The US government blocked US Steel's plan to cease production at its Illinois plant, using a 'golden share' scheme linked to Nippon Steel's takeover, ensuring continued operation and supply of slabs, amid political and economic negotiations.
Donald J. Friese, the suspect charged with attempted murder after a Granite City police officer was shot, was killed in a shootout with law enforcement following a police chase in East Cape Girardeau. Friese, who had been on the run, fired at officers after becoming stuck in a field, prompting them to return fire and fatally shoot him. The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge was temporarily closed during the incident, but has since reopened, and authorities have stated that there is no further threat to the public.
U.S. Steel has issued layoff warnings to 1,000 employees at its Granite City mill in Illinois, with plans to fire 60% of them due to the indefinite idling of iron and steelmaking operations. The move will have a severe impact on the local community, as small businesses rely on the income generated by the mill workers. State Representative Amy Elik expressed her disappointment with the company's decision, while U.S. Steel stated that the idling was necessary to balance melt capacity with customer demand. Rolling and finishing lines will continue to operate using slabs from other facilities.
U.S. Steel has announced that the last operating blast furnace at its Granite City plant in Illinois will remain idled indefinitely, extending a closure that was initially temporary. The company has also notified an additional 600 employees that they may lose their jobs. The fate of the plant has been uncertain since last summer when U.S. Steel revealed plans to sell a portion of the facility, potentially eliminating nearly 1,000 jobs. The closure is attributed to softening demand from the automotive industry and the need to balance production with customer demand.