noting that while new roles in robotics maintenance—such as technicians earning $24.45 an hour—will emerge, they demand specialized skills that may elude many current warehouse staff starting at $19.50 an hour.
Since 2019, Amazon has trained nearly 5,000 workers through mechatronics apprenticeships, a program it touts as a bridge to these higher-wage positions.
The potential human toll is stark: Amazon’s warehouse workforce is disproportionately Black, with employees of color three times more likely to hold these roles than in the broader U.S. labor market. Unions, including the Teamsters, which have eyed organizing Amazon’s facilities, decried the plans as “corporate greed on steroids,” vowing intensified recruitment drives. “This isn’t progress—it’s a blueprint for inequality,” said Sara Nelson, Teamsters president, in a statement Tuesday.Amazon, for its part, pushed back on the leaks’ implications. “These documents are incomplete and do not reflect our overall hiring strategy,” a spokesperson said in an email.
The company highlighted plans to hire 250,000 seasonal workers for the upcoming holidays and pointed to automation’s historical upside: efficiencies in one area, said Udit Madan, head of worldwide operations, have funded expansions like rural delivery depots that create jobs elsewhere.
“Training for new roles is a priority, and we’re committed to supporting our communities,” the spokesperson added.As robots redefine the warehouse floor—from Lego-like modular systems that whisk products to workers, to AI-orchestrated packing lines—the question looms: Will America’s logistics backbone bend or break under the weight of progress?
With sales projected to surge, Amazon’s bet on silicon over sinew could reshape not just its empire, but the very fabric of blue-collar employment. For now, the humming of robotic arms echoes louder than the voices of those they may soon silence.
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In a night that pulsed with raw energy and unfiltered emotion, NBA YoungBoy reclaimed his throne as the voice of Southern rap’s resilient spirit during his electrifying performance at the Smoothie King Center on Sunday, October 19.
The Baton Rouge native, whose “Make America Slime Again” (MASA) Tour has been a whirlwind of highs and hurdles, turned his hometown-adjacent stop into a cathartic celebration of survival, street poetry, and unbreakable fan loyalty.
NBA YoungBoy Makes Triumphant Return To Louisiana
For Atlanta’s hip-hop faithful—still stinging from the abrupt cancellation of YoungBoy’s State Farm Arena days earlier — this NOLA spectacle served as both a vicarious victory and a reminder of why the 25-year-old phenom remains a force impossible to contain.The arena, packed to its 18,000-capacity brim after selling out in mere hours.
Earlier in the night, the Smoothie King crowd thrummed with anticipation as opening acts NoCap, DeeBaby, Mellow Rackz, Baby Mel, K3, and Lil Dump set the stage ablaze with gritty Louisiana-flavored anthems.
But when the lights dimmed and a sea of green slime-themed apparel lit up under strobing LEDs, all eyes locked on the man of the hour.
Emerging in a black hoodie emblazoned with his Never Broke Again logo, YoungBoy—fresh off house arrest and legal battles that have shadowed his meteoric rise—wasted no time diving into a two-hour set that blended his signature melodic trap with moments of haunting vulnerability.
Kicking off with the thunderous “Outside Today,” a track that feels like a personal manifesto of defiance, YoungBoy commanded the crowd like a conductor of chaos. Hits like “Bandit,” “My Window,” and “Rags2Riches” had fans on their feet, phones aloft in a glowing constellation of shared nostalgia. The energy peaked during a mid-set medley of deeper cuts from Sincerely, Kentrell and The Last Slimeto, where YoungBoy paused to address the room directly: “Y’all the reason I keep fightin’. New Orleans raised me—y’all my blood.”
His voice cracked on the line, drawing roars that shook the rafters and a wave of tears from the front rows. It was a rare glimpse into the artist behind the headlines, one that left even the most stoic attendees visibly moved.What elevated this from a standard tour stop to a bona fide triumph, however, was the palpable sense of homecoming redemption.
Amid heightened security—over 400 NOPD officers, drones, and tactical units patrolling the perimeter following cancellations in Atlanta, Chicago, and Detroit due to safety concerns, the night unfolded without a hitch.
