| By DREW BROACH | Staff writer |
WATER WORLD: When two of New Orleans’ most popular attractions, Aubudon Zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas, reopened from their pandemic shutdowns, they did so amid slumping tourism numbers, with curtailed hours and a skeleton staff. Now, after a $41 million renovation, Audubon Institute officials hope the aquarium will be a spark that propels the organization into its next phase of growth. PLAZA PROFITS: One unforetold consequence of the Gordon Plaza buyouts in New Orleans: Investors who never lived in the contaminated subdivision swooped in to purchase lots at fire sale prices. Now they’re making big bucks by selling them to City Hall. BETTER, BUT ... : New Orleans has crossed the 100-murder mark for 2023, a mixed feat that shows people are getting killed at a slower rate than last year but one unlikely to break the modern record low reached in 2019. Thanks for starting your Sunday with Morning Headlines. Catch up on the latest news on NOLA.com. Drew. | 