The Pelican Brief

Welcome back to The Pelican Brief! In this episode, host David Tatman brings you a comprehensive breakdown of the most important political and policy developments shaping Louisiana right now.

🎙️ What’s Covered This Week:

• Special Session Recap – A look at election-calendar changes and sweeping tax reform passed by the Louisiana Legislature.

• Carbon Storage Permits Paused – Governor Landry’s executive order halts new Class VI well applications and sparks statewide debate.

• Healthcare Shifts – The closure of Planned Parenthood facilities in Baton Rouge and New Orleans raises questions about future access to preventive care.

• Redistricting & the Supreme Court – Louisiana v. Callais re-argued before the U.S. Supreme Court and why it matters for the 2026 election cycle.

• Quick Hits – Rural bridge projects, testing reform pilots, SNAP funding continuity, and more statewide updates.

📅 Stay ahead of what’s next in Louisiana politics with key dates and developments on the horizon.

🔗 Follow us on social:

• Facebook & Instagram: @pelicanbrief225

• Twitter/X: @pelicanbrief225

📲 Available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more.

Let me know if you'd like shorter versions for Apple or other platforms, or a tailored version for your website or newsletter.

Season 4, Episode 3 — Louisiana on the Line

In this episode, David Tatman breaks down:

• Gov. Landry’s special session to delay congressional candidate qualifying

• The high-stakes Louisiana v. Callais Supreme Court case

• The results and ripple effects of the New Orleans mayoral & sheriff’s races

• Emerging debates on college accreditation, truancy, and drone policy

• Infrastructure updates and the state’s new bridge push

Tune in for a clear, issue-rich update you can rely on.

🚨 New Episode Out Now! 🚨
We’re covering the special session, redistricting, mayoral elections, accreditation, education reform, infrastructure & drone laws—all in one episode of The Pelican Brief.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, or your favorite podcast app
📲 Follow us @pelicanbrief225 #LaLege #LouisianaPolitics

🎙️ Season 4, Episode 2 – Shifting Power: Supreme Court Cases, Election Overhauls & Louisiana’s Political Crossroads

In this episode of The Pelican Brief, we unpack the major developments reshaping the political landscape in Louisiana and beyond. From landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases that could redefine presidential power, campaign finance, and redistricting, to Louisiana’s transition to a closed primary system — the ground is shifting beneath our feet.

We explore:

• The Supreme Court’s new term and the pivotal cases to watch, including Louisiana v. Callais and NRSC v. FEC

• What the end of Louisiana’s Independent Party means for 150,000+ voters

• How the New Orleans 2025 municipal elections may reshape local power

• A potential redistricting special session on the horizon

Whether you're tracking local races in Baton Rouge or broader shifts in Washington, this episode brings clarity to the issues driving headlines — without the noise. Stay informed, stay ahead.

🔗 Subscribe and share.
📲 Follow us @PelicanBrief225 | #lalege #lagov

🎙️ Season 4, Episode 2 – Coastal Cuts, Courtrooms & Carbon: Louisiana at a Crossroads

Welcome back to The Pelican Brief, where we bring clarity to the fast-moving world of Louisiana politics and public policy. In this episode, we break down the stories driving headlines across Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and beyond.

🔹 We begin with Louisiana’s growing carbon capture debate—where economic opportunity clashes with community safety and environmental oversight.

🔹 Then we examine Governor Jeff Landry’s recent meeting with Donald Trump and what it signals for broadband access, national alliances, and the upcoming 2026 election cycle.

🔹 In New Orleans, the 2026 mayoral race is heating up. We cover early polling, fundraising battles, and the legal cloud hanging over Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who appeared in court this month to face campaign finance charges.

🔹 We also explore a quiet but important ethics settlement involving a Landry-linked consultant—and what it reveals about the state’s ongoing challenges around transparency and political accountability.

🔹 Finally, we look at the cancellation of a once-celebrated $3 billion wetlands restoration program. What caused the reversal, and what does it mean for Louisiana’s coastal future?

Whether you're tracking local leadership, state-level strategy, or federal influence, this episode connects the dots—without spin.

📍 Subscribe, share, and stay informed—because in Louisiana, the politics are always as dynamic as the people.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 Follow us @pelicanbrief225 for more.

In the premiere episode of The Pelican Brief, host David Tatman dives into one of Louisiana’s most high-stakes political battles in years: the 2026 U.S. Senate race.

