Pelican Briefs

Charles Miller is a political analyst and co-host of Pelican Briefs . Alongside Etosha McGee, we break down the long-awaited redevelopment of the Bywater Naval Base, one of New Orleans’ most notorious blighted properties. We get into the history of the site, why past redevelopment efforts kept falling apart, and what’s finally different now that construction is officially underway. From mixed-inco...

Nous Foundation focuses on preserving and promoting Louisiana’s French heritage through cultural programming, education, and the arts. On this episode of Pelican Briefs, hosts Etosha McGee and Charles Miller dive into the work of the foundation and Etosha’s experience serving on its board, including the opening of a French bookstore in the French Quarter and grant programs that support language an...

Etosha McGee and Charles Miller are the hosts of Pelican Briefs, where we break down the stories shaping Louisiana and the New Orleans region. We take a closer look at Old Gretna on the West Bank, exploring how this historic riverfront area is evolving as new businesses, restaurants, and housing developments bring renewed energy to the community. We also unpack the controversy surrounding a propos...

Etosha McGee and Charles Miller are the hosts of Pelican Briefs, where we break down the political stories shaping Louisiana. This conversation focuses on the upcoming Louisiana Legislative Session and the bills we expect to dominate the conversation at the Capitol. We discuss the potential push for a constitutional convention, the likelihood of new culture-war legislation targeting universities a...

Etosha McGee and Charles Miller are the hosts of Pelican Briefs, and they break down what’s happening in Baton Rouge—specifically the long-awaited redevelopment of North Baton Rouge. We dig into the significance of a new $50 million mixed-use development called The Boulevard (BLVD), what it means for grocery access, commercial growth, and long-term investment in an area that has historically exper...

Etosha McGee and Charles Miller are the hosts of Pelican Briefs, and this week, we break down the future of New Orleans East. We dig into the promises made during the recent mayoral race around revitalization, redevelopment, and long-overdue investment in one of the city’s most overlooked yet opportunity-rich areas. From infrastructure fixes and blight removal to the long-discussed redevelopment o...

Celebrate Canal! Coalition is a resident-driven initiative working to reimagine Canal Street as a place that truly serves the people who live and work in New Orleans. We break down how this grassroots coalition formed, why past revitalization efforts fell short, and what makes this approach different by starting with community leadership instead of top-down mandates. Drawing from successful models...

Helena Moreno is the newly elected Mayor of New Orleans, and we break down what her first few weeks in office are signaling for the city. We talk through what she’s inheriting from the previous administration, including the budget deficit, public works challenges, and long standing infrastructure issues, and what early actions suggest about her priorities during the political honeymoon period. We...

Community colleges in Louisiana are doing far more than most people realize, and we’re breaking down why they matter now more than ever. This week, we lean on Charles’s perspective as a professor at Nunez Community College to unpack how schools like Nunez and Delgado are expanding access, partnering directly with industry, and creating real pathways into high-demand fields like healthcare, aerospa...

Leah Chase School is New Orleans’ first traditional public school run by the Orleans Parish School Board in nearly 20 years, and its early struggles have sparked a much bigger conversation. We break down why the school is facing declining enrollment and financial challenges, and why those issues can’t be separated from the city’s post-Katrina shift to an all-charter system, the loss of neighborhoo...

Gayle Benson is the owner of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans, and this episode breaks down what her leadership means for the future of professional sports in New Orleans. We dig into growing concerns around the Pelicans’ performance, recent front-office decisions, and the broader questions fans are asking about investment, priorities, and long-term commitment to the city. We al...

Xavier University of Louisiana is launching a new medical school in partnership with Ochsner Health, and we break down why this is a major moment for higher education, healthcare equity, and economic development in Louisiana. Etosha and Charles dig into what this partnership means for the city, the state, and the Gulf South, including why this will become one of only a handful of HBCU-based medica...

