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PODCAST

Pelican Briefs

Etosha McGee and Charles Miller

Join New Orleans natives Etosha McGee – a sharp-witted Capricorn with big opinions – and Dr. Charles Miller – an urban studies and sociology professor with a passion for spirited debates – as this millennial duo dives into Louisiana"s hottest headlines and New Orleans"s most talked-about topics and controversies. From politics and culture to economic development and beyond, Pelican Briefs delivers fresh perspectives on the Pelican State"s most pressing matters, all with a local flair and a dose of

news news commentary

All Episodes

00:23:35

Why New Orleans’ First Traditional Public School in...

Pelican Briefs ·

2026/01/09

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 neighborhood schools, and decades of disruption to educators, families, and communities.We also zoom out to connect

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00:25:24

Gayle Benson and the Future of the New Orleans Pelicans

Pelican Briefs ·

2026/01/02

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 also unpack the bigger picture—why the Pelicans often feel like second fiddle to the Saints, how market

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00:17:30

What Xavier's New Medical School Could Mean For...

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/12/26

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 medical schools in the country and how it strengthens New Orleans’ growing biomedical district.We talk about

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00:25:23

Can 50 Cent Revitalize Shreveport?

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/12/19

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’s actually happening on the ground, and why city leadership is betting big on a celebrity-led

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00:18:12

How UL Lafayette's Budget Crisis Is Impacting the...

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/12/12

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 the red. We also look at enrollment challenges, the long-term impact on campus operations, and what

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00:20:44

Major Setbacks in NOLA River District Development

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/11/28

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 struggling to move major mixed-use projects across the finish line.We also look ahead at what’s still possible

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00:21:18

Archdiocese Bankruptcy Update: $230M Settlement For...

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/11/21

Call 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 five-year legal battle, the newly approved $230M settlement, how the funds will be divided among hundreds of

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00:17:21

The Michelin Guide Comes to New Orleans

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/11/14

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, and Hungry Eyes, and notable snubs like Dakar NOLA and the Brennan’s family of restaurants.We also talk

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00:17:13

Governor Landry's Push for the National Guard in...

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/11/07

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 perception of crime often clashes with actual data, and why language like “war on crime” shapes public opinion

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00:16:13

What Does UNO's Return to the LSU System Mean for the...

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/10/31

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 challenges.We explore whether a rebrand back to “LSU New Orleans” could spark new growth or if deeper issues

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00:17:01

UL Lafayette's $25 Million Budget Deficit Explained

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/10/24

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 this means for Louisiana students and the future of affordable college access.We also look at the bigger

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00:19:15

The Last 90 Days of Mayor LaToya Cantrell

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/10/17

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 legacy may ultimately be remembered: a leader who guided the city through COVID but later became defined by

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00:21:07

The First 100 Days: What We Want to See From the Next...

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/10/10

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 infrastructure and improving hurricane preparedness to addressing homelessness, overhauling City Hall, and investing

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00:28:34

The History of New Orleans East

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/02/12

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 for revitalization.We dive into the historical shifts, including the East's transformation into a

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00:28:34

Preserving Louisiana's French Heritage

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/02/05

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 as we discuss the challenges and opportunities of preserving Louisiana French, from economic drivers to

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00:27:34

Tackling Louisiana's Housing and Insurance Crises

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/01/29

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 of the situation.We also examine potential solutions, such as the roof fortification program,

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00:28:04

Shreveport's Time to Shine

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/01/22

Shreveport is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we’re diving into what it means for Louisiana. From 50 Cent’s massive investment in G-Unit Studios, making it the second-largest Black-owned production studio in the U.S., to a $75 million state-of-the-art government building, Shreveport is positioning itself as a hub for growth and opportunity. We explore how these developments, alongside urban revitalization efforts and new housing projects, are reshaping the city’s downtown and creating

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00:28:17

Federal Funds Flowing Into Louisiana

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/01/15

Louisiana is at a crossroads when it comes to infrastructure. Today, we dive into the state’s infrastructure challenges and the transformative impact of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment Act. We discuss Senator Bill Cassidy’s key role in securing $1.2 trillion in federal funding, which is helping to repair roads, bridges, and expand broadband access across Louisiana. While these investments are reshaping the state, we question why most Louisiana politicians voted against the bill yet continue

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00:24:51

Super Bowl LIX Preparations in New Orleans

Pelican Briefs ·

2025/01/08

Please note the season 2 episodes of Pelican Briefs were filmed prior to the New Year’s Day terrorist attack that occurred in New Orleans. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families and the entire city of New Orleans as we come together to heal after this tragic and senseless act of violence.In this episode of Pelican Briefs, Etosha and Charles dive into the hot topic of Super Bowl LIX prep in New Orleans. We explore the city's massive infrastructure projects, downtown beautification

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00:17:08

Tackling Population Decline in Louisiana with Rep....

Pelican Briefs ·

2024/10/09

Tammy Phelps is a Louisiana State Representative from Shreveport, joining us to discuss Louisiana's ongoing population decline. We dive into the key factors driving people, especially Millennials and Gen Z, to leave the state, including job market challenges, lack of investment in education, and state policies that don't adequately address these issues. Tammy shares her perspective on how Louisiana can reverse this trend by focusing on improving education, workforce development, and economic

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31 results

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