Senator Bill Cassidy is seeking a third term—but with his vote to convict Donald Trump still fresh in GOP voters’ minds and Louisiana’s new closed primary system reshaping the electoral landscape, Cassidy faces mounting pressure from a crowded field of conservative challengers.

We break down:

• The end of Louisiana’s “jungle primary” and what that means for moderates

• The GOP contenders lining up against Cassidy—Fleming, Miguez, Skrmetta, Wyatt, and possibly Emerson or Letlow

• Trump’s looming influence over the race

• Polling insights and where undecided voters might break

• The broader implications for national Republican strategy

Get the facts, the forecasts, and the political fault lines—all in under 30 minutes.

🎧 Subscribe for weekly insights into Louisiana’s evolving political scene.

#ThePelicanBrief #TPBPodcast #LaLege #LAGov #Cassidy2026 #GOPPrimary #LouisianaPolitics #TatmanGroup @pelicanbrief225 @tatmangroup

Introducing the NEW Pelican Brief Podcast and Newsletter.

We’re excited to introduce The Pelican Brief, our new newsletter designed to keep you informed and connected on all things Louisiana politics. Produced by The Tatman Group, this publication will bring you timely, relevant, and insightful updates on legislative activity, regulatory developments, and political events shaping our state.

From in-depth coverage of key bills and elections to legal rulings, agency actions, and industry impacts, The Pelican Brief will be your trusted source for understanding the decisions that affect your organization, your community, and Louisiana’s future.

You’ll also find periodic highlights on positive news and policy successes—because Louisiana’s story is more than just politics; it’s about people, progress, and resilience. Whether you’re a client, partner, or simply invested in Louisiana’s future, our goal is to ensure you’re always “in the know.”

Season 4, Episode 1:

Welcome to a brand-new season of The Pelican Brief Podcast! In our Season 4 premiere, host David Tatman sets the stage for the 2025 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature. Get a high-level overview of the major issues expected to dominate this year’s agenda—including tax policy, education, infrastructure, insurance reform, and more.

Whether you’re a policy insider or just want to stay informed, The Pelican Brief is your trusted source for inside information and expert analysis on the legislative activity shaping Louisiana’s future.

🎧 Tune in and get ready for a fast-paced, impactful session.

#TPB #ThePelicanBriefPodcast #lalege #lagov #LouisianaPolitics #PolicyMatters

Let me know if you'd like a shorter version for platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

Season 3, Episode 7: Louisiana’s Special Session on Tax Reform Adjourns Sine Die

In Episode 7 covering the 2024 Louisiana Special Session on Tax Reform, host David Tatman breaks down what passed, what didn’t, and what it all means for the future of Louisiana. Join David and special guest Joe Mapes as the two veteran government relations professionals discuss the action. From critical tax proposals that made it through the legislature to those that stalled, this episode provides a comprehensive wrap-up of the session and its potential impact on businesses, residents, and the state’s economy.

Tune in for a detailed analysis of the outcomes and get the insights you need to stay informed about Louisiana’s evolving tax landscape.

In this episode of The Pelican Brief, host David Tatman is joined by veteran government relations professional Joe Mapes to analyze the closing moments of the 2024 Special Session of the Louisiana Legislature on Tax Reform. Together, they explore the outcomes of key proposals, including their potential impact on businesses and residents, and the political dynamics shaping the session’s final decisions.

Get an insider’s perspective on what passed, what stalled, and what it all means for Louisiana’s tax landscape. Tune in for expert insights and a comprehensive wrap-up of this pivotal legislative session!

Season 3, Episode 5: A Deep Dive into House Bill 9 – Louisiana’s New Service Tax

In this episode of *The Pelican Brief*, host David Tatman is joined by veteran lobbyist Joe Mapes to discuss one of the most significant tax reform proposals in Louisiana’s Special Session: House Bill 9. This bill introduces a service tax on over 40 services statewide, ranging from dog grooming and lawn care to car washing and more. If passed, HB 9 would raise taxes by over $600 million, impacting businesses and residents across Louisiana.

Join us as we break down the details of this major legislative move, explore its potential effects on the economy, and discuss the implications for service providers and consumers alike. Whether you’re a business owner or a concerned resident, this episode provides valuable insights into how HB 9 could reshape Louisiana’s tax landscape.