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In a startling development for one of the spirits industry’s most celebrated success stories, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey—the Black- and woman-owned brand that skyrocketed to become America’s second-best-selling Tennessee whiskey—is preparing to offload key non-core assets as part of a court-mandated receivership.
The move, detailed in recent court filings, comes amid ongoing financial restructuring efforts and fresh allegations from founder Fawn Weaver of a targeted “smear campaign” by the company’s lender.
But beneath the accolades lay mounting pressures. In July 2025, lender Farm Credit Mid-America filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, accusing the company of defaulting on over $108 million in loans.
The complaint alleged misuse of funds, including a $2 million purchase of a Martha’s Vineyard estate in 2023, and the sale of discounted futures contracts. By August 22, a federal judge placed Uncle Nearest into receivership, appointing Phillip G. Young Jr. to oversee operations and safeguard assets.
For consumers, the news signals potential changes to the brand’s ambitious expansions but reassurance that its flagship whiskeys will remain on shelves.
A Rapid Rise Meets Financial Headwinds
Started in 2017 by author and entrepreneur Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest honors Nathan “Nearest” Green, the formerly enslaved master distiller who taught Jack Daniel the art of whiskey-making in the late 1800s.
Young’s initial report, filed October 1, painted a cautiously optimistic picture: No evidence of financial impropriety by Weaver, her husband Keith, or current management was found, and a 13-week budget showed revenues sufficient to cover operating costs—minus $2.5 million in one-time fees covered by short-term lender funding.
Liquidating the French Cognac estate and Square One vodka might generate quick cash—potentially $15-25 million from the Cognac alone—to stabilize operations, but it could also mean tighter marketing budgets.
In a market like New Orleans, where premium spirits prices have held steady post-pandemic (Louisiana’s overall alcohol sales rebounded 8% in 2024 per state data), a 5-10% uptick isn’t out of the question if operational efficiencies lag.Local fans grabbing a bottle might notice subtle shifts by early 2026.
To date, the receiver has trimmed the workforce by 13% (12 employees), repaired ties with Farm Credit, and verified barrel inventories with partner Tennessee Distilling Group.
Asset Sales on the Horizon: Cognac, Vodka, and Beyond
Central to the restructuring is a strategic divestiture of “non-income-producing” assets, aimed at injecting cash without gutting the core business. High on the list: the nascent Cognac venture.
Uncle Nearest acquired Domaine Saint Martin—a historic vineyard and estate in Cognac, France—in 2023, with plans to debut a premium Cognac line in 2024.
But with launch costs estimated at $15-25 million and the company cash-strapped, the receiver recommends liquidation. One formal offer and two inquiries are already in play, with a court motion for sale expected soon.
Other targets include the vodka arm, Square One Organic Spirits (snapped up in May 2024), and real estate parcels such as the controversial Martha’s Vineyard property, a Bedford County, Tennessee, holding, and additional French assets tied to the chateau.
“A fire sale is not anticipated,” Young’s report noted, emphasizing that these moves could pave the way for a swift exit from receivership by Q1 2026.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy remains a tool in the toolkit for reorganization, but liquidation under Chapter 7 is off the table.
The receiver stressed the brand’s “long-term viability” as a going concern, with its whiskey lineup—anchored by the 100-proof flagship and barrel-proof expressions—proving resilient even in tough markets.
Weaver Fires Back: “Smear Campaign” Allegations Rock the Narrative
The plot thickened today at the Inc. 5000 Conference in Phoenix, where Weaver took the stage for a fireside chat titled “Reclaiming Your Company in Turbulent Times.”
In a candid address, the CEO accused Farm Credit of orchestrating a reputational hit job, spotlighting the Martha’s Vineyard estate as a ploy to sway the Tennessee judge.
“Their hope was that the judge would see it, would accept the smear, and would turn over keys of my company to them,” Weaver declared, dismissing the property as anything but a vacation retreat and highlighting her California roots.
Weaver and Uncle Nearest have countered in court filings that the lender overlooked key context, failed to secure liens on seven of eight collateral properties (including Martha’s Vineyard), and even praised the acquisition during a 2023 visit by Farm Credit execs—complete with a company Gospel Brunch.
She alleged fraud by a former CFO and vowed to submit more evidence, adding, “I still have not filed anything.” The Weavers have recused themselves from day-to-day management during receivership but remain vocal advocates for the brand’s mission.
What This Means for Consumers: Stability for Whiskey Lovers, Uncertainty for Expansions
For the everyday imbiber, the immediate outlook is steady: Uncle Nearest’s core Tennessee whiskeys, distilled in partnership with Uncle Nearest’s Distillery in Shelbyville and aged to perfection, face no existential threat.
The brand’s distribution remains intact, with bottles available nationwide and online, and its cultural cachet—fueled by collaborations like the Jack Daniel’s diversity push—intact.
Final Word
As a top-tier convention city, New Orleans is known for its many festivals, parties and events. Is the city safe? Of course. That also means that Nola is also a top travel destination.
