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.

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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.

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Gayle Benson is the owner of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans, and this episode breaks down what her leadership means for the future of professional sports in New Orleans. We dig into growing concerns around the Pelicans’ performance, recent front-office decisions, and the broader questions fans are asking about investment, priorities, and long-term commitment to the city.

We also unpack the bigger picture—why the Pelicans often feel like second fiddle to the Saints, how market size and fan accessibility factor into team success, and whether bold, history-making moves could reinvigorate interest locally and nationally. From arena challenges to organizational culture, we’re taking a clear-eyed look at where things stand and what could come next for New Orleans basketball.

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