Empty Pews & Shutdown Blues: New Orleans in Transition

Jeff Crouere joins the show to unpack two major stories shaping New Orleans and beyond. First, the Catholic Church’s financial crisis deepens as 150 parishes and charities file for bankruptcy, driven by abuse lawsuits, shifting demographics, and dwindling enrollment. Once a powerhouse, the archdiocese now faces closures and consolidation. Then, we zoom out to the national stage: the looming end of the federal government shutdown. With Louisiana’s surprising leadership in Congress, Jeff weighs in on stalled paychecks, airport delays, and political maneuvering. From local parishes to Capitol Hill, this episode dives into the fallout—and what’s next for both church and state.