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-income housing to public spaces, we explore what this project could mean for the future of the Bywater and surrounding neighborhoods.We also dive into the bigger picture as to what this development says about New Orleans’ push for economic diversification and the ongoing tension between growth and displacement. We talk about the realities of short-term rentals, the need for permanent housing, and the skepticism many residents still feel after years of broken promises. Plus, we zoom out to compare this project to other stalled sites like Plaza Tower and the Lindy Boggs hospital, asking the bigger question: is this finally a turning point for redevelopment in New Orleans?#PelicanBriefs #NewOrleans #BywaterNOLA #CityPlanning #NOLADevelopment #Podcast #LocalIssuesFollow Pelican BriefsPatreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs

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 and cultural revitalization across Louisiana.We also explore the bigger picture of French language preservation in Louisiana—from the sharp decline in French speakers over the last century to the renewed interest in French immersion programs and global Francophone connections. Together we unpack why protecting Louisiana French, Creole, and Indigenous languages matters to the state’s identity and how cultural organizations, educators, and artists are working to bring these traditions back into everyday life.#PelicanBriefs #NewOrleans #Francophone #LouisianaHistory #Podcast #LocalIssuesFollow Pelican BriefsPatreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs

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 proposed $10 million brewpub project tied to Port Orleans Brewing Company, which has sparked debate over the use of public funding for private development. We discuss the political tensions between Gretna and Jefferson Parish leaders, the arguments for and against the project, and what this situation could mean for future economic development in Old Gretna and the broader West Bank.#PelicanBriefs #OldGretna #WestBankNOLA #JeffersonParish #NewOrleansPolitics #NOLADevelopmentFollow Pelican BriefsPatreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs

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 and DEI initiatives, and the ongoing debate around school vouchers, prison funding, and other priorities coming from state leadership.We also look at the issues that could have the biggest impact on everyday Louisianans, including the state’s insurance crisis, possible legislation around data centers, and the long-standing conversation about raising Louisiana’s minimum wage. Throughout the discussion, we share what policies we expect to see, what proposals we’re watching closely, and what we believe lawmakers should prioritize as the legislative session unfolds.#PelicanBriefs #NewOrleans #LouisianaPolitics #UrbanGovernance #Podcast #LocalIssuesFollow Pelican BriefsPatreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs

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 experienced disinvestment. From Southern University’s impact to comparisons with LSU and other booming parts of the city, we examine why this project matters beyond just new retail and restaurants.We also explore the bigger picture: population loss in Louisiana, economic confidence, brain drain, and what strategic investment near universities can do to strengthen communities. Drawing parallels to places like New Orleans East, we talk about why investing in underserved areas isn’t just equitable—it’s smart growth policy. If Baton Rouge is the capital of our state, what does its development say about Louisiana’s future?Follow Pelican BriefsPatreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs

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 of Lake Forest Plaza, Lincoln Beach, and the former Six Flags site, we talk about what real progress should look like over the next four years and what success actually means for residents.We also unpack the controversy surrounding a proposed data center in a residential part of New Orleans East, the swift community backlash, and how local leaders are responding. As we weigh skepticism against hope, we make the case that New Orleans East isn’t just another development talking point, but rather it may be the future of the city. If growth, population retention, and regional economic strength are the goals, the East has to be part of the plan.Follow Pelican BriefsPatreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs

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 like Times Square and downtown Raleigh, we talk through the coalition’s vision for restoring Canal Street as a vibrant, local-first destination.We also unpack the coalition’s plan to divide downtown Canal Street into distinct segments, including retail, theater, riverfront, and biomedical areas, and how ideas like pedestrian-friendly design, public art, family-focused attractions, housing, and higher-end retail could finally bring sustained life back to the corridor. Hosted by Etosha McGee and Charles Miller, this conversation explores what it takes to move from talk to action, why locals matter in shaping the future of downtown, and why Celebrate Canal! may be the most promising effort yet to bring Canal Street back for New Orleans, not just tourists.Follow Pelican BriefsPatreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs

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 also dig into visible changes residents are already noticing, like streetlight repairs, road work, and pedestrian safety enforcement, while staying honest about the skepticism many New Orleanians feel after years of broken systems. The conversation covers recent controversies around Mardi Gras spending and DJ pay, questions about sustainability leadership in city government, and what accountability could look like moving forward. As always, we’re watching closely, staying critical, and tracking whether early momentum turns into lasting change.Follow Pelican BriefsPatreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs

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, aerospace, coastal restoration, culinary arts, and technology.We also dig into the shifting perception of community colleges, why more students are choosing them as a first option, and how dual enrollment, credential programs, and workforce-driven curriculum are helping keep talent in Louisiana. From affordability and accessibility to fighting brain drain, we explore why community colleges are quietly shaping the future of education and the economy across the state. Follow Pelican BriefsPatreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs

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 K–12 education to higher education, workforce development, and the long-term future of Louisiana. From housing affordability and population loss to the question of whether public education should keep being outsourced, we argue that one or two school years isn’t enough to judge success. If charter schools were given decades, then rebuilding a strong, locally run public school system deserves real investment, patience, and courage.Follow Pelican BriefsPatreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs