The 318: Firestorm sparked over Louisiana nonbinary teacher, Sheriff blocks felon teachers

This week in the 318, Caddo Parish agencies began dealing with a number of controversial issues, including the discussion of nonbinary genders in the classroom, a program giving convicted felons the opportunity to become teachers and an illegal street racing culture in Shreveport that has earned the attention of television producers and the ire of Caddo Parish Commissioners.

Parents clash at Louisiana school board meeting over nonbinary teacher. No action taken

In a regular scheduled Caddo Parish School Board meeting, parents met in opposition and support of a University Elementary School teacher, who identifies as nonbinary.

Action regarding Blaine Banghart was not on the agenda and was not addressed by the board.

Nevertheless, the public comment period devolved into arguments and yelling over the dress code and this educator.

Banghart is a music teacher at University Elementary School in Shreveport who uses the term MX, as opposed to Mr. or Ms.

The teacher received pushback and support after posting a video on TikTok about their inability to be out at work.

More: 'Don't Say Gay' bill would bar discussing sexual orientation, gender identity in schools

Louisiana wanted to make felons teachers. Here's how the Caddo sheriff helped end the program

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office announced Monday morning that they will be suspending 'Mister Coffee Bean' program before its debut.

This program was designed to place trained convicted felons in elementary schools in Caddo Parish.

"I had to do all I could to put a stop to something that would have placed young children at risk," Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator said.

The program was designed to educate a select number of felony inmates. Upon graduation, the inmates would be placed into elementary schools as certified teachers.

"I’m all for reducing recidivism," Prator said. "But our children are too precious to be part of an experimental initiative. Protecting our children must remain a priority."

'They destroyed me': Transgender individuals and families speak out against violence

Could a Discovery Channel series help end street racing in Shreveport? Parish to decide

Members of the Caddo Parish Commission believe the state of Louisiana needs to address a culture of illegal street racing they described as rampant in Shreveport.

"Drag racing continues to be a nuisance in our communities," Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts said at the commission's Monday work session meeting. "The residue often left is often bigger than the tire tracks."

The Parish Commission voted Thursday to send an official letter "urging and requesting the state of Louisiana to pursue any legislative solutions" that would cut down the occurrence of racing, according to the meeting agenda.

"It is a very dangerous sport and it is just not being tolerated on our streets," Gage-Watts added.

Former Caddo commissioner sentenced to more than 3 years for defrauding feeding program

Former Caddo Parish commissioner Lynn Cawthorne was sentenced to 46 months in prison and three years of probation post-release Wednesday in Federal Court for his role in defrauding the government of an amount investigators estimated to be $987,019.72.

Cawthorne and his sister Belena C. Turner pled guilty to the charges last November, a few days before they were set to stand trial.

Cawthorne had been charged with wire fraud and filing a false tax return.

Turner received the same sentence as her brother. She had been charged with wire fraud.

Turner and Cawthorne will be required to pay more than a combined $800,000 in restitution.

More: A Caddo commissioner and his sister pleaded guilty to defrauding a child feeding program

How higher gas prices are affecting some Shreveport and Bossier City drivers

Drivers in Louisiana are feeling the pinch of higher gas prices.

According to BatchGeo.com, the average commuting time in Shreveport is 21.7 minutes, and 89% of us drive alone. That short drive-time is getting more expensive. As of the first week of March, gasoline prices climbed by $ 0.50 a gallon. In some areas, gas stations' prices crept up over $4. a gallon.

For Mike Jones, 61, a small-business man the weight of the increasing cost is getting heavier.

Jones pulls out a small sledgehammer, swinging it down, smashing against several pieces of wood to feed the fire of a BB-Q pit mounted on a trailer, attached to a Dodge RAM truck.

Read more about the local impact of increasing gas prices here.

Check out The 318 every Sunday for a summary of the biggest headlines of the past seven days.

If you're interested in a deeper dive into the week's local business happenings, check out Business in the 318.

If you'd like to know more about art, food and entertainment from this week, check out Shreveport Life.

Kendrick Dante writes for the USA Today Network and is a government watchdog reporter in Shreveport, Louisiana. He enjoys cooking, concerts, and content. Email him at kdbrown1@gannett.com or connect on Twitter @kendrickdante.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: The 318: Firestorm sparked over Louisiana Nonbinary teacher