No fights, no evacuations; just pure, unadulterated vibe. YoungBoy’s setlist leaned heavily into his catalog’s themes of struggle and triumph, culminating in an extended rendition of “4KTREY,” where he brought out local legend Lil Wayne for an unannounced guest spot that sent the crowd into delirium.
(Wayne, ever the ATL-NOLA connector via his Cash Money roots, shouted out “What’s good, A-Town?”—a nod to the Peach State fans who made the four-hour drive south.)As the final notes faded on “Make No Sense,” the real magic unfolded.
On the streets after the show, the rapper courageously went out onto Canal and Bourbon streets with no security (although he did have his entourage). Fans didn’t care, they showered him with love like he was Michael Jackson.
Fans surged toward the stage in a euphoric rush, chanting YoungBoy’s name like a battle cry. Overwhelmed by the love, the rapper lingered onstage, mic in hand, visibly reluctant to leave. “I ain’t tryna go,” he admitted with a grin, before security and police intervened—not in force, but with a gentle escort that saw officers literally carrying him toward his waiting SUV outside. Videos circulating online capture the surreal scene: YoungBoy, sans personal security detail, hoisted shoulder-to-shoulder with cops amid a swarm of adoring supporters, laughing and waving as if the weight of his past battles had finally lifted.
It was chaotic, yes—but in the best way, a testament to the bond he shares with his audience.For Atlanta’s rap ecosystem, where YoungBoy’s influence echoes in rising stars like Gunna and Lil Baby, this show hits especially close to home
The State Farm cancellation left a bitter taste, sparking impromptu block parties in East Atlanta Village where fans blasted bootlegs and grilled in solidarity.
hotnewhiphop.com “We couldn’t get the live experience here,” said ATL native and concertgoer Tiana Brooks, who caravanned to NOLA with a crew of 10.
“But seeing him pour his soul out like that? Worth every mile. He’s our mirror—flawed, fierce, and still standing.”As the MASA Tour rolls on to Birmingham and beyond, Sunday’s NOLA triumph underscores YoungBoy’s enduring grip on the culture. Legal woes and tour disruptions be damned; in the Crescent City, he proved once again that his slime runs deep. Atlanta, take note: when he circles back, we’ll be ready.
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If you woke up Monday morning and something didn’t feel quite right with your internet and/or the systems you use, it wasn’t you. It was Amazon.
Amazon Web Services (AWS), the colossus powering roughly a third of the global cloud infrastructure, suffered a cascading failure on Monday, Oct. 20 that rippled across the internet like a digital earthquake.
What started as a regional hiccup in Northern Virginia’s US-EAST-1 data centers left millions of users staring at error screens, from Fortnite lobbies to Venmo transactions.
The Spark: A DNS Glitch Ignites Global Chaos
The outage kicked off around 3:11 AM ET (12:11 AM PDT), though user reports began flooding Downdetector as early as 8 AM GMT.
AWS’s status page quickly lit up with alerts: elevated error rates and latencies in core services like DynamoDB (a NoSQL database powerhouse) and EC2 (virtual computing backbone).
The root cause? A DNS resolution failure for DynamoDB API endpoints in US-EAST-1, the most trafficked AWS region and a de facto nerve center for global services.
Not Cyberattack
This wasn’t a cyberattack—no evidence of foul play emerged, but a classic operational gremlin: a configuration slip or network overload in Virginia’s data hubs, which host critical control planes for worldwide AWS operations.
The fallout? A “domino effect” on any service leaning on AWS for storage, compute, or authentication. In my days at CloudForge, we’d simulate these scenarios in war rooms, but nothing prepares you for the real-world cascade when one provider sneezes and the internet catches pneumonia.
The Casualties: A Roll Call of Digital Dependencies
The breadth of the blackout was staggering, underscoring how AWS isn’t just infrastructure—it’s the invisible scaffolding of our online lives.
