Trump signs $70 billion immigration enforcement bill
The measure funds ICE and Border Patrol through the remainder of the president's second term
Colorado State University reduces 2026 Atlantic hurricane outlook
CSU now expects 11 named storms and five hurricanes in the Atlantic basin this season, down from its April forecast
“The future of our country depends on the skilled trades,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said Monday
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Economy
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Colorado State University reduces 2026 Atlantic hurricane outlook
CSU now expects 11 named storms and five hurricanes in the Atlantic basin this season, down from its April forecast
Residential gas, electric water heater shipments dip in April
The figures — for both residential water heater types — have fallen every month this year, compared to last year
SkillsUSA crowns National Plumbing Competition winners
“The National Plumbing Competition shines a light on one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand jobs in America that doesn’t require a four-year degree”
HVAC shipments rise in April, extending recovery streak to three months
Shipments of air conditioners, in particular, rose eight percent year-over-year during the month, while heat pump shipments increased by 1.8 percent
Legal
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Trump signs $70 billion immigration enforcement bill
The measure funds ICE and Border Patrol through the remainder of the president's second term
Supreme Court tosses ruling that upheld 95% furnace rule
The Department of Energy in 2023 finalized a rule requiring all residential gas furnaces manufactured after December 18, 2028, to have an AFUE rating of at least 95 percent
U.S., Mexico wrap first set of talks over trade deal shielding HVAC products from tariffs
“The United States continues to emphasize the importance of ensuring the Agreement benefits U.S. businesses of all sizes,” the Office of the U.S. Trade Rep. wrote in a statement
Federal apprenticeship bill teases tax credit to offset training costs
The Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support Act would help roofing contractors offset the cost of training apprentices and formalize on-the-job training programs
M&A
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Q&A: The roofing M&A landscape
In conversation with Aaron Toomey, Managing Director at home services-focused investment bank Anchor Peabody
May’s most popular stories
Some big-money action, an EPA rule change, and ChatGPT's local business ads
Apex Service Partners to receive minority investment at $10 billion valuation
Founded in 2019 with backing from California-based Alpine Investors, Apex is the largest private equity-backed residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical platform in the U.S.
USA Hometown Experts exploring sale, reports say
While the reported process is in the early stages, it follows a string of private equity-backed platform activity this year
Management
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PHCC’s next CEO on his game plan
In conversation with Dan Quinonez, who will step into the chief executive role on November 1
Meet the Contractor: Brandon Anderson, Morris-Jenkins
"Our former owner, Mr. Jenkins, built the company around taking care of people"
Google channels diverged on paying customers, average ticket in Q1: Analysis
Google’s primary lead generation channels, from Business Profiles to Local Services Ads, in the first quarter of this year told different stories, according to one analysis
HVAC contractor sentiment holds steady: Survey
“Over the past year, revenue ‘steadiness’ has increased somewhat and growth has cooled slightly,” the report says
Technology
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ChatGPT ads to go performance-based
Advertisers would reportedly pay only when certain actions are taken, including appointment bookings
Avoca co-founders on a $1 billion valuation, tomorrow’s CSRs, and AI’s trust dilemma
In late April, the home services-focused AI company announced that it has raised over $125 million in funding since its 2022 inception, most recently clinching a $1 billion valuation
NYC program deploys plug-in power banks for window AC units
CEO Andrew Wang told Homepros that the program launched last summer with 100 units and has expanded to roughly 1,000 this month
ChatGPT ads now open to local service businesses
Through a new self-serve Ads Manager, businesses can create and manage their own ad campaigns on a cost-per-click (CPC) basis