50 Cent is becoming one of the most powerful private players in downtown Shreveport. We break down how Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has quietly acquired more than 20 properties, signed ultra-low-cost leases with the city, and laid out a long-term vision to bring G-Unit Productions, studios, and a sports and entertainment district to northern Louisiana. We walk through what’s been promised so far, what...

We're back with an update on the UL Lafayette budget crisis. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is facing major financial and leadership shifts, and we’re breaking down exactly what’s happening. We revisit the university’s dramatic budget deficit reduction—from $25 million to $2 million—what cuts were made, how academics and research were protected, and why athletics continues to operate in...

Charles and Etosha break down the latest twists in the River District development. We revisit the original plans, what’s actually been built, and why the project has stalled, including litigation, missed deadlines, lost tenants, and RDN’s sudden decision to pull out. We talk through how Shell’s new headquarters fits into the future, what went wrong with Topgolf, and why New Orleans keeps strugglin...

C all or text the  Childhelp  abuse hotline on 800-422-4453 or visit  their website  for more resources and to report child abuse or DM for help. For adult survivors of child abuse, help is available at  ascasupport.org . The Archdiocese of New Orleans is facing one of the largest clergy abuse bankruptcy cases in the country, and we’re breaking down exactly where things stand. We walk through the...

We break down the Michelin Guide’s debut in the American South, how a tire company became the global standard for fine dining, and what the first New Orleans results mean. We cover the big wins and surprises: Emeril’s earning the region’s only two-star rating, Saint Germain and Zasu landing one star, Bib Gourmand nods for Dooky Chase, Cochon and Cochon Butcher, Parkway Tavern, Turkey and the Wolf,...

President Trump’s recent decision to deploy troops into U.S. cities has sparked nationwide debate, and Louisiana may be next. We break down what’s really happening, why Governor Landry has requested federal funds to deploy the Louisiana National Guard, and what it means for New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport. We talk about the difference between policing and militarization, how public percep...

The University of New Orleans is making headlines after officially moving from the University of Louisiana System back to the LSU System. We sit down to unpack what this shift really means for the university, its students, and the city it serves. Charles breaks down UNO’s complex history, from its early days as LSU New Orleans to years of post-Katrina enrollment struggles and ongoing budget challe...

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is facing a $25 million budget deficit and we’re unpacking what’s really going on behind the numbers. Etosha, a proud UL alum, and Charles break down how a university with record freshman enrollment still ended up in financial trouble. From leadership changes and student retention issues to statewide and national trends in higher education, we explore what...

Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s time in office is coming to an end, and we’re breaking down her final 90 days as New Orleans prepares for new leadership. From federal indictments and travel controversies to unfinished infrastructure and budget deadlines, we take a hard look at what the mayor should stop doing—and what she still has time to make right before leaving office. We also reflect on how her legac...

Helena Moreno, Royce Duplessis, and Oliver Thomas are the frontrunners in New Orleans’ upcoming mayoral election—and we’re breaking down what’s at stake. With less than ten days to go, we dive into the numbers, the race dynamics, and what the next mayor’s first 100 days should look like for our city. We also share our top priorities for any incoming administration, from fixing broken infrastructur...

Today, Charles shares his work as a PhD in Urban Studies who conducted extensive research on the history and development of New Orleans East. We explore the East's rise as a suburban hub, its decline due to economic and social factors, and the ongoing challenges it faces. Charles explains how his dissertation aims to dispel misconceptions and create an accurate narrative about the area’s potential...

Louisiana’s rich French heritage is taking center stage. We're diving into the historical and cultural significance of French in our state, tracing its journey from colonial times to modern preservation efforts. We explore pivotal moments like the 1921 ban on French education, its 1974 repeal, and how programs like French immersion and cultural initiatives are keeping the language alive. Join us a...

Today, we dive into the housing and insurance crises affecting Louisiana. As homeowners and renters, we explore the root causes of these challenges, including skyrocketing housing costs, gentrification, and the devastating impacts of climate-related disasters. We discuss how these issues are shaping urban and rural communities alike, with personal insights and data to highlight the growing urgency...