Louisiana
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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Chris Rogers and Megan Wiley are among 33 finalists selected across a four-state service area
Acadian ambulance outlines transports, services, and divisions
Acadian Ambulance: gold-standard EMS since 1971 — emergency, non-emergency, specialized & air transport; 8 divisions.
Acadian Ambulance has named paramedic Chris Rogers and EMT Megan Wiley as its Southwest Louisiana finalists for Medic and EMT of the Year.
The company selects 33 finalists annually from across its four-state service area based on peer nominations for patient care, work ethics and professionalism, according to a news release. Winners will be announced May 19 in Lafayette, according to Acadian Companies.
Paramedic Rogers and EMT Wiley represent the company’s Southwest Louisiana service area.
Acadian Ambulance has operated in Southwest Louisiana since 1973, when it began serving Jeff Davis and Acadia parishes, the release said. The company has nearly 200 employees in the region, which encompasses Calcasieu, Jeff Davis and Acadia parishes.
Chris Rogers, Paramedic
Rogers, based in Calcasieu Parish, has served with Acadian Ambulance for 10 years and is also an Associate Quality Improvement Coordinator (AQIC) for the Southwest Louisiana region.
A graduate of Acadian’s National EMS Academy, Rogers is recognized for his work ethic, advanced paramedic skills, and the respect he commands among his peers for his positive attitude and strong leadership.
He leads by example, encouraging his teammates to uphold the highest standards of patient care. His upbeat demeanor and energy make every shift more productive and collaborative, the release said.
In his role as AQIC, Rogers helps ensure that Southwest Louisiana team members deliver patient care and prepare new hires for success in emergency medical services. A natural problem solver, he is dependable, professional, and a pleasure to work alongside, Acadian Companies said.
Every patient interaction reflects his commitment to excellence and the highest standards of Acadian Ambulance.
Megan Wiley, EMT
Wiley, also based in Calcasieu Parish, began her career with Acadian Ambulance in March 2025. She is known as a patient care provider, anticipating the needs of her paramedic partners and ensuring a smooth, high-quality ride for patients to the hospital. Her professionalism, skill and dedication make every call safer and more efficient.
She is currently enrolled in the paramedic program at the National EMS Academy, and she serves as an adjunct EMT course instructor at the Academy’s Lake Charles campus, helping train the next generation of EMTs. She has made an impact as an EMT, instructor and student and she is a valued member of the Southwest Louisiana team.
Aaron Gonsoulin is the General Assignment/Trending Reporter for The Daily Advertiser. Contact him at AGonsoulin@theadvertiser.com.
Louisiana
LIV Golf may postpone Louisiana event scheduled for the end of June to avoid World Cup clash
LIV Golf may postpone its Louisiana event scheduled for June due to concerns the FIFA World Cup could impact attendance and viewership.
Issues such as high temperatures and course conditions are also factors in the decision.
The Saudi-funded circuit has been working in coordination with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s office and economic officials to find a new date for the tournament in either September or October, the sources with knowledge of LIV Golf operations said.
The tournament is currently scheduled for June 25-28 at Bayou Oaks at City Park.
The World Cup takes place in the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
LIV Golf, Landry and the Louisiana Economic Development are expected to issue a statement on the matter on Tuesday.
The sources’ comments come less than two weeks after LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said the breakaway circuit’s 2026 season would proceed as planned amid reports that the series is at risk of losing its funding.
The Louisiana event is the only LIV tournament on the schedule during the World Cup.
LIV Golf Virginia at Trump National Golf Club is scheduled to begin May 7 in Washington, DC.
PGA CEO considering pathways to reinstate LIV Golfers
Brian Rolapp says the PGA Tour is considering opening up more pathways to acquire LIV Golf players in the future
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp says the American circuit is thinking about establishing new pathways to reinstate LIV Golf players, amid speculation over the breakaway league’s future.
Rumours have swirled in the past weeks that LIV Golf could lose its financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), after the breakaway league was not mentioned in its four-year investment strategy.
McGinley: It’s not going to be plain sailing for the LIV guys
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Paul McGinley discusses LIV’s future, what it means for the players and why the concept hasn’t resonated
Sky Sports Golf analyst Paul McGinley believes LIV players interested in returning to the PGA Tour or the DP World Tour could face multiple “roadblocks” on their way to regaining membership, adding that the landscape on both circuits has vastly changed since LIV’s inception.
“Over the last four years since LIV has been going, all of the spots these 56 players have had on the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour have been filled,” McGinley said during Sky Sports Golf’s coverage of the final round of The RBC Heritage.
“You can’t just muscle your way back into what is going to be smaller fields than the bigger fields that they left.
“It’s not going to be an easy way back in, should they be allowed to do so.
“Also, there are a lot of roadblocks in the way. There would be suspensions, there would be fines, all the kinds of things that have been talked about in the last few years would have to remain in place in order to be equitable and fair to the guys who remained with the main tours over the last four years.
“There’s a lot of negotiation to be done between the main tours and the LIV players, if LIV is going to fold, in terms of what the future may be.
“It’s not going to be plain sailing for the LIV guys.”
Watch the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, majors and more live on Sky Sports, with the PGA Championship (May 14-17), US Open (June 18-21) and The Open (July 16-19) all exclusively live on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.
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