Innovate, Educate, Elevate

Currently, Tufts University’s American AI Jobs Risk Index projects that 9.3 million U.S. jobs are at risk of displacement in the next two-to-five years, with an associated $757 billion in household income at risk. The study focuses particularly, on “Wired Belt” metros, tech-heavy, knowledge-industry hubs such as Silicon Valley, Washington D.C., New York, and university towns like Durham-Chapel Hill and Boulder, which the researchers identify as most vulnerable to AI-driven job loss. With new technology comes new behaviors in the employment market, and employers are readjusting to this innovation.

As Massachusetts lawmakers consider proposals that would make it more difficult for citizens to place questions before voters, Pioneer Institute is urging caution. Pioneer Institute believes that policy change should occur primarily through the legislative process. However, the initiative petition process remains an important safety valve when citizens believe elected officials are not addressing their concerns.

This edition of The House Call explores new Census Bureau data showing how building permit activity declined in Massachusetts between 2024 and 2025. It also highlights a court case in Somerville over whether, in at least some contexts, prevailing wage standards should apply to off-site modular construction.

As invisible as it is devastating, internet crime cost Americans almost $21 billion last year. Massachusetts, once a moderately targeted state, is now among the six most targeted in the country. Phishing and spoofing work to trick people through fake media—from texts to emails—to get sensitive information, gain access to a user’s device, or install harmful software. This is one of the most prevalent cybercrimes, especially because it requires no technical breach, only deception.