The cost of construction materials took a breather in April, while contractors showed slightly greater ability to roll past price increases into their bids, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Illinois adds most jobs in August, while Minnesota loses most jobs monthly and New Mexico has largest monthly percent decline.Construction jobs were added in half the states in August, while the number of states with year-over-year job gains rose to 10 from just six in July, the Associated General Contractors reported in an analysis of state employment data released today by the Labor Department.