Around the Local

IBEW 2025 Photo Contest Results (EW)

https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/the-2025-ibew-photo-contest-winners/?ref=ew

The March 2026 issue of The Electrical Worker reveals the winners of the annual IBEW Photo Contest, which drew hundreds of entries from members across the United States and Canada. The contest, with a first place prize of $1,000, showcases the work, activism, and fellowship of IBEW members through photography submitted from locals across North America.

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Workers, Speaker Criticize Plan to Axe Data Center Tax Exemption

https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/27/workers-speaker-scott-criticize-plan-to-axe-data-center-tax-exemption-as-budgets-advance/

Virginia workers and House Speaker Don Scott oppose legislative effort to eliminate data center sales tax exemptions as state budget negotiations advance

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IBEW Offers to Fix Skyline Icon At No Cost

https://www.kctv5.com/2026/02/27/kansas-city-electrical-union-says-it-offered-restore-western-auto-sign-free-hoa-rejected-offer/

IBEW Local 124 offered $600K+ sponsorship to restore iconic Western Auto sign with LEDs and lifetime maintenance, but HOA rejected proposal citing other bids without sponsorship requirements

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$26.5B Secured for Grid Upgrades

https://www.al.com/news/2026/02/alabama-power-secures-part-of-265-billion-loan-for-electrical-grid-upgrades.html

Alabama Power secures portion of $26.5 billion federal loan program designated for electrical grid infrastructure modernization and upgrades

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Why We Don't Put More Power Lines Underground

https://www.wbur.org/news/2026/02/26/underground-power-lines-outages-electricity-utility-blizzard-hurricane

Analysis of why utilities resist burying power lines despite reduced outages from blizzards and hurricanes, examining cost and technical challenges

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