ATLANTA – Hundreds of students gathered this week at the Georgia World Congress Center as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. Among various activities, students participated in the Complete the Cycle community service project, assembling 80 bicycles destined for children in metro Atlanta.

“These kids come from all corners of the nation. They are not just competitors; they are aspiring national leaders,” remarked one organizer. 

The SkillsUSA conference, a platform for vocational and technical education, emphasizes both practical skills and leadership development. Students involved in the Complete the Cycle project demonstrated their ability to apply their skills for a meaningful cause.

The organization has served nearly 15 million students since it was established in 1965. 

The Atlanta Braves have already had an injury-plagued 2024 season, from Spencer Strider, to Ronald Acuña Jr., and many in between. There are several players, though, who now come with positive updates regarding their recovery status.

Michael Harris II, who suffered a hamstring strain on June 14, has begun hitting and throwing. He has not yet been cleared to run, but his return may not be too far away.

Tyler Matzek has been crow hopping from 90 feet, after he was placed on the injured list on May 7 with elbow inflammation.

As for A.J. Minter, another rehab start is coming up on Sunday, which will set him up to be activated early next week. He hit the 15-day injured list on May 30 with left hip inflammation.

And lastly, the road to recovery continues for Ian Anderson, as his rehab assignment was transferred to the Augusta GreenJackets.

More Braves News:

Charlie Morton was stellar and the offensive was explosive as the Braves downed the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6-1.

In his Double-A debut, Lucas Braun fanned nine. More in the minor league recap.

MLB Pipeline’s latest mock draft has right-hander Braylon Doughty to Atlanta.

Carson Benge’s name has come up in plenty of mock drafts. He was originally projected to land with the Braves, but his draft stock has gone up to 12th overall.

The Athletic proposes four trade scenarios and how they could work in Atlanta’s favor.

Braves Podcasts:

MLB News:

Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda passed away at age 86. The 1967 NL MVP spent the majority of his career with the San Francisco Giants.

The San Francisco Giants placed two infielders on the 10-day injured list in Thairo Estrada and Wilmer Flores. Estrada suffered a wrist sprain and Flores has knee tendinitis.

New York Mets reliever Drew Smith will likely require Tommy John surgery but is headed to get a second opinion.

The Philadelphia Phillies placed Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber on the 10-day injured list. Harper suffered a hamstring strain, while Schwarber goes down with a groin strain.

The Washington Nationals will reportedly call up top outfield prospect James Wood on Monday. The 6-foot-7 21-year-old has put up some ridiculous numbers in the minors.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A Black business owner in Atlanta said he feels betrayed and blindsided.

The Trump campaign held an event at Rocky’s Barbershop on Wednesday, the day before the highly anticipated presidential debate.

Owner Rocky Jones said that’s not what he signed up for and now he’s speaking out.

“I really take pride in my business,” Jones said.

Jones said he welcomes customers from all backgrounds and walks of life.

“Mind my business and serve and give haircuts back to the community and have good conversations; it’s never been about politics,” said Jones.

He said his business has never been the site of a political event until Wednesday when prominent Republicans packed inside the day before the presidential debate in Atlanta.

Former President Trump called in at one point during Wednesday’s event.

“I feel like I have been betrayed,” said Jones.

Days before the debate, Jones said someone he considered a friend reached out to him about being the host site for a small Black business roundtable.

Jones said there was never any mention this was a political event.

Jones added he never heard from a Trump campaign representative either.

Jones said the timing of the event didn’t raise any flags that the event would be political.

“I honestly didn’t think about it. It was just once you say Black small business give back to the community, it’s like, ‘Okay, I’m doing it,’” said Jones. “Just be aware that it is election season, and the timing seems a little suspect.”

Jones is warning other business owners to have a healthy dose of skepticism.

“Even though I trusted that person, I didn’t do the research I should’ve done. Now, I’m letting everyone else know you need to be aware of these calls,” Jones said.

Atlanta News First did make contact with the Trump campaign. They acknowledged our request but were not able to get us a response by airtime.

Jones said he was compensated for the two hours he had to close his business for the event but adds he’s now willing to give the money back.

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