The Chicago Harbor Lock is expected to see its federal funding cut by more than 90% this year after an effort by Illinois lawmakers to secure more money for the busy stop lock and dam failed.
The deal with USA Rare Earth marks officials' latest push to loosen China's grip on minerals that are essential to everything from smartphones to defence technologies.
U.S. stock markets opened with modest gains on Monday as investors anticipated a significant week for corporate earnings and a key Federal Reserve policy announcement. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 saw slight increases, while the Nasdaq Composite experienced a minor dip in early trading.
