Gary Mayor Eddie Melton has been supportive of a deal between Nippon and U.S. Steel for months, citing how it would benefit Gary Works. In August, it was announced that Nippon Steel would invest $300 million into the local facility. A Nippon executive later said the company would invest $1 billion into Gary Works.

A planned merger of the Japanese and American giants, announced in 2023, has traveled through an election, two presidents and strong union opposition.

Good morning. Steel and aluminum are set to face a 50% US tariff starting Wednesday. Australia homes are getting even more expensive. And next time you travel to Kyoto, make sure you go beyond the trends.