Louisiana

Louisiana Treasurer denounces Bank of America for ‘disgraceful practices’

Published

1 year ago

August 14, 2024

Louisiana Treasurer denounces Bank of America for ‘disgraceful practices’

BATON ROUGE, La. (KALB) – On Monday, August 12, Louisiana Treasurer Dr. John Fleming announced his recommendation for not approving Bank of America as an authorized fiscal agent for the State of Louisiana.

State Treasurer Fleming announced he did not approve an application by Bank of America for the financial institution to become one of the many “authorized fiscal agents” for the State of Louisiana, nor was the application recommended to the Louisiana Interim Emergency Board.

According to Fleming, he made his decision after reviewing news reports and evidence alleging the institution has deliberately denied banking services to the customers of Christian organizations, firearms manufacturers and fossil fuel producers out of political bias and discrimination and not bank policy or law violations; a claim the financial institution says is “factually incorrect.”

“Since the 1960s, the people of the United States have made it clear that discrimination against fellow Americans is unacceptable. It appears that Bank of America, among other financial institutions, has revived this disgraceful practice.”

Among the discriminatory actions and political bias, Fleming said the institution has conducted a practice known as “de-banking,” an act where a banking organization closes an entity’s bank account due to concerns of risk (financial, reputational or legal).

Fleming highlighted Bank of America’s connections to a United Nations-based alliance made up of 43 other countries, that advocates for stronger green energy, which the Louisiana Treasurer says if implemented, would have “extremely negative economic consequences for the people of Louisiana.”

Dr. Fleming has previously denounced Bank of America in April, in a joint letter with 12 other U.S states alleging the bank has a “track record of de-banking religious organizations.”

“No American should be denied access to banking services or face discrimination because of their political viewpoints, party affiliation, religious beliefs or occupation.”

Bank of America has since released a letter in response to the accusations, denying religious and/or political views as a factor in account decisions. In a given statement to KALB, Bank of America says they are, ” proud to provide banking services to more than 100,000 non-profits associated with religious organizations.”

You can view Bank of America’s full response to the joint letter here:

Due to Fleming’s choice not to recommend the application for Bank of America to become an authorized fiscal agent, the financial institution will not handle or disburse funds for the State of Louisiana.

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Louisiana

What CBD is legal in Louisiana? See state law for 2026

Published

5 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

What CBD is legal in Louisiana? See state law for 2026

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound from the cannabis or hemp plant that does not cause a “high,” unlike THC, according to the CDC.

CBD was first approved as a drug for the treatment of seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy, but now, CBD is used for other purposes like pain relief, sleep and general wellness, says Brown University Health.

Despite CBD’s availability and supposed benefits, CBD products are not risk free, as there are possible side effects and risks associated with CBD use, according to Brown University Health.

What is Louisiana’s state law for CBD in 2025? What to know

Under the Agriculture Improvement Act in 2018, hemp was removed from the federal Controlled Substances Act, which effectively legalized CBD if it comes from hemp, according to the CDC.

Despite hemp-derived CBD being legal at the federal level, some states have not removed hemp from their state’s-controlled substances acts, meaning that the legality of CBD products varies across states, says the CDC.

Following the enactment of this legislation, Louisiana passed Act 164 in 2019, effectively legalizing the cultivation and production of industrial hemp in the state, says Louisiana State Cannabis.

The legislation defined hemp as a cannabis plant containing no more than 0.3% THC, therefore, CBD products derived from hemp are legal in Louisiana. However, marijuana-derived CBD remains illegal for recreational use in the state, according to Louisiana State Cannabis.

Although, Louisiana enacted Act 491 in 2015, which allows the use of medical marijuana, as well as marijuana-derived CBD, to treat certain diseases and medical conditions in the state, says Louisiana State Cannabis.

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com

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Louisiana

‘One suicide is too many;’ Man runs across Louisiana to raise awareness for veteran, teen suicide

Published

17 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

‘One suicide is too many;’ Man runs across Louisiana to raise awareness for veteran, teen suicide

La. (KPLC) – A run across Louisiana has come to an end, but the conversation it sparked is far from over.

Jeremy Adams, a Louisiana veteran who served in Afghanistan, completed the run to raise money for a public high school while drawing attention to veteran and teen suicide.

The run began Friday, Dec. 18 at the Texas state line at Bon Weir and stretched more than 100 miles across the state, ending in Natchez, Mississippi.

“Finished around 10 o’clock last night (Dec. 21) in Natchez. I got a police escort by the Vidalia Police Department over the river bridge,” Adams said.

Adams says the run was not easy and hopes this inspires others to keep moving forward, no matter what battle they may be facing.

“I was tired. I ran at night. My feet are hurting; I got screws in my feet. I kept moving forward; I didn’t quit. That’s what I wanted to teach veterans and kids (contemplating) suicide, don’t quit. There’s somebody out there that cares. Don’t end the story before God gives you a chance to show you his plans,” he said.

Adams says the run raised money for East Beauregard High School, the school that Adams says gave him a second family.

“In 2017, a good friend of mine there died of a drug overdose, and that’s what got me running. I quit drinking that year, quit smoking the following May, and then I decided to start running,” Adams said.

Adams is a veteran himself and has overcome his own battles with drug and alcohol addiction, which led him to be interested in running.

“In 2011, the Lord changed everything. I got wounded by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. It shattered both my heel bones. They said it was a 50% chance I would walk again,” he said.

Although the run is over, Adams says the mission continues, urging people to talk, listen, and take action.

“One suicide is too many; there are gentlemen out there who went to battle, saw combat, and came home and still see that combat on a daily basis. If they need help, reach out and get help,” Adams said.

Adams says all proceeds from the run will go toward supporting students at East Beauregard High School.

If you’d like to donate to Adams’ cause, you can do so through his GoFundMe.

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Louisiana

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis arrested on DWI count, State Police say

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis arrested on DWI count, State Police say

Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis was arrested on a count of driving while intoxicated over the weekend, a Louisiana State Police spokesperson said.

Lewis, 33, was arrested in West Baton Rouge Parish, officials said.

It is the West Baton Rouge Parish jail’s policy to not book first-offense DWI offenders, therefore Lewis was not held.

First offense DWI is a misdemeanor charge.

State police said Lewis was initially stopped for driving without headlights.

In a statement, Lewis said he “will be working with lawyers to contest the charge.”

“I have great respect for the men and women who serve our community in law enforcement, and I believe everyone, myself included, is accountable to the law,” he said. “I appreciate the professionalism shown during the encounter.”

Lewis said he understands “the gravity of the situation” and why the community is concerned.

“As I always have, I plan to remain accountable through both my words and my actions, not just through my words,” he said in the statement. “My hope is that our focus remains on the consistent, good work we have accomplished advocating for Louisiana’s citizens.”

The five-member Public Service Commission regulates utilities in Louisiana, like electricity, water, gas and some telecommunications. Lewis’ district covers majority-Black communities stretching from New Orleans up to West Baton Rouge Parish.

Lewis, a Democrat, is the first openly gay person elected to state office in Louisiana. Since ousting longtime commissioner Lambert Boissiere III in a 2022 election, he has been a prominent critic of Entergy and other utilities.

Lewis is also a frequent foe of Gov. Jeff Landry. In February, the PSC board voted to remove him from his role as vice chair after he called Landry an “a**hole” on the social media app X in response to a post Landry made mocking a transgender Department of Health Official in former President Joe Biden’s administration. Lewis argued he was being held to a different standard because he is Black.

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