As data center backlash grows, a model law aims to give cities more control

Data centers “are moving faster and at a larger scale than most local codes were built to handle,” Climate Mayors’ executive director said. Its model local law offers a framework for siting, permitting, transparency and community benefits.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Nov. 13, 2026

‘This is not a new story’: Legal professionals expect tide to turn on DEI

The idea that diversity, equity and inclusion is a short-lived trend ignores history and legal reality, according to speakers at an American Bar Association conference.

By Ryan Golden • Nov. 10, 2026

Guidelines for identifying key data center risk

4 key questions contractors should be able to answer before commitments become consequences.

By Shane Callahan, Surety Analyst - American Global • Nov. 9, 2026

Dotted Line: Faster military construction creates opportunities, risks for contractors

Attorneys warn design errors and cost overruns from accelerated federal construction delivery could be passed on to builders.

By Sebastian Obando • Nov. 4, 2026

Trump tweaks Canada tariffs, removing certain goods while adding others

Plywood and certain packaging materials are among the products that will no longer face the 50% tariff, effective Oct. 30. 

By Phil Neuffer • Oct. 27, 2026

Head safety compliance: Navigating the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2026 helmet revision

The ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2026 update adds Type I+ and Type II+. What safety leaders need to know.

By Ryan Barnes, CEO, STUDSON • Oct. 19, 2026

Roofer sues after allegedly being told ‘no one pays overtime in construction work’

While it is common for certain salaried workers to be exempt from the FLSA’s overtime requirement, blue-collar workers are nonexempt.

By Emilie Shumway • Oct. 14, 2026

Pittsburgh eyes quicker permitting with virtual inspections and a ‘fast lane’ for low-risk projects

The first set of changes "will help applicants spend less time waiting and more time getting projects done," Mayor Corey O'Connor said.

By Ryan Kushner • Sept. 29, 2026

Dotted Line: How construction is dealing with cybersecurity in the age of AI

Contractors rank cybersecurity low on their priority lists. But lawyers say being prepared is critical when the inevitable breach occurs.

By Joe Bousquin • Sept. 29, 2026

AECOM picks new chief legal officer

Manav Kumar, who joined the firm in 2017, will take over the top legal spot as current chief David Gan prepares to retire.

By Matthew Thibault • Sept. 21, 2026

Why build a drone program when you can rent one?

Contractors see the value in drones but struggle to own them. Meet Drone as a Service.

Sept. 21, 2026

What Pennsylvania’s data center rules mean for construction

Pennsylvania joins New York and Texas as states pivot from trying to attract data centers to asking who pays for the infrastructure, attorneys say.

By Sebastian Obando • Aug. 25, 2026

Builders need to be prepared for uneven state, federal DBE rules

As the federal government has curtailed diversity enterprise initiatives, some states have pushed back. Contractors bidding on public jobs should know where they stand, write two lawyers.

By Thomas Curran and Robert Bell • Aug. 24, 2026

Dotted Line: Progressive design-build takes hold in Missouri

While the delivery method opens up new avenues for collaboration on smaller state projects, there are important facets of the legal agreements that builders need to keep in mind.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 24, 2026

House sends stopgap funding bill to White House with less transportation funding

Public transit faces a 20% cut and passenger rail an 83% cut in the reconciliation bill, which funds the federal government until Dec. 11.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated Sept. 2, 2026

25 states sue Trump over Section 301 forced-labor tariffs

The suit claims the tariffs are a workaround for a Supreme Court decision that revoked sweeping duties imposed by President Donald Trump.

By Antone Gonsalves • Aug. 5, 2026

Dotted Line: What a recent Massachusetts ruling means for prompt payments in construction

The state’s highest court underscored how contractors need to follow the letter of the law when withholding disputed payments.

By Matthew Thibault • July 28, 2026

Canada tariffs put pressure on concrete, cement prices

A 50% tariff can scuttle previous estimates and increase the risk of disputes, said one attorney.

By Sebastian Obando • July 22, 2026

Inaccurate time records are a huge contractor compliance blind spot

Most wage and hour violation claims don’t start with bad intent. They start with records no one can verify, writes a construction software CEO.

By Nic De Bonis • July 20, 2026

When “follow form” doesn’t follow form: How contractors can avoid hidden excess liability coverage gaps

Follow Form isn’t a guarantee that contractual risk transfer provisions remain intact. Verify coverage closely.

By Nathan Baumgartner, CPCU, CRIS • July 20, 2026

Deere settles right to repair dispute with FTC

The settlement requires Deere to provide farmers and independent repair providers the same equipment repair resources it provides its authorized dealers for the next 10 years, the FTC said.

By Jeff Kinney • July 13, 2026

A ‘widow-maker’: Structural failure in NYC likely to trigger legal battles

Once the immediate safety concerns are addressed, a flurry of claims is almost certain for the East 42nd Street conversion project, construction lawyers said.

By Zachary Phillips • July 10, 2026

Environmental groups sue EPA over US Steel air permit

They are seeking a court order requiring the agency to grant or deny a clean air petition filed 10 months ago related to one of the largest steel mills in North America.

By Nathan Owens • July 8, 2026

Judge permanently bars DOT from blocking Hudson Tunnel funds

The way in which President Donald Trump’s administration held back money for the project “flagrantly violates federal law,” according to a Monday ruling.

By Sebastian Obando • July 1, 2026

How contractors can prepare for community pushback on data centers

Although contractors can’t eliminate the risk of community opposition, “there are things they can do to avoid becoming the insurer of that risk,” said Mark Carter, partner at law firm Buchalter.

By Sebastian Obando • June 30, 2026