Good morning, New Orleans.

Jefferson Parish officials will soon seek private donors to fund a $70M natatorium at Hope Haven in Marrero.

The center will have three indoor pools (competition, practice, public) and 1,500 stadium-style seats as part of plans to create a health and fitness hub on the West Bank.

Plaquemines Parish citrus farmer Ben Becnel Sr. died July 29 at 83 in Belle Chasse.

He was celebrated for his 2012 Orange King title and long local farming legacy, and visitation is Monday, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church.

Loyola University's Chapel of St. Ignatius, dedicated to Tom & Gayle Benson, is earning national acclaim for its award-winning design and growing role as a quiet, spiritual meeting place on the Uptown campus; daily 12:30 p.m. Mass and interfaith events draw a rising number of worshipers.

White Linen Night kicks off in New Orleans with a screening of More Than A Saint Pt.5 (a documentary celebrating Drew Brees’s journey from rebuilding after Katrina to winning the Lombardi Trophy and joining the Hall of Fame), highlighting the local community’s pride in a hometown icon.

A Tulane University anthropologist discovered a nearly 2000-year-old Roman gravestone in a local backyard while doing yard work.

After its Latin inscription was matched with a missing artifact, the FBI coordinated its return to Italy where it will be exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum of Civitavecchia.

New Orleans-area schools are ramping up recruitment efforts using door-to-door canvassing, billboards, and social media campaigns to counter enrollment declines and avoid closures.

Influencer Justin Brown recently promoted charter school KIPP with a paid video that reached over 50,000 viewers.

A U.S. Health and Human Services report revealed that 41 foster children in Louisiana accounted for 48 unapproved stays over 18 months, raising basic needs concerns about emergency housing and meals.

State officials have not yet provided updated figures or explained where these stays occurred.

On Aug. 1, Broncos head coach Sean Payton said the team is exploring free agent tight end Taysom Hill; Hill confirmed he is not returning to New Orleans and thanked fans for nine seasons of support.

Hot 8 Brass Band Performance

Aug 9-10 — The Howlin' Wolf — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique fusion of funk and brass from this Grammy-winning ensemble.

Billy Iuso Concert

8 p.m. — Tipitina's — Free entry — Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Free Fridays Concert Series with live music.