Global Scans · Homes · Weekly Summary

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WHAT'S NEXT?: The number of smart homes is expected to grow further and by 2020 it is expected 46.2 million homes in the US and 44.9 million in Europe will be classed as smart homes. By 2022 there could be nearly 500 smart devices that can be connected to a smart home.

• [New] Relative to households in need, Bulgaria and Poland will have substantial financial resources to aid households falling into the lowest 20% or 30% of the income distribution, or at least to shield them from aggravated energy and transport poverty. Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank
• [New] With the support of Ontario Health atHome, Ontario Health Teams will be a one-stop shop that provides people with easy-to-understand home care plans that let them know the care they are going to receive. Ontario.ca
• [New] Ontario is establishing a new medical school at York University, which will be the first medical school in Canada focused primarily on training family doctors. Ontario.ca
• [New] West Burton power station in north Nottinghamshire will be home to the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion energy plant. Energy UK
• [New] By strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration, Nigeria can fully realize the potential of decentralized renewable energy, significantly boost energy access, and empower millions of underserved households and businesses. ITPulse.com.ng
• [New] Transitioning to threats emanating from Iran and its partners and proxies, Iran continues to encourage and support plots against the United States at home and abroad, especially in the Middle East. The Washington Institute
• [New] Canada needs five million affordable homes by 2030 - and building them with Canadian-made low-carbon materials, paired with smarter design, could slash emissions at negligible cost while supporting local industries. Thoughtful Journalism About Energy's Future
• [New] Neros, based in California, builds most of its drones in-house and says it's close to going fully China-free. Tech Startups - Startups and Technology news
• [New] One of the worst natural disasters in Australia is flooding, which damages homes, businesses, and crops and even puts people's safety at risk. Jackery Australia
• [New] The tech scene is buzzing as Google plans to offer speeds up to 8 Gbit / s for $150 per month, while Midco invests $30 million in their Fiber Forward initiative, aiming to serve over 65,000 homes and businesses. Nucamp Vibe Coding Bootcamp
• [New] Pinterest sees significant opportunity in monetizing its user base, particularly in regions outside the U.S. and Europe, where over half of its users reside. WallStreet Waves - Official Stock Market News Provider
• [New] The White House on Friday said it will fast-track permitting for 10 mining projects across the United States as part of President Donald Trump's push to expand critical minerals production. West Hawaii Today
• [New] Afghan authorities will very likely continue to oppress repatriated nationals and deny them economic and social opportunities, such as access to employment, education, healthcare, and housing. CTG
• [New] Imagine a South Africa where parked electric vehicles (EVs) double as power stations - feeding energy back into homes, businesses, and even the national grid. TechCabal
• [New] The manifesto addresses key concerns that Singaporeans may have, such as financial security for seniors, affordable healthcare, employment opportunities and affordable housing. AsiaOne
• [New] NASA will need a plan to test and select the launch systems and vehicles needed to get astronauts and cargo into lunar orbit and home again. Manhattan Institute
• [New] China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it will pay no attention to United States President Donald Trump's tariff numbers game after the White House suggested Chinese exports are facing tariffs of up to 245%. Al Jazeera
• [New] The resulting economic downturn could lead to the loss of approximately 2 million American jobs and cut household incomes by no less than 5,000 US dollars per year. Cambodianess
• [New] The launch of BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential V6.1 will better enable building owners and assessors to measure the sustainability of new build homes. BRE Group
• [New] The budget assumption presentation came before the expected Texas House vote later today on bills to create a $1 billion private school voucher program and increase the basic student allotment for public schools. Wise County Messenger
• New data from the National Association of Home Builders reports a slow start to the spring homebuying season, a result of growing economic uncertainty - including tariffs that have pushed borrowing costs higher and threaten to make homes more expensive. AOL
• An NDP government would spend $16 billion over four years to build three million homes by 2030 by incentivizing cities to build higher density and providing them funding for expanded infrastructure. CTVNews
• Today's reforms will help fast track projects to generate homegrown, renewable electricity into homes and businesses, protecting British billpayers from the rollercoaster of global fossil fuel markets and building an energy system that can bring down bills for good. GOV.UK

Last updated: 26 April 2025