Episodes

  • Pelican Pop-Ins - Developing Canal Street with Davon Barbour

    Pelican Pop-Ins - Developing Canal Street with Davon Barbour
    Sep 18 2024

    This episode recaps what we covered in Episode 4, "Revitalization of Canal Street," if you missed it, listen here:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Ej504tULog8bDQsV6muCc?si=90a3a9d719e64138


    Davon Barbour is the President and CEO of the New Orleans Downtown Development District (DDD), and he joins us on Pelican Briefs to share insights on the revitalization of Canal Street. We discuss the DDD’s efforts to attract locals back to the area while balancing local businesses and national brands. Davon also highlights upcoming capital investments and creative placemaking initiatives that will enhance the area, especially with the Super Bowl approaching.


    We explore how public-private partnerships, retail strategies, and innovative urban design are helping transform Canal Street into a vibrant commercial hub once again. Get the inside scoop on what’s in store for the future of downtown New Orleans and why we’re optimistic about the progress.


    Follow Pelican Briefs

    Patreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefs

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696

    X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs
    Show more Show less
    25 mins
  • Pelican Pop-Ins - State Influence in New Orleans with Kaare Johnson

    Pelican Pop-Ins - State Influence in New Orleans with Kaare Johnson
    Sep 11 2024

    This episode recaps what we covered in Episode 3, "Jeff Landry Administration and New Orleans", if you missed it, listen here:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/0MSdab2sofbwWDVqmQg4Pz?si=b1dbfa2641714f91


    Kaare Johnson, a seasoned radio and TV talk show host for "The Neutral Ground," joins us on Pelican Briefs to dive into some of the most pressing issues facing New Orleans and Louisiana. We explore Governor Landry's controversial decision to deploy Louisiana State Police to the city, weighing the potential benefits against the political motives that might be at play. Kaare shares his insights on the decline in violent crime and the challenges of sustaining these improvements, especially as the city prepares for the upcoming Super Bowl.


    We also discuss the broader impact of state-level influence on New Orleans, highlighting the long-standing dysfunction within the city and the need for a fresh direction. As we look ahead, we consider how New Orleans can leverage the Super Bowl as an opportunity for lasting economic growth and positive change. Tune in as we tackle these critical topics with Kaare Johnson, offering a candid conversation about the future of our city.


    #PelicanBriefs #NewOrleans #LouisianaPolitics #JeffLandry #UrbanGovernance #Podcast #LocalIssues


    Follow Pelican Briefs

    Patreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefs

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696

    X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs
    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • Archdiocese of New Orleans

    Archdiocese of New Orleans
    Jul 10 2024
    Welcome to Pelican Briefs, your go-to podcast for diving deep into the most pressing issues in Louisiana. In this episode, hosts Charles Miller and Etosha McGee tackle a deeply serious and sensitive topic: the ongoing investigation into the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the alarming allegations of child abuse that have rocked our community. [TRIGGER WARNING] This discussion involves distressing details about systemic abuse and cover-ups within the Archdiocese. Over the past four years, the legal proceedings have revealed a staggering amount of hidden abuse, financial expenditures exceeding $36 million, and a case duration that's twice the national average. As former members of the Catholic community, this topic hits close to home for both Charles and Etosha. We share our personal reflections on the church's failure to acknowledge and address these heinous acts and discuss the cultural and personal impacts on our community. Join us for this essential conversation as we uncover the truth and discuss the future implications for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon to keep these critical discussions going. Follow Pelican Briefs Patreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696 X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs Sources: https://www.nola.com/news/business/no-church-bankruptcy-among-oldest-costliest-in-the-us/article_3e086c7c-01b6-11ef-9372-ef4f69c877bc.html#:~:text=The%20nation's%20second%2Doldest%20diocese,filed%20against%20300%20clergy%20members.https://www.nola.com/news/400-clergy-abuse-claims-stack-up-against-archdiocese-of-new-orleans-in-bankruptcy-case/article_405e9246-82af-11eb-a194-474c6af6a1be.htmlhttps://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/state-police-warrant-former-new-orleans-archbishops-knew-about-clergy-sex-abuse/article_db5fd1ee-073e-11ef-bf5a-bf1d68e950f2.html#:~:text=The%20affidavit%20says%20that%20State,abuse%20throughout%20the%20Archdiocese.%22%20Thathttps://www.nola.com/news/business/archdiocese-bankruptcy-case-new-orleans-update/article_ac102ac2-d69e-11ee-b1c8-9747fb94bdee.html#:~:text=John%20W.,case%20approaches%20its%20fourth%20anniversary.https://www.nola.com/news/reveal-of-57-new-orleans-clergy-credibly-accused-of-sexual-abuse-a-major-step-for/article_31a2f5d1-7dbf-56ea-b358-6fc0726b4a32.htmlhttps://www.nola.com/news/see-visual-timeline-of-allegations-against-57-new-orleans-clergy-credibly-accused-of-sexual-abuse/article_6b217510-e8f4-5201-9080-c012af03e3c8.htmlhttps://www.nola.com/news/abuse-survivors-havent-seen-money-from-archdiocese-lawyers/article_df7f2be4-26a7-11ee-b0eb-43e934770b7c.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/23/new-orleans-priest-lawrence-hecker-health-evaluationhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2024/may/09/new-orleans-catholic-church-abusehttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/may/09/new-orleans-catholic-church-abuse-takeaways Resources for Listeners: https://nola.gov/health-department/domestic-violence-and-sexual-assault-program/local-resources-for-survivors/https://www.crimesurvivorsnola.org/resourceshttps://www.nofjc.org/resources
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • Population Decline

