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Pelican Briefs

Pelican Briefs

By: Etosha McGee and Charles Miller
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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 sassy banter.Etosha McGee and Charles Miller Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Archdiocese Bankruptcy Update: $230M Settlement For Abuse Survivors
    Nov 21 2025

    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 victims and other creditors, and why the church’s $50M in legal fees has pushed parishes, programs, and congregants into the fallout. We also dig into the frustration victims still feel around the lack of accountability, remorse, and transparency from church leadership.


    We look at what this means for Catholic schools, charities, and community services across the region, why so many victims voted yes out of sheer exhaustion, and how new developments like the Archdiocese of Alexandria now filing for bankruptcy signal this crisis is far from over. We’re continuing to follow both the civil process and the stalled criminal investigation, and we’ve included resources in the description for anyone impacted by clergy abuse or looking to understand the broader implications for our community.


    Follow Pelican Briefs

    Patreon: patreon.com/LaPelicanBriefs

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

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

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    21 mins
  • The Michelin Guide Comes to New Orleans
    Nov 14 2025


    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 about why the guide’s limited reach beyond New Orleans matters for Louisiana’s food culture, how anonymous inspections work, and what this recognition could do for tourism, reservations, and the city’s culinary reputation. Tell us which restaurants you think Michelin missed, and subscribe to stay with us as we keep unpacking the stories, issues, and debates shaping life in Louisiana.


    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


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    17 mins
  • Governor Landry's Push for the National Guard in Louisiana Cities
    Nov 7 2025

    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 and policy. Drawing on memories from post-Katrina New Orleans, we question whether sending troops into cities truly makes us safer or if investing in our communities is the better path forward.


    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

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    17 mins
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