Here’s a snapshot of the hardest-hit sectors and players, drawn from real-time reports and user outcries:
Sector Affected Companies/Services Impact Highlights Gaming & Entertainment Fortnite (Epic Games), Roblox, Pokémon GO, PlayStation Network, Disney+ Servers offline; millions unable to log in or stream. Roblox saw a 10x spike in complaints, halting virtual economies mid-transaction. 2 Social & Communication Snapchat, Signal, Facebook (partial), Reddit Login failures and messaging blackouts. Snapchat, with 400M+ daily users, went dark globally, stranding friends in limbo. 10 Finance & Crypto Coinbase, Robinhood, Venmo, Lloyds Bank (UK) Trading halts and payment glitches. Coinbase assured users “all funds are safe” but couldn’t process logins; Venmo users joked on X about “free IOUs.” 0 Productivity & Tools Canva, Duolingo, Slack, Zoom, Perplexity AI Design files frozen, lessons paused, meetings derailed. Perplexity’s CEO tweeted: “Root cause is an AWS issue—we’re resolving.” 3 Amazon Ecosystem Amazon.com, Prime Video, Alexa, Ring E-commerce carts abandoned, smart homes silenced. Ring users reported being “trapped” indoors by unresponsive alarms. 6 Other Essentials McDonald’s app, HMRC (UK gov), OnlyFans Fast-food orders stalled; tax filings disrupted. Even niche hits like Wordle and MyFitnessPal joined the fray. 14 Airlines like Delta and United saw app glitches but no widespread flight delays, per FlightAware.
Globally, the pain was uneven—hardest in the US and Europe, lighter in parts of Asia—but it touched everything from crypto validators to AI queries.
Lessons from the Rubble: Building a More Robust Digital Future
Outages like this aren’t novel—recall the 2024 CrowdStrike fiasco that grounded flights worldwide—but they sting sharper in an AI-accelerated era where downtime means lost queries, frozen models, and evaporating trust.
AWS mitigated the core issue by 6:48 AM ET, with most services throttling back to life, though lingering delays persisted into the afternoon.
Amazon’s stock barely flinched in premarket, a nod to investors’ outage fatigue, but for everyday users and businesses, it was a wake-up call.
Final Word
The cloud’s promise was boundless scalability, not brittle centralization.
October 20 exposed the cracks, but it also spotlights how resilient a city and state can be when systems go down.|
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New Orleans isn’t just for grown-ups chasing jazz riffs and late-night beignets—it’s a playground for pint-sized adventurers too. With its mix of history, wildlife, and whimsical eats, the Crescent City serves up endless giggles and wide-eyed wonder for families.
From splashing through swamps to spinning on carousels under ancient oaks, we’ve rounded up 15 can’t-miss activities that turn ordinary days into epic tales. Grab the stroller, pack the snacks, and let’s get this family fiesta rolling. Laissez les bons temps… well, you know the rest!
If you think you can’t find some wholesome family-oriented activities to get into in New Orleans, you’ve got another think coming.
What Is There For Children To Do In New Orleans?
Although the city is well-known for its adult fun, New Orleans has a renown zoo and aquarium that children love to visit. But that’s not the only kid-friendly thing they can do in New Orleans.
All of the places we list below have strict COVID protocols that have been implemented.
Let’s look at what Nola has to offer for children (and their parents).
Here Are 20 Fun Things You Can Do In New Orleans
In this article. we’re going to show you some really fun things you can do with kids in New Orleans.
Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118 | (504) 861-2537
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Here’s what one family says about the Audubon Zoo: “This is a great Zoo. Some of the exhibits were still being repaired after Hurricane Ida. We visited mid week so there were no crowds. A lot of the animals were also resting, I would assume from the excitement of Ida.”
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 565-3033
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Here’s what one reviewer says about the Audubon Aquarium. “Let me start by saying… make a reservation. Check the schedule, they are closed on certain days. We visited the aquarium and had a great time… its not a huge place, but, they have a little bit of everything. I was so very happy, there were penguins and stingrays and sharks and macaws and jellies… omg so beautiful!! It was great! If you are trying to find something to do inside for a couple hours, this is definitely worth it!”
