| By JERRY DICOLO | Staff writer |
Empty restaurants. Vacant storefronts. Half-filled parking lots. Signs of trouble are all across downtown New Orleans, where hybrid work has thinned out the once-vibrant Central Business District. It's one of several great stories from The Times-Picayune this Sunday, including coverage of a big election in St. Tammany, an innovative new AI exhibit at the National World War II museum and a tragic shooting that took the life of a beloved father and handyman in the 7th Ward. Also, Christian Clark has a look at how the Pelicans set about building more than a playoff team and Reed Darcey follows the developing drama around Kim Mulkey, who is threatening to sue The Washington Post. Downtown downturn: Businesses and property owners in New Orleans' CBD are struggling to adapt to the smaller workday crowds spawned by hybrid and remote work. While some local spots in New Orleans are hanging on, the FOR LEASE signs are popping up on nearly every block and real estate watchers fear trouble could be ahead for some of the city's biggest skyscrapers. Stephanie Riegel has a look at what's been going on. Big win: St. Tammany Parish has a new District Attorney, Alex Lubben reports. The election Saturday night followed a bruising campaign that had Collin Sims and Vincent Wynne sparring in mailers and on television over who ought to be the top prosecutor for St. Tammany and Washington parishes. There were a smattering of other races across the region, including in Grand Isle and Mandeville. 'They took him': Reginald Thompson was in the 7th Ward Friday to visit his attorney and see some old friends. But the day ended tragically when the 64-year-old grandfather and retired construction worker was killed along with another man in a shooting that injured two others. Gabriella Killett has his story. Thanks for reading, and check out all the latest news, sports and entertainment coverage from The Times-Picayune. Jerry | 