President Trump's Great American State Fair begins on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., today, and attendees will get a chance to learn about Louisiana.

Why it matters: The event, though controversial, is another chance for state leaders to talk about how they're doing business under Gov. Jeff Landry.

The big picture: The Great American State Fair is part of Trump's Freedom 250 celebration recognizing the country's 250th birthday this year. The event has been accused of using the celebration as a partisan tool rather than a unifier, and some states have declined to participate.

• It's separate from America250, a series of events stemming from Congress' U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, created in 2016.

Friction point: The similar branding has confused participants. Go deeper.

Louisiana is involved in both. Here's how:

Freedom 250: Landry tapped Louisiana Economic Development with leading the state's participation in the Great American State Fair, so it's sending a version of the Louisiana NOW pavilion, LED spokesperson Emma Wagner tells us.

• The pavilion debuted at Super Bowl LIX last year as a business recruitment tool. LED also used it more recently at Washington Mardi Gras, Wagner says.
• For the fair, the pavilion will feature daily themes aimed at spotlighting "Louisiana's economy, culture, and people," LED's website says, from health and military defense to tourism and culture.
• Visitors may also go home with some Louisiana seasoning, hot sauce or Mardi Gras beads, Wagner says.

America250: Some America250 celebrations have already begun — the recent tall ship visit was part of that — but many events are centered around July 4.

• A July Fourth festival in Baton Rouge, America 250 on the River, features Amanda Shaw, Rockin' Dopsie Jr. and Wayne Toups.
• The state is also contributing to a time capsule that'll be buried in Philadelphia. More on that below.

Fun fact: Louisiana also made a poster for its America250 celebrations.

• It's an updated version of George Washington crossing the Delaware River — but with alligators — and it totally rules. You gotta see it.

Share this

Louisiana's time capsule contributions include:

• Letters from Landry, Rep. Steve Scalise, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the state's America250 commission.
• Handwritten notes from scholars, athletes, veterans, immigrants and education leaders.
• A challenge coin, commemorative pins and a copy of a state House resolution commending the Sons of the American Revolution.
• A print of the aforementioned gator poster and beads from Bacchus' most recent Mardi Gras parade.
• Other state contributions.

What's next: The time capsule gets buried July Fourth.

• Save the date for 2276 when it gets reopened.

How these items got picked

Our restaurant landscape continues to shift.

• Here are the latest openings and closings.

Now open

🍷 NOLA Art Bar: Baldwin's space reopened this week as a reading lounge and wine bar. The owners hope you put down your devices and connect in real life. (Axios)

🧑‍🌾 Farmer's: Year-round farm stop in Mid-City. Leighann Smith, previously of Piece of Meat, runs the butcher counter.

🇫🇷 Kandy's: Parisian-inspired flavors on South Rampart Street.

🍨 Ruthie's Frozen Custard: Dairy-free and vegan treats Uptown.

🍴 Zea: Standalone location in Metairie near Target.

Coming soon

☕️ Roots Plants + Coffee: The Slidell business is opening a second location on Bayou Road. The grand opening is July 3.

🇸🇳 Dakar: Patio dining and new à la carte menu are set to open next month.

🍻 Bruno's Tavern will reopen in late July under new ownership. (The Times-Picayune 🔒)

Closed

🍴 Coquette's last day is tomorrow. The chef/owner says he wants to focus on Here Today, his rotisserie chicken restaurant.

🌮 Las Cruces' last day is Sunday. (The Times-Picayune 🔒)

🍳 Wakin' Bakin's last day in Mid-City is July 15. The French Quarter location will stay open. (Facebook)

🇯🇲 14 Parishes closed its Oak Street spot after five years. (Instagram)

Keep reading

💰 Gov. Landry will announce today a statewide initiative aimed at "protecting ratepayers" while supporting economic development goals, his office says.

• Entergy wasn't mentioned in the press release, but the utility has been under fire for potentially passing along acquisition costs for a new gas plant. (The Times-Picayune 🔒)

😮 Sen. Bill Cassidy got into a shouting match with President Trump over the war in Iran during a closed-door lunch yesterday. (Axios)

🏈 Former LSU football coach Brian Kelly landed a job calling Mountain West games for CBS this fall. (Front Office Sports)

👀 Former Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who faces federal charges, will be honored as a "trailblazing leader" at a women's conference next weekend. (The Times-Picayune 🔒)

🩺 Planned Parenthood, which closed in Louisiana last fall, will reopen a New Orleans clinic through the nonprofit's Great Plains network. (Louisiana Illuminator)

🎉 Daniel Cressy became the state's first person to be cured of sickle cell disease after treatment with gene therapy, Manning Family Children's Hospital says. (Press release)

St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith is retiring from the post after pleading guilty to second-degree battery for his involvement in a fight at a Madisonville steakhouse. (WWL)

👋 Carlie here. The figs on my massive tree are finally ripe.

• I've been plucking them on my way to the car, during calls with friends and whenever I need a little peace in the evenings.

What are you growing?