    Population Decline
    Jul 3 2024

    Welcome to another episode of Pelican Briefs with your hosts, Charles Miller and Etosha McGee! In this episode, we dive deep into the pressing issue of Louisiana's population decline. Join us as we explore the various factors driving this trend, including inadequate education and healthcare, which contribute to a significant brain drain as college graduates leave the state.


    We discuss the role of the state legislature in this crisis, criticizing recent bills that fail to address these core issues. Instead, we see a focus on conservative cultural policies, such as mandatory Ten Commandments displays in classrooms, which do little to solve the real problems. We emphasize the need for better investment in public education and healthcare to retain residents and boost the state's future.


    Our conversation also covers the impacts of natural disasters, insurance challenges, and the broader effects of conservative social policies on our population. Despite these challenges, we highlight the unique cultural and community aspects of Louisiana that continually draw people back, showcasing why we believe in the potential for positive change.


    Join us as we unpack these critical issues and share our hopes for a brighter future for Louisiana. Don't forget to subscribe to Pelican Briefs and support us on Patreon to keep the conversation going!


    Enjoy the episode, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!



    Follow Pelican Briefs

    Patreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefs


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/


    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696


    X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs



    Sources:

    1. https://www.nola.com/news/politics/louisiana-population-falls-in-cities-rural-areas-data-show/article_72e326a2-e231-11ee-bcc8-43800939b6fc.html#:~:text=Louisiana%20saw%20its%20population%20shrink,were%20spread%20throughout%20the%20state
    2. https://www.nola.com/news/politics/louisiana-population-falls-in-cities-rural-areas-data-show/article_72e326a2-e231-11ee-bcc8-43800939b6fc.html
    3. https://www.nola.com/opinions/guest-column-what-the-data-tell-us-about-louisiana-s-population-loss/article_c475fcb4-f132-11ee-8f23-6bb79a003f00.html
    4. https://www.nola.com/news/politics/louisianas-population-drops-for-third-straight-year/article_4f42d362-9ec2-11ee-b0c6-5b75e8c39c43.html
    5. https://www.nola.com/opinions/our_views/editorial-louisianas-population-loss-must-be-call-to-arms/article_21b9c53c-e539-11ee-94c7-67f44552df2d.html
    6. https://www.nola.com/news/business/new-orleans-population-decline-is-highest-in-us/article_ec88bede-e2dd-11ee-8582-4fc7d9e49977.html
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Canal Street Revitalization

