Cold Thursday in E-town, but the day's got bite

Morning, Edmonton. It's -3 out there with a feels-like of -5, which is the kind of crisp that wakes you up faster than the coffee does. The UV is barely there at 1.0, so the sun is more for show than for sunburn. Sunset comes at 6:07 tonight, which gives you about nine and a half hours of daylight, so if you've got anything outdoors after supper, plan it while there's still some light in the sky. Layer up for anything that involves waiting at a bus stop, because that wind will find its way through a thin jacket.

If you're heading out on transit this morning, pay attention to the detours. The stop at 100 Street and 103 Avenue, southbound, is closed, so don't count on it if that's your usual pickup. Route 729 has a couple of detours running between Century Park Transit Centre and the Rabbit Hill Road and Elrslie Road area, both northbound and southbound, so check your stop before you head out. Route 718 is also detoured out of Century Park toward Rabbit Hill and Elrslie, westbound. Give yourself a few extra minutes and you'll be fine.

A few things in town are worth knowing about today. The provincial fall sitting opened with UCP MLAs split over separatism and a push for a leadership review, which is the kind of news that will have people talking at the coffee shop. Downtown, the pedway is extending to link the Churchill LRT station with Station Lands, which is good news for anyone who spends their days trudging between buildings in January. And an Edmonton woman has been charged after allegedly driving over 200 km/h while fleeing police, so keep your eyes on the road and your speed where it belongs.

If you're looking for something to eat, there's some new energy around town. Hazeldean Bakery has reopened in south Edmonton with new owners, and a lot of folks showed up to welcome them, so it's worth a stop if you're in that part of the city. Elio's has opened on the south side serving Filipino comfort food with a real gathering feel to it, which sounds exactly right for a cold October night. Over on Calgary Trail, Nomiya has become Nom, a ramen shop reborn as elevated Japanese dining. And if you're down at Old Strathcona Farmers' Market, know that Paperbirch by Chartrand is closing after two years, so get there if you want one last visit.

Tonight, there's solid live music for a Thursday. Customer Service with Runt and Wayfinder are playing The Buckingham at 7:00, and if you want something a little heavier, Microwave with Free Throw is at Pawn Shop Live, formerly Union Hall, at 7:30. Carly Cosgrove is also on the bill there with Microwave and Free Throw. Legends Show is at Festival Place in Sherwood Park at 7:00 if you'd rather head out to the Park. Given the cold, the indoor shows are the easy call tonight.

For the weekend, Halloween is still in the air. The SCREAM Halloween event runs both nights, with Friday being 18+, and there's also Phantom on the bill and some local hockey if that's more your speed.

Stay warm out there, and give yourself a little extra time on the roads. See you around the city.