Around the Local

Centers Seek Credit Ratings to Unlock Billions for AI Push

https://www.ft.com/content/e0d9d5f2-c09d-426e-af03-193b488b7b1e

Data center landlords securing top credit ratings for asset-backed securities to unlock billions in financing, with Compass Datacenters achieving first-ever Aaa rating from Moody's

The Early Contours of An Evolving Political Battle

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/22/poll-data-centers-politics-00791786?_sp_pass_consent=true

Nearly half of Americans expect data centers to become a campaign issue within five years, with top concerns centered on electricity bill increases and blackout risks, new Politico poll finds

Local Celebrates Member Service Awards

https://labortribune.com/ibew-local-1439-celebrates-service-awards-2/

IBEW Local 1439 honored Stephen Lindewirth for five years of service and Treasurer Ray Rose for 35 years during recent ceremony with President Chad Fletcher

Shipyard Workers Blown Away by Locals' Kindness During Shutdown

https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/new-england-shipyard-workers-blown-away-by-locals-kindness/?ref=ew

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard IBEW Local 2071 members each received $1,000 from Second District locals during six-week government shutdown, rewarding those who rejoined after executive order ended dues deductions

Climate Challenges, A Decade After Paris Agreement

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/climate-crossroads-decade-after-paris-agreement-2026-02-16/

Ten years after the Paris Agreement took effect, newly released climate data shows 2025 ranking among the three hottest years on record, with ocean heat and sea levels reaching new highs. Efforts to phase out fossil fuels remain insufficient, and with the U.S. having withdrawn from the accord, the world is on course to significantly overshoot its climate targets.