Want real-time tips on how to save when you’re on a trip? Read our Travel Savings Guide,
Once you pack your luggage, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from New Orleans that are on sale. And don’t forget to check Southwest.
New Orleans is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Louis Armstrong International Airport is so accessible.
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New Orleans’ dining scene just got a flavorful infusion of family-rooted Vietnamese cuisine with the soft opening of Môi, a cozy new spot on St. Claude Avenue that’s already drawing crowds eager for dishes that feel like a warm invitation into someone’s home kitchen.
Get This Deal at of Môi in New Orleans
Through November 2, dine-in guests score 15% off, so swing by soon to claim your seat in this flavorful family affair.
Tucked into the former digs of beloved poke haven Poke-Chan at 2809 St. Claude Ave., Môi swung open its doors on October 19 for a soft launch, serving up lunch and dinner Thursday through Tuesday (with Wednesdays off for good measure).
The shotgun house vibe—complete with delicate lotus leaf wall patterns—sets an anytime-casual tone, perfect for lingering over bold, interactive plates. Pro tip: It’s BYOB, but fear not, the adjacent Faubourg Wines bottle shop has you covered for pairings.
At the heart of Môi is the Nguyen family trio: sisters Susan and Cindy Nguyen, helming the front-of-house energy, and their mother, Selena Nguyen, who’s the undisputed queen of the kitchen.
Selena’s story is as rich as her braises—she honed her craft through sheer intuition in Ho Chi Minh City, where factory shifts left little room for formal lessons, then refined it on a migrant path through Cambodia and Thailand before landing in New Orleans.
Here, she ran a nail salon by day and fed her community by night, turning personal recipes into something uniquely hers. “It’s not copied from anyone,” she insists, and one taste proves it.
What’s On the Menu at of Môi?
The menu clocks in at 28 dishes, many offered in small or full sizes to encourage sampling, with rotating specials on the horizon.
This isn’t your standard pho-and-spring-roll lineup; Môi dives deeper into homestyle traditions that spotlight Vietnam’s layered flavors, from fermented funk to caramelized sweetness. Standouts include:
- Bún Riêu: A crab and tomato noodle soup that’s pure comfort in a bowl—a clear, hearty broth loaded with a quiche-like crab-pork cake, pork meatballs, fried tofu, ham hock, and even a slice of congealed pork blood for that mineral edge. Diners pile on herbs, cabbage, and sprouts for a DIY flavor bomb. nola.com
- Đậu Hũ Nhồi Thịt Sốt Cà Chua: Tofu pockets stuffed with pork meatballs and braised in a tangy tomato sauce—simple, soul-satisfying, and begging for crusty baguette to mop up every drop.
- Gỏi Mực: Calamari salad with crunchy cabbage, tart green apple slices, fresh herbs, and tender squid rings tossed in fish sauce. It’s a bright, textural crunch that cuts through richer plates.
- Thịt Kho Trứng: Braised pork belly and eggs in a Vietnamese caramel sauce, where sweet-sour notes amplify the savory depth—think slow-cooked perfection that’s equal parts tender and addictive.
For the adventurous, Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm brings a fermented shrimp sauce platter with roast pork, pig intestine, fried tofu, and sugarcane-skewered shrimp mash, all wrapped in lettuce with rice noodles. It’s bold, pungent, and not for the faint of heart—but locals in the know are already raving about it as a gateway to “next-level” Vietnamese eats.
nola.comVegetarians won’t feel sidelined, thanks to gems like Chả Giò Chay—egg rolls with a vegan “fish” sauce that’s intensely umami. And don’t skip the chilled Chè Thái, a coconut milk dessert that’s like a tropical smoothie-soup hybrid, ideal for cooling down after spice.Critic Ian McNulty, who sampled the spread during opening week, calls Môi an “advanced course” in Vietnamese cuisine, praising its depth and the way it invites hands-on eating—like tearing into ham hocks or assembling wraps tableside.
nola.com “It’s a delight that opens new doors for the depth of flavor in Vietnamese cooking,” he writes, noting how Selena joins the family for pre-shift meals that echo the restaurant’s welcoming ethos.The name “Môi” itself nods to a Vietnamese word for “welcome,” uttered before meals to draw loved ones closer—a fitting mantra for a spot that’s already fostering community in the St. Claude corridor.
Final Bite
Môi is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday–Tuesday at 2809 St. Claude Ave. For reservations or takeout, hit up (504) 459-2161 or @moi.nola on Instagram. In a city that thrives on bold new bites, Môi feels like the homecoming we’ve been craving.
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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With the Pelicans tipping off the season and Saints fever building, Louisiana’s sports betting scene is hotter than a Mardi Gras midday. And so are the scrutiny and federal probes.
Legal since a voter-approved referendum in 2020, wagering on your favorite teams is now a staple in the Crescent City and beyond. But as the handle hits record highs—topping $377 million in December 2024—it’s worth brushing up on the rules keeping the game fair and fun.
