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?

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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 #LocalIssues

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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 #NOLADevelopment

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