    Canal Street Revitalization
    Jun 26 2024
    In this episode of Pelican Briefs, we delve into the fascinating history and future of Canal Street in New Orleans. Join our co-hosts, Etosha McGee and Charles Miller, as we explore Canal Street's transformation from a historic shopping mecca to its current state and the ongoing efforts to revitalize this iconic corridor. We discuss significant projects like the rebranding and expansion of Harrah's Casino into a Caesars property and its potential impact on attracting investment and tourism. We also highlight the exciting renovations at the Four Seasons Hotel and the plans for Spanish Plaza's revitalization. Our conversation covers the importance of integrating local businesses with national chains to create a vibrant economic environment and the critical role of a central transportation hub in supporting downtown commerce. While acknowledging the challenges and slow pace of progress, we remain optimistic about Canal Street's long-term revitalization and its potential to thrive once again. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the past, present, and future of Canal Street, and discover why we believe in its resurgence as a vital part of New Orleans. Don't forget to subscribe and support us on Patreon to keep the conversation going! Follow Pelican Briefs Patreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696 X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs Episode Article Links https://downtownnola.com/canal-street-quarterly-q1-2024/ https://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2024/02/09/top-construction-projects-2024-8-harrahs-casino-and-hotel-transformation-into-caesars-new-orleans/ https://www.nola.com/archive/canal-street-84-vintage-photos-from-over-a-hundred-years/article_a46a2d6e-9aaf-554d-ac56-23e5f498f2ea.html https://www.nola.com/news/business/canal-street-was-downtrodden-for-decades-look-at-whats-driving-its-revitalization/article_aafb78b4-e00e-11eb-92b6-3f91280d45d2.html https://www.nola.com/news/business/can-new-orleans-desolate-spanish-plaza-be-revived/article_3c12e4a8-d7ed-11ee-a427-0f6edf121050.html https://www.nola.com/news/business/spanish-plaza-plan-includes-music-venue-restaurants/article_c44a8270-3c72-11ee-8935-9b6c6fc3248a.html https://www.nola.com/news/business/caesars-aims-to-open-hotel-at-new-orleans-casino-this-fall/article_f93e7e1a-f751-11ee-86cc-57e09ae906ab.html https://www.nola.com/news/new-orleans-funds-plan-to-build-mississippi-riverfront-park/article_55c81ea6-d1d8-11ee-ac6a-03a860ccc055.html
    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Jeff Landry Administration and New Orleans

    Jeff Landry Administration and New Orleans
    Jun 19 2024
    Welcome back to Pelican Briefs! In this episode, co-hosts Etosha McGee and Charles Miller dive deep into the unique significance of New Orleans as a vibrant blue city in a predominantly red state. We discuss the new governor, Jeff Landry, and his administration's impact on our beloved city. Join us as we explore Landry's tough-on-crime rhetoric and his legislative efforts to limit New Orleans' autonomy, even amidst recent significant drops in crime rates. We also tackle the challenges faced by the Sewerage and Water Board, including funding and infrastructure issues, and the governor's threats to withhold critical funding as a political maneuver. Additionally, we express our concerns about potential changes to the Home Rule Charter, which could drastically alter local governance and control. We speculate on the outcomes of House Bill 800 and a possible Constitutional Convention, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and engaged. Tune in as we defend New Orleans' interests and strive to maintain its unique character against state-imposed changes. Don't miss this insightful episode of Pelican Briefs, where we keep an eye on the governor while he keeps an eye on New Orleans. Be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our episodes! Follow Pelican Briefs Patreon: ⁠patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefs⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs⁠ Episode Article Links https://lailluminator.com/2024/05/22/louisianas-constitutional-convention-could-still-go-forward-even-if-bill-doesnt-pass/ https://lailluminator.com/2024/04/25/landry-praises-louisianas-1973-constitutional-convention-his-could-not-be-more-different/ https://www.nola.com/news/politics/new-orleans-mayor-latoya-cantrell-sees-political-power-wane/article_f97ee5fc-f2e4-11ee-a275-6b69beb550d0.html https://lailluminator.com/2024/05/16/constitutional-convention-3/ https://www.nola.com/news/politics/bill-to-turn-over-entire-drainage-system-to-the-sewerage-and-water-board-clears-house/article_8dc78de0-191e-11ef-8452-8b2534661347.html https://lailluminator.com/2024/06/07/6-new-laws-that-will-increase-jeff-landrys-power-as-louisiana-governor/ https://www.nola.com/news/politics/bond-commission-to-again-debate-funding-for-swb-power-plant-withheld-over-abortion-enforcement/article_38bc4ebe-3502-11ed-8d88-2fc65ad193fd.html https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/carveouts-for-concealed-carry-in-new-orleans-gone-from-bill/article_9e5ee3c0-08ab-11ef-87ef-6767e4c5e0f7.html https://www.nola.com/news/politics/black-leaders-seeking-to-thwart-jeff-landrys-power-grab/article_b61b0ab8-f044-11ee-bd96-c734f84af4fe.html
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • Louisiana Legislative Session