National World War II Museum
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 528-1944
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Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
11000 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127 | (504) 861-2537
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Here’s what one family says about the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center: “Absolutely wonderful visit, the rangers are friendly and informative. I volunteered at the nature center back in 81/82, and the rangers were kind enough to let me finger thru the hand full of photos from that time that remained, as well as sharing some of the old memorabilia with me. The walking trails have been rebuilt and offer a nice stroll through the woods, with abundant wildlife engaging us as we walked. I highly recommend you make this a stop when in NOLA.”
Cafe Du Monde
56 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 766-0250
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Here’s what one family says about Cafe Du Monde: “If you know about Cafe Du Monde, you know what to expect, coffee and beignets.
Service was fast and friendly, coffee was pretty good, not the best ever but definitely good. We went on a Wednesday so expect crowds when it’s really busy.”Canal Street Ferry
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Here’s what one reviewer sys about the Canal Street Ferry: “What’s there to not like about a ferry ride?! Smooth access. Smooth ride. Short but well worth the $2 fee.”
City Park
1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 482-4888
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Here’s what one family says about City Park: “Beautiful amazing park… Trails to walk, a butterfly garden, a pretty bridge to walk over and a pond with swan peddle boats and kayaks… The Louisiana Children’s Museum is here too, it’s an absolute must do when in New Orleans!! One of the best city parks I’ve ever been to.”
Confetti Park
451 Pelican Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114 | (504) 658-3201
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Here’s what one park lover says about Confetti Park: “Cute, little neighborhood park. The gate can be a bit tricky/difficult, but my toddler enjoyed playing here. There isn’t too much shade over the playground area, but there are plenty of seating areas and trees throughout.”Crescent Park
Crescent Park Trail, 2300 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70117 | (504) 636-6400
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Here’s what one parkgoer says about Crescent Park: “Very nice park with clean, well kept grounds. It is a cool place to see tucked between a set of train tracks and the Mississippi River. Superb for running, walking and features a decent sized Dog park so the pups can get their hooman(s) out of the house! Definitely worth stopping by on a nice afternoon.”
Faulkner House Books
624 Pirates Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 524-2940
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Here’s what one book lover says about Faulkner House Books: “Great little shop on Pirates alley next to St. Louis Cathedral. This is the house Faulkner lived while residing in New Orleans. Mostly fiction, literature, and poetry books along with locally themed books as well.”
Jackson Square
701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 658-3200
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Here’s what one park lover says about Jackson Square: “Absolutely beautiful. Would recommend a visit. And if your there in time I recommend going to the mass and the church right on the square. They have daily mass at 12:05.”
Louis Armstrong Park
701 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 658-3200
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here’s what one parent says about Louis Armstrong Park: “I really liked the artwork in the park and it was also beautiful there. I wish there was a splash pad for the kids somewhere in the park though…it is sooooooo very hot in New Orleans and it would be nice if we could cool off somewhere. A little playground would be nice too. The kids still enjoyed themselves running around and looking at the statues. I sat under a tree on the grass to try and cool down.”
Louisiana Children’s Museum
15 Henry Thomas Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 523-1357
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Here’s what one family says about the Louisiana Children’s Museum: “What a fun place for the family. We spent hours there, 2 floors of fun, a great restaurant and area to explore outside. Our kids spent an hour in the grocery market and kitchen, then another hour building with the giant building blocks and magnet tiles, then just as much time in the simulated River.”
Mardi Gras Museum Of Costumes And Cultures
1010 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 218-4872
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Here’s what one reviewer says about the Mardi Gras Museum: “Wonderful place, amazing costumes and the owner of the place was just as fun as his costumes. I was educated and amazed. Yes if you’re in New Orleans check this place out, you’ll be glad you did, I was. Too there’s an array of costumes to try on.”
Music Box Village
4557 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70117 |
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Here’s what one reviewer says about the Music Box Village: “This out of the way and a bit hard to find Village is worth the adventure finding it. Built by Artisans who makes small houses that are each their own musical instrument is open to the public on special days for everyone to play. Outside, they had a wonderful little artist Market with lots of unique items. Admission was free and once you go in be sure to go to the bar to get a delicious cocktail. We had two! Then roam around and play all the instruments.”
