In partnership with
Smart starts here.
You don't have to read everything — just the right thing. 1440's daily newsletter distills the day's biggest stories from 100+ sources into one quick, 5-minute read. It's the fastest way to stay sharp, sound informed, and actually understand what's happening in the world. Join 4.5 million readers who start their day the smart way.
Good morning, Edmonton and surrounding areas! Happy Friday!
Morning cloud clears out through the late morning, giving way to a mostly sunny afternoon with a high near 18C. Skies stay calm into the evening before a low near 8C overnight, with some patchy fog possible before sunrise.
A federal minister sat down with Edmonton leaders on downtown safety, a local biotech company is chasing a healthier future one RNA strand at a time, and the city is eyeing new incentives for homes near LRT stations. We also have a young woman lost far too soon in an early morning crash in Strathcona County, Ottawa back at the table with Washington as the tariff deadline closes in, a sobering new report on e-scooter and e-bike safety for families, and a look at what is happening to oil prices as the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz drags on. Plus today's Story Corner waiting for you below.
One more thing before we get into it: this weekend's event list ran so long it earned its own issue. Keep an eye out for a dedicated Weekend Events edition landing separately, and no Local Love Spotlight today while we get that one ready. Here is what is making news across Edmonton and the surrounding areas today.
🛡️ Federal Minister and Edmonton Talk Downtown Safety
How do you fix a downtown safety problem that has been years in the making?
Secretary of State for Combatting Crime Ruby Sahota addressed the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Thursday, discussing downtown safety with Mayor Andrew Knack and community groups after a summer that saw a string of restaurant closures downtown.
Alberta's justice minister says the province is working with the federal government, the city and police on new bail and sentencing reforms.
Mayor Knack says Thursday's conversation focused on strategies that have already helped, with hopes of expanding them.
Worth watching what comes of it.
🧬 Edmonton Biotech Firm Chases a Healthier Future, One RNA Strand at a Time
What if treating disease looked nothing like it does today?
RNARevive, based out of the University of Alberta's Health Innovation Hub, is developing personalized RNA therapeutics aimed at conditions like age related macular degeneration, with its sights set on far more down the road.
The company will be showcased at Edmonton Startup Week this fall alongside nine other local companies.
Cofounder Nina Karpoff says the goal is "freedom from disease," not just managing it.
A reminder of the quiet innovation happening in our own backyard.
🚊 Edmonton Looks at Incentives for New Homes Near LRT Stations
Would you build closer to the train if the city made it worth your while?
City council's Urban Planning Committee is weighing a proposed Infill Infrastructure Program that would incentivize residential development in priority growth areas close to LRT stations and transit centres.
The idea is to concentrate new housing where transit access already exists.
The proposal still needs to work its way through committee before anything is final.
One to watch as it moves through city hall.
⚠️ A Young Woman Is Dead After an Early Morning Rollover in Strathcona County
How much warning does anyone get on a backroad at midnight?
An SUV carrying four young people rolled into a water filled ditch near Township Road 524 and Range Road 214, about 20 kilometres east of Sherwood Park, around 12:30am Thursday. A 21 year old woman died after being pulled from beneath the vehicle, while the others in the SUV were able to self rescue and call for help.
RCMP say the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The other three occupants, including a boy whose age has not been released, are recovering.
Holding her family and friends close today.
/
Make It Make Sense
You've felt it. Skimming a headline and understanding nothing. Morning Brew fixes that: news explained like a smart friend would, minus the boring parts.
See why it’s the go-to for over 4 million people daily. Takes just 15 seconds to sign up.
🤝 LeBlanc Meets Greer Again as Canada's Tariff Deadline Closes In
How many meetings does it take to avoid a 50 percent tariff?
Dominic LeBlanc met US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for 90 minutes in Washington Thursday afternoon, both sides racing to land a deal before a fresh round of 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods takes effect August 19.
LeBlanc says the two sides will meet "as many times as it takes."
The new tariffs would carry no exemptions for goods that already comply with the Canada US Mexico trade agreement.
Six days and counting.
🛴 New Report Finds 10 Kids Died From E-Scooter and E-Bike Injuries Last Year
How fast are these injuries climbing among kids?
A joint report from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society found 10 children died and dozens more were seriously hurt in e-scooter and e-bike incidents in 2025, with severe cases climbing sharply at hospitals like Toronto's SickKids.
SickKids saw just one e-scooter related case in 2020. Last year that number reached 107.
Twelve more children were admitted to intensive care and 26 spent more than two days in hospital.
Worth a conversation with the kids in your life before the weekend.
🛢️ Oil Prices Slip as the Standoff Over the Strait of Hormuz Drags On
What happens to gas prices when the world's oil chokepoint stays jammed?
Brent crude eased toward the high 80s a barrel Thursday after the US claimed exports through the Strait of Hormuz had recovered to about 9 million barrels a day, a figure independent tracking firms are openly skeptical of.
The US Energy Information Administration does not expect Middle East oil production to return to near pre conflict levels until early 2027.
Alberta's own oil economy rides these swings closely, given how much of what we produce sells into that same global market.
One worth keeping an eye on heading into the weekend.
Tired of news that feels like noise?
Every day, 4.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news fix. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture — all in a brief 5-minute email. No spin. No slant. Just clarity.
YOUR TURN 💌
What is something happening in your neighbourhood right now that we should know about? A business opening, a road that has been dug up for six months, a community moment worth sharing. Hit reply. The best tips shape future issues.
Think of our sponsors as silent partners in this newsletter. They show up every day so you do not have to pay a dime to read it. The least we can do is give them a moment of our attention. You will find them outside the purple frames.
Edmonton local Weather
Day ⬇6° lower than historical avg. Night ⬇2° lower than historical avg.
Edmonton Weather: Friday August 14
Morning cloud clears out through the late morning, giving way to a mostly sunny afternoon with a high near 18C. Skies stay calm into the evening before a low near 8C overnight, with some patchy fog possible before sunrise.
Feature My Business
Do you have a business you'd like us to show case or shine a spotlight on? Tell us about it by submitting a request here ➡ [email protected]
STORY CORNER 📖
Every year when Fringe week rolls around, an older man named Walter sets up his folding chair outside the Varscona and plays his guitar for whoever passes by. He is not part of the festival lineup, never has been, he just likes being near the noise.
Thirty some years ago he tried out for a spot on a real stage and did not get it. He says he stopped feeling bad about that around year three, once he realized the sidewalk crowd was better anyway, more honest, still walking past with popcorn and strollers and lawn chairs of their own.
Tips have averaged him about forty dollars an evening for as long as he has kept track, but he still says the real payment was the couple who slow danced in front of him last August during a song neither of them requested. He will be out there again tonight.