Christopher Vondracek

Midwest Republicans, and even some Democrats, say Iowa scored a coup with a $15 billion steel plant powered by a Minnesota iron ore mine. The history is messier.

Mesabi Metallics struggled for years to open an Iron Range mine. Now, with the help of a longtime Trump adviser, it has major federal financing and Oval Office backing.

The Oval Office announcement that an Iron Range mining company plans to build a colossal, $15 billion steel mill in Iowa rather than here sparked two weeks of political finger-pointing about Minnesota's business climate.

The Oval Office announcement that an Iron Range mining company plans to build a colossal, $15 billion steel mill in Iowa rather than here sparked two weeks of political finger-pointing about Minnesota's business climate.

The Oval Office announcement that an Iron Range mining company plans to build a colossal, $15 billion steel mill in Iowa rather than in Minnesota

Several state and local officials in Minnesota say Iowa’s recent steel plant deal with the owner of the Mesabi Metallics mine on Minnesota’s Iron Range may prove more elusive than

Construction is seen underway at Mesabi Metallics in Nashwauk, Minnesota, in an undated photo.

Ahead of the midterm elections, small towns are still sizing up the effects of Republican tax cuts along with trims to Medicaid and food assistance.

BRICELYN, Minn. — Last summer, President Donald Trump's signature tax law cemented his administration's policy legacy, driving down taxes for

BRICELYN, Minn. — Last summer, President Donald Trump's signature tax law cemented his administration's policy legacy, driving down taxes for