New Orleans Museum of Art
1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 658-4100
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Here’s what one parent says about the New Orleans Museum of Art: “Nice and diverse collection of paintings, sculptures and other arts from different eras and parts of the world. I was particularly impressed with the little explanations they had next to each exhibit. Short, informative and to the point. I wish we had more time to explore the outside grounds too. Their cafe and shop are quite good too! Tip: If you’re a student bring your student ID for a big discount!”
Ogden Museum Of Southern Art
925 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 539-9650
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Here’s what one museum lover says about Ogden Museum: “
Amazing contemporary museum. Appreciated knowing which region of the United States the artists came from. I appreciated the suggestion to start at the top floor and work our way down.”
Storyland
5 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 483-9402
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Here’s what one reviewer says abut Storyland: “A fun time for family. Cost is $5 per person. The dragon is a large slide which my 2 year old loved. They also have a massive play area that she enjoyed climbing as well. If you’re in New Orleans with young kids, check this place out!”
French Quartour Kids
Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 975-5355
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Here is what one family says about French Quartour Kids in New Orleans: “Of all the activities I have planned for family vacations over the years, this was the best! Jill is amazing at engaging the children, the walking was minimal, but there was a lot of history, she gave the children plenty of opportunity to move around and had all the energy in the world for our chatty 5 year old.”
Preservation Hall
726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
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Here’s what one parent says about Preservation Hall: “Incredible music! Unbelievably skilled and entertaining musicians! Small venue so get there early if you want to be able to see the performance well from your wooden bench. No AC so it gets hot and stuffy, we used the flyer the staff hands out before the show as a fan. Good chance some band members will stay for a few minutes to say hello when the performance is over!”
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 658-4100
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Here’s what one parent says about Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden: “What an amazing value for only $5. Bring your walking shoes and a bottle of water. I appreciated the guide at the front gate suggestion to start on the left. Beautiful scenic walkways. Great place to bring children very open yet contained within the fenced area.”
Final Thoughts
So after looking at all these wonderful activities and places to visit, what’s the verdict? It’s that New Orleans is a family-friendly place that children and the rest of the clan can really enjoy.
Bringing the kids to New Orleans will be one of the best decisions you could make.
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With the U.S. job market showing signs of weakness, The Home Depot has stepped up in a big way. The home improvement giant is making it easier than ever for locals to break into those fields, launching free certifications through its Path to Pro Skills Program that could turn weekend DIYers into full-fledged pros.
The initiative, which kicked off earlier this year and has already trained thousands nationwide, offers no-cost online and in-person courses covering essentials like general construction, electrical work, HVAC systems, plumbing, painting, and more.
Home Depot Is Offering Free Certifications in the Trades
Participants wrap up with official completion certificates, arming them with the basics of jobsite safety, tool handling, material management, and even soft skills like team communication – all tailored for real-world home improvement gigs.
Available in English and Spanish, the program is designed for beginners eyeing a career pivot or seasoned hands looking to upskill, with flexible modules that fit around a 9-to-5.
For Atlantans, this hits close to home. Georgia’s construction sector is booming, with over 200,000 jobs statewide and Atlanta leading the charge amid projects like the $5 billion expansion at Hartsfield-Jackson and the ongoing BeltLine developments.
“We’re not just selling hammers; we’re building futures,” says a Home Depot spokesperson, highlighting how the program connects graduates to Pro Xtra members – local contractors hungry for talent. In metro Atlanta alone, dozens of stores from Buckhead to Decatur host in-person sessions, making it a hop, skip, and a MARTA ride away.T
ake Marcus Johnson, a 28-year-old from East Point who’s already enrolled: “I was flipping burgers, dreaming of electrical work. Now, with this free cert, I’m wiring my first job site next month – all from Home Depot’s backyard.”
How To Enroll in the Path To Pro Program
Step 1: Head to the Official Site
Visit pathtopro.com and navigate to the “Free Training” section. Click the prominent “Start Training” button to kick things off. This lands you on the registration page where the magic begins.
Step 2: Check Your Status and Register
If you’ve already got an account, hit “Already Registered” to log in and resume any progress. New to the program? Fill out the basic required fields – like your name, email, and password – then hit “Register.” You’ll be whisked to a quick secondary page for a few more details to complete your profile.
