5 eye-catching safety products from the ASSP conference

From exoskeletons to new fall protection, here’s a look at the gear that was on display at the Orlando, Florida, event last week.

Updated July 29, 2025

US, EU agree to lower tariffs in ‘framework’ deal

Most imports from the bloc would face a 15% tariff under the pact, U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Sunday.

AECOM lands $400M in USACE work in Hawaii region

The firm will support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District in modernizing critical infrastructure in the Pacific.

Ferrovial names 3 to executive roles in highway division

Alberto González, Javier Tamargo and Ricardo Bosch Urzua have been tapped for leadership roles with Cintra.

Trump executive order pushes for quicker data center construction

Projects must cost at least $500 million or use more than 100 megawatts of electricity in order to qualify for the expedited process.

The 9 largest commercial construction starts of June 2025

Certain sectors, such as manufacturing and data centers, fueled a sharp rise in groundbreakings, but contractors remain wary of the second-half outlook.

NAHB: Multifamily completions hit 38-year high

The South accounted for 48% of deliveries in 2024, followed by the West at 27%.

Former Amazon exec, Biden official talk OSHA changes

Corporate safety attorney Heather MacDougall and the former deputy assistant secretary of OSHA offered details at the recent ASSP 2025 Conference + Expo.

Pennsylvania lawmakers designate Construction Opioid Awareness Week

State senators cast light on the building sector’s ongoing struggle against substance abuse via a campaign during the height of summer construction season.

Turner-Wohlsen JV wins $6B Pennsylvania data center job

The CoreWeave facility, geared toward the expansion of artificial intelligence, could create approximately 600 construction jobs, according to Turner.

Gilbane to develop $1B affordable housing job

The redevelopment will include more than 1,000 units across 55 acres in the heart of Norfolk, Virginia.

With the hidden costs of sick days, workers say they lie about taking time off

A culture of secrecy around mental health at work can lead workers to exaggerate physical symptoms to justify taking time off, a recent report found.

Trump releases AI action plan targeting regulatory ‘red tape’

The plan states that artificial intelligence-related federal funding should not go to states with burdensome rules on the technology.

From red tape to green light: How California’s CEQA reforms will speed up projects

Two new laws, which went into effect at the end of June, should fast track infill and other high-priority projects, writes a land use and environmental policy attorney.

AstraZeneca grows US presence with $50B in spending plans

The $50 billion target, which AstraZeneca plans to meet by 2030, includes new manufacturing projects in Virginia and elsewhere, as well as R&D investment.

Mass timber could combat germs in hospital settings

Exposed wetted wood could have antimicrobial potential, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Oregon.

OpenAI, Oracle launch Stargate data center capacity expansion

The 4.5 gigawatt commitment will create more than 100,000 construction and operations roles in the U.S., according to a Tuesday announcement.

US hotel room construction hits 20-quarter low

Rooms under construction decreased year over year in June for the sixth consecutive month amid economic uncertainty, according to CoStar.

FlatironDragados, Herzog JV to start $414M Virginia rail job

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority’s Franconia-Springfield Bypass project will speed up passenger and freight trains in the congested corridor.

Wood Mackenzie sees extended ‘sunset’ for costly coal power

Coal is more expensive than gas or renewables in the United States, but a slowdown in the buildout of those alternatives will likely extend its use, the firm’s report said.

White House announces infrastructure priorities, permit updates

Following a Surface Transportation Reauthorization hearing last week, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy also unveiled $488 million in transportation grants.

Turner JV tops out $550M Texas hospital

Working with local partners, the construction team placed the highest steel beam on the University Health Palo Alto Hospital on San Antonio’s South Side.

Updated July 28, 2025

Healthcare builds hinge on specialized facilities: Ryan Cos. exec

The firm is using technology from Join and Destini to drive better outcomes for clients seeking surgery centers and freestanding emergency rooms.

Canadian toll firm hires US construction exec as CEO

Jose Espinosa brings more than 25 years of international experience in tolling and highway infrastructure work to 407 ETR.

Interest rate fog stalls construction momentum

Elevated borrowing costs and higher input prices have created shaky conditions, spurring more delayed or abandoned projects.