Election Day Kicks Off—Mild Thursday Ahead, Pink Floyd Tonight

Good morning. It's a straight-up Thursday—18°C, partly cloudy, and UV's running hot at 6.0, so if you're outside most of the day, sunscreen isn't optional. Sunset's at 7:42, so you've got a solid 13.5 hours of daylight to work with. Nothing wild on the commute, so you're clear to move.

Big news breaking today: Quebec's 39-day election campaign officially launches this morning as Fréchette meets the lieutenant governor. It's the start of the sprint. In other provincial noise, there's chatter about shoplifting—retailers are pushing back on the theft crisis, and the city auditor just flagged that our officials are running up hotel and meal tabs that go way over federal rates. Also worth knowing: half of Montreal's clothing retailers are sweating the Trump tariffs (50% duty on U.S. sales is eating into margins), while Netflix just signed its first-ever collective agreement with Quebec's audiovisual techs. All in all, it's a day when the machinery creaks a little louder than usual.

If you're thinking lunch or dinner, there's enough noise to work with. Jacopo over in Vieux-Montréal's got a tableside fettuccine served inside a hollowed wheel of cheese if you want to go that route—it's the kind of thing that lands. Or just grab your usual. Fair heads-up though: Costco's recalling some Cadbury Oreo bars and Alfa Croissants over allergen and mould concerns, so check your freezer if you stocked up recently.

Tonight's got some real options. If you're feeling immersive and psychedelic, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon is running at Le Dome at both 5:30 and 7:00—it's an experience, not just a show. Want something cooler? There's a soul and R&B night kicking off at 6:00 on Le Balcon X Terrasse, which hits different on a mild August evening. The Lion King's also holding court at Place des Arts at 7:30 if you're in a theatre mood. Pick your tempo and stick with it.

Stay loose out there—it's a Thursday that matters a bit more than most, but the weather's on your side. See you tonight.