Step 3: Answer Profile Questions
Seal the deal with a short set of demographic and background queries. Expect to share:
- How you heard about the program.
- Basic info like your age group, gender, ethnicity (e.g., Hispanic or Latino), racial background, education level, and military service status.
These help Home Depot tailor resources and track impact, but they’re straightforward and take under two minutes. Once submitted, congrats – you’re officially enrolled! No fees, no tests, and no prior experience required; it’s free and accessible to all aspiring trades folks, from high school grads to career changers.
What Happens Next: Jump into Training and Beyond
Right away, you’ll unlock “Skills Basics” – a foundational course on jobsite safety, tools, materials, and soft skills like communication. Progress through interactive modules at your own pace (they’re mobile-friendly and remember your spot if you log out).
Then, explore “Trades Essentials” tracks tailored to hot Atlanta jobs, such as HVAC or electrical work – complete one for a shiny certificate of completion.Finish up? Get an invite to the Path to Pro Network, Home Depot’s free job board connecting you to local Pro Xtra contractors hiring in real-time. Build your profile there to showcase certs and portfolios, and watch opportunities roll in – all from the comfort of your Atlanta-area home. Got questions? Email Path_to_Pro@homedepot.com for support.
Final Word
Whether you’re a high school grad eyeing trades over college debt or a parent seeking stable hours, Home Depot’s bet is on you. Want an orange apron yourself? Read this guide on how to get hired at Home Depot.
As Atlanta’s housing crunch deepens, this could be the spark that fills those hard-hat voids – one free lesson at a time.
If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.
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As of October 5, 2025, New Orleans has welcomed a vibrant wave of new dining spots in September, blending local flavors with global influences—from riverfront seafood havens to innovative dim sum and traditional sushi.
October is just getting started, with no confirmed full openings in the first five days, though several highly anticipated spots like Charmant (a brunch and wine bar in Mid-City) are slated to debut later this month. Below, we’ve rounded up the key September newcomers, complete with details on cuisine, location, and vibe. These picks draw from the latest buzz in local food media.
Restaurant Name Opening Date Location Cuisine/Highlights Notes Delacroix September 22, 2025 1 Poydras St., Spanish Plaza (Riverfront) Refined Louisiana seafood and classics (e.g., smoked duck gumbo, oyster stew, stuffed pistolettes); fish camp-inspired with river views Only standalone riverfront restaurant in NOLA; open daily 11 a.m.–9/10 p.m.; from BRG Hospitality and Chef Wiley Lewis. Reservations recommended. Nanami Sushi Diner & Onigiri September 2, 2025 2901 Magazine St. (Magazine Corridor) Traditional Japanese sushi, sashimi, onigiri, and diner fare (e.g., gyoza, karaage chicken, seasonal crudos); emphasis on fresh Pacific fish BYOB for now; lunch Tue.–Sun., dinner Tue.–Sat.; Chef Yuwa Tomihira honors sushi traditions without fusion gimmicks. Get Your Mom & Dim Sum Late August/Early September 2025 (full Uptown expansion) 3629 Prytania St. (Uptown, in Milan Lounge) Creative dim sum and Chinese-American dishes with Southern twists (e.g., dan dan dumplings, crab Rangoon, Mongolian steak tips on mashed potatoes) Chef Andrew Lu’s pop-up evolves into a brick-and-mortar; open evenings; playful Cajun-inspired name nods to “your mom ‘n’em.” Saint Claire Early September 2025 1300 Richland Rd., Algiers Country French (e.g., rabbit rillettes, duck confit, crab gnocchi, BBQ shrimp); full dinner and brunch service Open Thu.–Sun.; cozy, full-service spot emphasizing rustic elegance. Rice Vice Early September 2025 143 Delaronde St., Algiers Point Japanese sake and shochu bar; intimate pours from Proper Sake Co. alongside light bites Wood-paneled hideaway next to Nighthawk Napoletana; perfect for low-key evenings. Prince Tea House Early September 2025 3012 N. Arnoult Rd., Metairie Asian-European fusion; afternoon tea sets with scones, finger sandwiches, plus a la carte like octopus takoyaki and katsu chicken brioche Breakfast/lunch focus; elegant spot for high tea lovers. Applied Arts Coffee Early September 2025 612 Piety St., Bywater Coffee-centric cafe with small-batch roasts, Scandinavian smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), pastries, and salads Casual daytime hangout blending global coffee culture with light, artful eats. These openings reflect NOLA’s enduring knack for mixing heritage with fresh ideas, especially as fall festivals ramp up. Keep an eye on Eater NOLA and NOLA.com for October updates—rumors swirl around more Creole-Caribbean and Italian spots. If you’re hunting reservations, apps like Resy are your best bet for the hot tickets like Delacroix. Bon appétit!
