Meloni's record-setting run

Thursday, September 03, 2026

Written by Eric Michael Johnson Senior Writer, Digital News

Good morning. Giorgia Meloni is about to become Italy's longest-serving postwar prime minister — more below on how political caution helped the former outsider build unusual staying power. Plus, doctors are urging families to prepare early for the return of flu, COVID-19, RSV and measles. And, the Lindsay Clancy murder trial has become a spectacle inside and outside the courtroom.

BREAKING NEWS

(Rozenn Nicolle/Radio-Canada)

Southern Ontario faces massive cleanup after destructive storm

Much of southern Ontario remained drenched and in the dark early Thursday after a powerful, late-night thunderstorm knocked out power, damaged buildings and flooded roads.

What's happening: Tens of thousands of customers are still without power in Toronto and elsewhere in southern Ontario this morning, according to Toronto Hydro and Hydro One, after last night's high wind, hail and torrential downpours. The city is facing a massive cleanup and several major roads remain closed due to flooding.

Winds were clocked at up to 100 km/h last night — amid warnings about both tornadoes and hail the size of tennis balls — disrupting flights at Toronto's Pearson Airport. Environment Canada has lifted most of its weather alerts for the area, but the storm's impacts are expected to linger as crews work to clear debris, restore power and reopen roads.

– This section compiled by Sean Davidson

Read live updates here

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Meloni becomes Italy's longest-serving postwar prime minister

Giorgia Meloni is set to mark 1,413 consecutive days in office on Friday, making her government the longest-lasting in the history of postwar Italy.

What's happening: Meloni's right-wing coalition has outlasted the record set by Silvio Berlusconi's second government, a notable milestone in a country that has cycled through 68 governments since the Second World War. Her staying power has relied on a mix of fiery conservative rhetoric and pragmatic governing, including support for Ukraine, adherence to EU fiscal rules and compromises on migration and labour shortages.

Why it matters: Meloni has brought unusual political stability to Italy while maintaining strong support relative to a divided opposition. But critics say stability has not translated into enough economic reform, with weak productivity, high debt and low workforce participation still unresolved. With elections due next year, voters may judge whether longevity has produced lasting change.

Read the full analysis by Megan Williams here

Back-to-school season brings renewed vaccine push

Medical experts are urging Canadians to prepare for the return of seasonal illnesses as schools reopen and colder weather approaches.

What's happening: Flu, COVID-19 and RSV activity is currently low, but experts expect respiratory illnesses to rise as people spend more time indoors. They're encouraging families to get flu shots early enough to build immunity and to consider COVID-19 and RSV vaccines as recommended, while also ensuring routine childhood vaccinations are up to date.

Why it matters: Canada is already dealing with a resurgence of measles amid falling childhood vaccination rates. Only 85 per cent of two-year-olds were fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella by the end of 2025, below the 95 per cent level experts say is needed to prevent sustained spread. Doctors warn lower coverage leaves children — particularly those who cannot be vaccinated — more vulnerable.