Sports Betting in Louisiana: What To Know
Here’s the lowdown on Louisiana’s sports betting regs, straight from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) and state law.
Quick Legality Snapshot
Sports betting is fully legal in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, including Orleans (hello, Smoothie King Center tailgates).
The nine holdouts—no dice—are Caldwell, Catahoula, Franklin, Jackson, La Salle, Sabine, Union, West Carroll, and Winn.
Retail books launched October 6, 2021; mobile apps went live January 28, 2022. The LGCB oversees it all, ensuring operators play by the book.
Key Milestone Date Voter Approval November 3, 2020 (55 parishes) Retail Launch October 6, 2021 Mobile Launch January 28, 2022 2024 Handle Record $377M (December) Who Can Bet? Age, Location, and ID Rules
To place a wager, you gotta check these boxes—no shortcuts:
- Age: 21 or older. No exceptions, even for that “lucky” 20-year-old.
- Location: Physically inside an approved parish. Apps use geofencing tech to lock you out if you’re in a dry spot (or hopping the state line).
- ID Verification: Upload your driver’s license or passport on signup. No residency required—tourists from Texas or Tennessee can join the action.
- Exclusions: Banned if you’re on a self-exclusion list, or if you’re a player, coach, ref, or insider in the event you’re betting on. High school sports? Totally off-limits.
Pro tip for NOLA locals: That Uber from the Quarter to Metairie? Fine, as long as you’re in green territory.
What Can You Bet On? (And What You Can’t)
Louisiana keeps it broad but buttoned-up. Legal wagers cover pro leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), college ball (yep, LSU Tigers games), MMA, NASCAR, esports, and horse racing. Options include:
- Straight Bets: Moneylines, point spreads, over/unders.
- Futures: Super Bowl winner, Heisman Trophy.
- Props: Player stats like Zion’s points or Drew Brees… wait, Carr’s passing yards.
- Live Betting: In-game action, like next Saints touchdown scorer.
- Parlays and Teasers: Stack ’em for bigger payouts.
No-Gos:
- High school or youth events.
- Bets on games you influence (e.g., no wagering on your kid’s peewee league).
- Dog racing (banned statewide).
- Crypto bets on licensed apps—stick to cards or e-wallets.
Offshore sites like Bovada tempt with extras (politics, entertainment), but they’re unregulated—use at your own risk, and the LGCB doesn’t back ’em.Top Legal Sportsbooks in LouisianaEight to ten operators hold licenses, each tied to a casino or track. Here’s the lineup for 2025:
Operator App/Retail Partners Welcome Bonus Example FanDuel Amelia Belle, Delta Downs, Sam’s Town, Treasure Chest Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets DraftKings Evangeline Downs, Golden Nugget Up to $1,000 in bonuses Caesars Harrah’s New Orleans, Horseshoe Bossier 10x 100% match up to $2,500 BetMGM (Online-focused) Up to $1,500 in bonus bets BetRivers (Various retail) 100% match up to $500 Fanatics (Emerging) Up to $1,000 in no-sweat bets Bet365 (Online) Bet $5, get $150 Hard Rock Bet (Online/retail) Up to $100 back if first bet loses Barstool Boomtown casinos Varies by promo Retail spots dot the map: Harrah’s in the French Quarter, Coushatta up north, Delta Downs for track vibes. Louisiana Lottery kiosks pop up at truck stops and bars too.Taxes: How the State Cashes InWinnings? Yours to keep (minus Uncle Sam at 24% federal for $5K+). But operators pay up:
- Online Hold: 15% tax on adjusted gross revenue.
- Retail Hold: 10% tax.
- Total Revenue: Over $50M in 2024 taxes funneled to the general fund and local parishes—boosting roads, schools, and that post-Katrina recovery.
Operators pony up big for licenses: $250K app fee + $500K for retail (5 years); $100K + $250K for online.Keeping It Responsible: Tools and ResourcesThe LGCB mandates safeguards—no betting’s worth the blues. Apps feature:
- Deposit/time limits.
- Reality checks and cool-off periods.
- Self-exclusion (up to lifetime ban).
- Links to 1-800-GAMBLER for free help.
In New Orleans, hit up the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse for local support. Remember: Bet for the thrill, not the bill.
2025 Updates and What’s Next
The market’s booming—NFL drives spikes, with basketball and college hoops heating up.
Recent shifts: ClutchBet joined in Feb 2024; PointsBet bowed out. A proposed Sports Wagering Enforcement Fund could net $20M yearly for enforcement. And with mobile in most spots, expect more promos tied to Saints-Pels rivalries.
Final Word
Are you a high roller? If you plan on visiting the city for New Orleans, you should know that the area you’re staying in is safe.
Expect to indulge in many foods that New Orleans is known For, including Gumbo, Beignets and more.
Read about things to see and do in New Orleans.
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- What To See And Do In New Orleans
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- Here Are The Latest Casting Calls In New Orleans
Got questions? The LGCB’s site has the full Title 42 regs. Stay in the lines, Louisiana—Laissez les bons temps… bet responsibly!
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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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