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?

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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.

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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.

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