Housing Foreclosure Watch (California): ATTOM data shows California logged 2,540 foreclosure starts in July 2026, with a Notice of Default often giving homeowners a window to act before an auction. Local Consumer Protection: A new California wildfire safety push would set standards for when it’s safe to return home after smoke contamination, aiming to reduce insurer disputes. Affordable Housing + Child Care: Oregon’s Elm Park in Florence opened with 32 affordable homes and an on-site early learning center for 60 kids, tackling both housing and child care deserts. New Construction Demand: U.S. construction job openings hit a nearly two-year high in July, with data centers and power projects driving hiring. Big Tech + Ads Pricing: The FTC and 22 states sued Amazon, alleging it manipulated ad auctions to charge advertisers more, with costs passed to consumers. Data Centers vs. Communities: Trump defended AI data centers amid backlash, while lawmakers and groups continue pushing back on costs and public input. Water Infrastructure Grant: Tennessee’s TASS won a $5M EDA grant for a $27M ceramic membrane water treatment facility to meet rising demand. Energy + Real Estate Pipeline: Tennessee also issued the first state license for fusion energy development, with plans tied to TVA’s Bull Run complex. Sandy Springs Apartments: Kennedy Wilson and Shimizu are redeveloping a Sandy Springs site into Caldwell, a $139M, 382-unit multifamily project. Supreme Court / Federal Projects: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for Trump’s $400M White House ballroom to keep moving, a reminder that federal construction can outlast legal fights.