BY JENNIFER WADSWORTH | Assistant metro editor Thanks for joining us today for a look at the latest headlines. Here's what we've been writing about … COVID bonus checks: East Baton Rouge city-parish employees deemed essential workers during the early days of the pandemic could soon get a $1,600 bonus from federal funds — if Metro Council approves the payment. Here's Paul Cobler with the details. CATS drug test scandal: The Capital Area Transit System employee at the center of a storm that enveloped the agency after his drug test leaked to the media is fighting back against any suggestion that he used illegal drugs. Once again, here's Cobler with the scoop. Criminal justice reform: Two years after vowing to speed up arraignments to prevent people from languishing in the East Baton Rouge jail for weeks before any charges get filed against them, city-parish officials are still struggling to enact the effort. And it looks like no one's really keeping track of average pre-arraignment jail stays either. Local officials who spoke to Elyse Carmosino about the initiative say they're pinning their hopes on a grant, but it's not a sure shot. Here's the story. We appreciate you stopping by. Have a great Easter weekend. And if you want to see what was in the paper this morning, follow this link. |