| By Drew Broach | Deputy metro editor
SPIKING: The number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Louisiana continues to climb, rising by 55% over the past week and eight times the number hospitalized one month ago, the state Department of Health says. Little wonder, then, that New Orleans is reinstating its indoor mask mandate with Mardi Gras less than seven weeks away.
UNFORGIVEN: Relatives say aspiring nurse Azariah Hensley, 19, had a forgiving nature, so much so that even after she moved on from her relationship with Marian Williams, 26, she still agreed to give Williams a ride home from work Thursday. Early that morning, Williams called 911 to say Hensley fell asleep in a car in Marrero and that she couldn't wake the younger woman. An autopsy, however, showed Hensley had been strangled, and authorities booked Williams with second-degree murder.
MOVE ON: Saints legend Steve Gleason on Tuesday night brushed off a social media controversy over one of his caregivers saying her most controversial opinion was that the paralyzed former player faked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. "Move on with real life," Gleason said, praising his care team. "You know part of my strength comes from humor. I've made fun of myself and this situation hundreds of times. We make fun of this tragic circumstance with tragic humor. My crazy humor can rub off on them."
Thanks for starting your day with us. Check the latest news all day at NOLA.com. D.B. | 
