Editor’s note: Daily Report has updated this story since its original publication to correct that the move does not involve Brown & Root’s Baton Rouge team but is simply relocating Brown & Root’s operations in St. Rose to Metairie. Read more from the USA Today network has the full story. Slight dip: U.S. applications for initial unemployment benefits inched down last week, remaining at historically healthy levels despite recent high-profile layoff announcements. Layoffs: Home Depot is laying off about 800 workers and requiring corporate employees to return to the office five days a week, citing the need for greater speed and agility. The cuts primarily affect remote and technology roles, as the retailer grapples with slower home improvement demand tied to higher mortgage rates and cautious consumers.