    Louisiana Legislative Session
    Jun 12 2024

    Welcome to another episode of Pelican Briefs! Join our co-hosts, Etosha McGee and Charles Miller, as we dive into the hot topics of the current Louisiana legislative session. This episode, we're dissecting three key bills that could significantly impact our state: House Bill 608, the Women's Safety and Protection Act (Louisiana's bathroom bill), House Bill 800, the proposed Constitutional Convention, and Senate Bill 482, a public records bill aiming to limit government transparency.


    We'll discuss the implications of House Bill 608, focusing on its transphobic rhetoric and potential impacts on domestic violence shelters. House Bill 800, the "ConCon," aims to rewrite our state's lengthy constitution in just six weeks, raising concerns about the rushed process and lack of transparency. Senate Bill 482 seeks to make government records less accessible, drawing significant opposition from journalists and the public.


    Tune in as we provide our perspectives, predictions, and the potential outcomes of these bills. Stay informed and engaged with us as we navigate the complexities of Louisiana politics. Don't forget to check the show notes for links to related articles and more information. Hit play and let's get into it!




    Follow Pelican Briefs



    Patreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefs



    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/



    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696



    X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs


    Episode Article Links


    https://lailluminator.com/2024/05/16/transgender-bathroom-restrictions-heads-to-louisiana-governors-desk/



    https://www.nola.com/news/politics/transgender-bathroom-bill-clears-louisiana-house-committee-heres-what-to-know/article_84df19ce-f5d7-11ee-aedc-17fbea4b97ed.html


    https://lailluminator.com/2024/04/25/landry-praises-louisianas-1973-constitutional-convention-his-could-not-be-more-different/


    https://lailluminator.com/2024/05/22/louisianas-constitutional-convention-could-still-go-forward-even-if-bill-doesnt-pass/


    https://www.nola.com/news/politics/two-controversial-public-records-bills-likely-dead-says-senate-president-cameron-henry/article_dd5d0ec0-12cf-11ef-95ed-ab960b4bf8a2.html
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • River District Development in New Orleans

    River District Development in New Orleans
    Jun 5 2024

    Welcome to the Pelican Briefs Podcast! In our debut episode, hosts Etosha McGee and Charles Miller dive into the exciting and controversial developments surrounding New Orleans' River District.


    In this episode, we provide an in-depth look at the transformation of the River District, an undeveloped area along the Mississippi River set to become a bustling mixed-use neighborhood. We discuss Shell's new headquarters, the introduction of Top Golf and 504 Golf, and the significant controversies around transparency and public subsidies. We also address the critical issue of affordable housing and its potential impact on the community.


    Join us as we navigate the complexities of this ambitious project and share our cautious optimism for its future. Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to unpack the developments and dynamics shaping our beloved New Orleans.







    Follow Pelican Briefs



    Patreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefs



    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lapelicanbriefs/



    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560259747696



    X: https://x.com/LaPelicanBriefs


    Episode Article Links


    ⁠https://riverdistrictnola.com/⁠


    ⁠https://www.nola.com/news/business/as-first-work-starts-on-river-district-neighborhood-some-plans-have-changed/article_851940fc-7a5f-11ee-8f85-2741f1c286f2.html⁠


    ⁠https://veritenews.org/2024/02/07/explainer-whats-going-on-with-the-river-district/⁠


    ⁠https://veritenews.org/2024/01/03/done-deal-river-district-officials-bypass-city-council-to-approve-35-year-agreement/⁠


    ⁠https://www.fox8live.com/2024/01/05/council-criticizes-river-district-lack-transparency-1-billion-project/⁠⁠





    Show more Show less
    31 mins