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Google marks London cloud incident ended, with most customers’ services mitigated
The 20 October power incident affected europe-west2-b. Google’s final update distinguished broad recovery from a small number of remaining customer cases.
Jack Thompson
Reporter
Jack Thompson is a reporter on the issue.red Global Desk. Writes technology and society stories, verifying named sources and correction notes before review.
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Birmingham adds contactless eGates, but travellers still need passports
A limited number of gates can identify eligible British citizens without a passport scan. Travellers must still carry a valid passport.
NT study tour applications close on 19 October for Year 9 students
Up to eight Northern Territory students could visit Okinawa in June 2027. Applicants need guardian permission and must cover passport costs.
Soup Time French Onion Soup recalled in Canada over undeclared wheat
CFIA lists Alberta and online distribution; consumers should check the product name, UPC and label.
Great Britain opens consultation on tougher standby-power standards
Proposals cover household and office equipment in England, Scotland and Wales. Responses are invited until 24 December; the changes are not yet law.
CMA proposes strategic market status for Microsoft business software
The UK regulator is consulting on a proposed designation and possible future action on software choice.
Australia’s 2026 Census receives nearly 10.5 million household forms
The ABS says the Census is on track for a national response rate above 95 per cent. Online completion is expected to exceed the forecast of 85 per cent. The first data release and final response rate are scheduled for June 2027.
Canada plans heat-pump rebates, with early-2027 launch promised
Canada announces C$2 billion over eight years for heat-pump rebates. Income-based tiers are set out, but the launch and purchase rules still need final details.
Stafford’s £15.3m breast care unit formally opens, with more tests closer to home
County Hospital marks the formal opening of its £15.3m breast care unit, already seeing patients since April, with more diagnostics available in Stafford.
San Francisco investigation finds a records gap around informal student removals
A local investigation describes students being sent home early or removed from class without formal suspension records. SFUSD officials say the district cannot yet measure how often it happens.