When New Orleans’ food is mentioned on a national level, it somehow always reverts back to gumbo, which is the best around, although the city’s eateries certainly represent those dishes well, there’s so much more.
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In a stunning development that has rocked local law enforcement circles, newly released body camera footage shows an East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s deputy allegedly coaching a key witness to embellish details in a statement about a deadly automobile crash last December, according to the attorney for former LSU football standout Kyren Lacy.
The crash, which claimed the life of an elderly passenger, had led to felony charges against Lacy before his tragic suicide earlier this year.
Now, the Louisiana Democratic Party is demanding an investigation into the new revelations as the outcry for justice grows.
Matt Ory, Lacy’s attorney, unveiled the explosive evidence during a recent interview on HTV 10, claiming it proves his client was wrongfully blamed for the incident. The footage, captured shortly after the December 17, 2024, collision on Interstate 10 in Lafourche Parish, depicts the deputy urging the witness—a driver involved in the wreck—to include specifics in his written report about slamming on his brakes to evade Lacy’s Dodge Charger.
“You need to put in there how hard you had to brake to avoid that Charger,” the deputy is heard saying in the video, even suggesting the witness mention deploying his emergency brake. Ory pointed out that the witness initially described no such dramatic maneuvers, instead attributing fault to a female driver who swerved into his lane.
“I didn’t skid marked or anything,” the witness responded, visibly hesitant. Notably, the witness never signed the altered statement, raising further questions about its validity.The crash unfolded when a Kia Cadenza, driven by the witness, veered sharply to avoid what investigators initially described as Lacy’s reckless passing maneuver.
This caused a head-on collision with a Kia Sorrento, killing 78-year-old passenger Herman Hall of Houma. Louisiana State Police (LSP), who led the probe, accused Lacy of negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation, alleging his illegal pass on the shoulder triggered the chain reaction.
Lacy, a rising star wide receiver for the Tigers in Baton Rouge, turned himself in to authorities in January 2025.
Just months later, on April 2025, he was found dead in Houston from an apparent suicide, days before a grand jury was set to review the case.
The loss sent shockwaves through the LSU community and Baton Rouge, where Lacy was remembered as a local talent with NFL aspirations.Ory’s bombshell presentation also included surveillance video from a nearby business, timestamped at the moment of impact, showing Lacy’s vehicle positioned nearly 100 yards behind the crash site—too distant to have influenced the collision, per a subsequent report from the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office.
“The evidence does not support that Kyren knew or should have known his actions caused the crash 72 yards ahead,” the DA’s analysis concluded, bolstering Ory’s assertion of Lacy’s innocence.
“This isn’t just about clearing Kyren’s name—it’s about exposing a flawed investigation that may have contributed to his despair,” Ory told reporters.
He criticized LSP for relying on the coached witness account and failing to interview Lacy’s passenger, who could have corroborated the timeline.
LSP defended its findings in a statement Friday, insisting crash reconstruction experts confirmed Lacy’s role through tire marks and vehicle data.
foxnews.com “Our investigation was thorough and based on multiple lines of evidence,” a department spokesperson said, declining to comment directly on the body cam footage. The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office has not yet responded to requests for clarification on the deputy’s involvement, though sources indicate the video was obtained through public records requests tied to the multi-parish case.As Baton Rouge grapples with this revelation, calls are mounting for an independent review of the handling of witness statements in high-profile crashes.
