| By Drew Broach | Deputy metro editor COVID CONCERNS: A gradual but persistent rise in coronavirus cases in Louisiana is beginning to raise concerns among residents and prompt new warnings from health officials in New Orleans. The increases are not yet of the magnitude seen in the five prior waves of the pandemic, when sudden and rapid spread of the virus sent case counts and hospitalizations rocketing higher. Instead, the state is now seeing counts grow slowly over the course of weeks, as highly infectious strains of the omicron variant spread out across the state. Need to stock up on COVID test kits? Here's how to get eight free ones mailed to you. A MOTHER’S MEMORIAL: Caleb Johnson never crossed the stage for graduation at Edna Karr High School, and now his mother wants to help those who do. With donations from relatives and friends, and an insurance payout after her son was shot and killed in 2021, she created a scholarship foundation and last week awarded $500 each to five Karr students who wrote essays about obstacles they overcame. GARBAGE GRIPES: While New Orleans officials pore over candidates to replace one garbage contractor that City Hall insists can no longer handle the job, the city’s other major hauler has recently faced a far more persistent barrage of complaints. Mayor LaToya Cantrell's administration said it reprimanded Richard’s Disposal, after fielding about 630 reports of missed garbage and recycling pickups in the past week. Thanks for starting your day with us. Check NOLA.com for more news throughout the day. D.B. | 