Good morning, New Orleans.

Hyundai officials told the Clean Hydrogen Task Force about a plan for a $6 billion steel mill in Ascension Parish that will use blue hydrogen before switching to green hydrogen.

The mill will open in 2029—if policy and cost issues clear—and is expected to boost jobs and cut emissions.

Canal Barge Company, a nearly century-old New Orleans business, will be acquired later this year by Maryland based Redwood Holdings—pending federal regulatory approval.

The deal will keep the firm’s headquarters in New Orleans and allow longtime CEO H. Merritt Lane, III to lead a new holding company that also includes Marquette Transportation.

New York-based Redwood Holdings will acquire Canal Barge, a 92-year-old New Orleans marine transportation company with over 900 barges and 50 towboats — no layoffs will occur and current leaders will remain as the transaction closes in late third quarter.

On Tuesday, leaders of three local nonprofits celebrated JPMorganChase’s $1 million pledge to support small businesses in New Orleans—marking the largest donation to the three-year-old Financial Wellness Collaborative.

The program, led by Propeller along with Thrive and Fund17, will offer coaching, financial education and access to local lenders to help entrepreneurs succeed.

Louisiana State Police arrested six people and seized two properties in Algiers during a months-long investigation into a drug network operating in Orleans and Jefferson parishes — cash, drugs, and drug equipment were recovered during Monday's coordinated raid.

On Tuesday, community members gathered to mark 52 years since the 1973 arson attack that killed 32 people at the Upstairs Lounge, a gay bar in the French Quarter.

A new memorial plaque was installed on June 22 after the original was stolen, ensuring the victims are remembered.

The Louisiana DEQ is accepting proposals from local governments to tackle illegal tire dumping and is offering a Waste Tire Pilot Program that provides up to $20,000 in funding (covering cleanup, equipment purchases and enforcement).

Municipalities and parishes must submit their proposals (by July 18) to qualify for the funds.

Daniel Conwill, owner of Felix's Restaurant in the French Quarter, sued Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Monday, saying her $73 million contract with Henry Consulting will worsen trash pickup services (his restaurant already benefits from IV Waste).

The mayor said Henry Consulting is set to begin work on August 1 as the French Quarter faces ongoing legal challenges over its sanitation services.

LSU Tigers (eighth national champions) will host a celebration today at Alex Box Stadium to honor their win in the College World Series.

Fans can enter when gates open at 7 p.m. and the celebration will begin at 8 p.m.

The Pelicans have agreed to trade veteran CJ McCollum, center Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to the Wizards in exchange for guard Jordan Poole, wing Saddiq Bey and the 40th overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, a knowledgeable source said.

McCollum, a 12-year veteran who averaged 19.6 points per game and now joins his third team since 2022, will be swapped for talent as the Wizards plan to clear $57 million in expiring contracts + fuel their youth movement.

The Soul Rebels Live Performance

11 PM – 2 AM — Le Bon Temps Roule — Check website for ticket info — Experience the vibrant sound of The Soul Rebels at this iconic New Orleans venue.

The Dancing Pixel Party

7-9 p.m. — Cafe Istanbul — $10 admission — Celebrate animated GIFs, collage, and dancing in a vibrant community gathering.

Dinosaurs on the Moon: Stories from the World of Collage

7-9 p.m. — Cafe Istanbul — $10 — Experience an evening of storytelling, poetry, and collage with laughter and creativity.

Honey Revenge Concert

6:00 – 10:30 PM — House of Blues New Orleans — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of vibrant pop-rock from Los Angeles' rising stars, Honey Revenge.

Essence Music Festival - 4 Day Pass

July 3-6 — Caesars Superdome — Day passes and 3-day weekend packages available — Celebrate Black excellence with a star-studded lineup and vibrant marketplace at ESSENCE Fest.

New Orleans 4th of July Fireworks Celebration

9 p.m. — Riverwalk Outlets — Free entry — Experience a dazzling fireworks display over the Mississippi River with patriotic tunes during this vibrant celebration.

Essence Festival - Saturday

7-10 p.m. — Caesars Superdome — Check website for ticket info — Enjoy performances from iconic artists including Boyz II Men and a special tribute to Quincy Jones.

Essence Festival - Sunday

6-10 p.m. — Caesars Superdome — Check event page for pricing — Experience a star-studded lineup featuring Boyz II Men, Nas, and a tribute to Quincy Jones.

Abe Partridge and Jack Barksdale Live

9 PM - 12 AM — No Dice — $10 — Experience the soulful tunes of rising stars Abe Partridge and Jack Barksdale in an intimate setting.

An Evening With Mountain Grass Unit

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Tipitina's — Check website for price — Experience an exciting night of country and bluegrass music.