Community advocates, including members of local Black Lives Matter chapters, have highlighted the case as emblematic of broader concerns over police accountability in Louisiana.Lacy’s family, still mourning their son, released a brief statement through Ory: “Kyren was a gentle giant with a bright future stolen too soon. We hope this truth brings some measure of justice.”
The investigation remains open, with Ory vowing to pursue civil action against involved parties. For now, the footage serves as a grim reminder of the human cost when truth bends under pressure.
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As Baton Rouge continues to mourn the loss of former LSU Tigers wide receiver Kyren Lacy, who tragically passed away in April 2025, his on-field legacy at Louisiana State University stands as a testament to his talent, grit, and explosive playmaking.
Transferring to LSU from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette ahead of the 2022 season, Lacy quickly became a cornerstone of the Tigers’ high-powered offenses, amassing impressive stats over three seasons and earning accolades that highlighted his growth into one of the SEC’s premier pass-catchers.
Career Snapshot at LSU
Lacy, a Thibodaux native standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 213 pounds, played in 39 games for the Tigers from 2022 to 2024, starting 24 of them. In that span, he recorded 112 receptions for 1,692 yards and 16 touchdowns—figures that underscore his evolution from a rotational player to a go-to target in LSU’s pass-heavy schemes.
His college career totals across all schools reached 154 catches for 2,558 yards and 26 touchdowns, but it was in purple and gold where he truly shone, contributing to two of the nation’s top-scoring offenses.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
2022 (Sophomore/First Year at LSU)
Lacy hit the ground running in his Tigers debut, appearing in all 14 games with two starts. He hauled in 24 passes for 268 yards, averaging 11.2 yards per catch, though he didn’t find the end zone that season. His longest reception—a 45-yard grab—came in the Citrus Bowl against Purdue, signaling the big-play potential that would define his LSU tenure.
2023 (Junior)
Emerging as a key weapon in Brian Kelly’s explosive attack—which led the nation in scoring (45.5 points per game) and total offense (543.5 yards per game)—Lacy played all 13 games, starting 10.
He exploded for 30 receptions, 558 yards (18.6 yards per catch), and a team-high-tying seven touchdowns.
Standout performances included two 100-yard games: 111 yards and a score on four catches against Auburn (highlighted by a 57-yard touchdown) and 101 yards with two TDs on five receptions versus Georgia State. Lacy’s clutch gene shone in big moments, like a 26-yard grab to tie Alabama at 21-21 and a 29-yard touchdown against Ole Miss.
2024 (Senior):
Lacy’s final season was his finest, earning him Second-Team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and a spot at the 2025 Senior Bowl.
Starting all 12 regular-season games, he led the SEC with nine receiving touchdowns on 58 catches for 866 yards (14.9 yards per reception, 72.2 yards per game).
He notched three 100-yard outings, including a career-high 111 yards on five receptions in an overtime thriller against Ole Miss—capped by a 25-yard touchdown pass in OT to seal the win.
Other highlights: a three-TD explosion (32, 6, and 7 yards) in the home opener against Nicholls, a 12-yard score versus Vanderbilt, an 18-yard TD at Oklahoma, and a 12-yard strike against South Carolina.Achievements and LegacyBeyond the numbers, Lacy’s impact was profound.
He led the SEC in receiving touchdowns during his senior year and was instrumental in LSU’s 2023 Heisman Trophy campaign for quarterback Jayden Daniels, as the Tigers’ top three receivers (including Lacy) combined for 187 catches, 3,304 yards, and 38 scores.
Lacy also graduated in December 2024 with a degree in sport administration and earned a nod to the 2022 SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Off the field, Lacy was remembered for his work ethic and community ties, often mentoring younger Baton Rouge athletes.
His five career 100-yard games at LSU—three in 2024 alone—cemented him as a deep-threat specialist with sure hands and route-running savvy, drawing NFL scouts’ eyes before his untimely passing.
“Kyren wasn’t just a receiver; he was a game-changer who lit up Tiger Stadium and made us all proud,” said LSU head coach Brian Kelly in a statement reflecting on Lacy’s contributions.
As the Tigers move forward into 2025, Lacy’s highlights continue to inspire, a bright spot in a story cut far too short.
