A storm system that has wreaked havoc across central Europe brought devastating floods to the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna on Thursday for the second year in a row, forcing people to leave their homes and schools to close.

Border areas between the Czech Republic and Poland were hit especially hard by floods over the weekend, with Romania and Austria also affected.

A massive floodwave moving across Central Europe was threatening new areas and raising concerns among residents and leaders.

MADRID (AP) — Defending champion Italy will take on Argentina in the first round of the Davis Cup Finals in November. Thursday’s draw for the last eight in the southern Spanish city of Malaga also set up the United States against Australia, Germany against Canada and the Netherlands against Spain.

Reigning champions Italy will face Argentina in the Davis Cup Final 8 Knockout in Malaga in November with the United States set for a blockbuster clash against Australia.

Canada will meet three-time champion Germany in the Davis Cup quarterfinals in Malaga, Spain this November. Canada secured a berth in the quarterfinals — also called The Final 8 Knockout Stage — with a 2-1 win over Britain last weekend in Manchester,

Italy handed back to Canada on Thursday a famous photographic portrait of Winston Churchill that was stolen from an Ottawa hotel more than two years ago and sold at auction to an unsuspecting Italian lawyer.

A special ceremony at the Canadian Embassy in Rome has marked the successful recovery of a stolen photo portrait of Winston Churchill, known as “The Roaring Lion,” after a two-year international search by police.

The famed black-and-white portrait known as The Roaring Lion should be rehung in the Château Laurier by the end of next month