Lansing Local 665 helped pass ordinance amendment using weighted scoring system for public construction projects, prioritizing quality training, safety programs, and worker benefits over simply lowest cost.

New York agreed to delay implementation of the All-Electric Buildings Act, which bans gas hookups in new buildings, pending an appellate court ruling on a lawsuit by gas and construction trade groups. The mandate was scheduled to begin January 1, 2026 for buildings under seven stories. The delay follows concerns about construction costs, housing affordability, and NYISO reports warning of potential grid reliability issues in downstate regions within five years.

IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper honors military veterans in union ranks by sending challenge coins to every IBEW veteran. Cooper highlights union's heavy investment in veteran outreach including hiring an international representative for veterans' affairs, expanding Veterans Electrical Entry Program, and supporting 70+ local Veterans Committees. He urges locals to recruit more servicemembers, noting veterans bring loyalty, pride and teamwork that enrich IBEW jobsites and strengthen organizing efforts.

International Secretary-Treasurer Paul Noble argues that unions are what make manufacturing jobs good jobs, citing model partnership between Local 2173 and Delta Star. Noble warns that momentum from Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and CHIPS Act is threatened by current administration reversals. He urges locals to leverage Clean Technology Training Trust to organize manufacturing sector, noting union membership below 10% demands aggressive action to restore North American manufacturing as middle-class foundation.