diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index ca5339d6fe..2d492d0305 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -1,3 +1,108 @@
+Changes in [1.9.0](https://github.com/vector-im/element-desktop/releases/tag/v1.9.0) (2021-09-27)
+=================================================================================================
+
+## ✨ Features
+ * Fix space keyboard shortcuts conflicting with native zoom shortcuts ([\#19037](https://github.com/vector-im/element-web/pull/19037)). Fixes #18481 and undefined/element-web#18481.
+ * Say Joining space instead of Joining room where we know its a space ([\#6818](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6818)). Fixes #19064 and #19064.
+ * Add warning that some spaces may not be relinked to the newly upgraded room ([\#6805](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6805)). Fixes #18858 and #18858.
+ * Delabs Spaces, iterate some copy and move communities/space toggle to preferences ([\#6594](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6594)). Fixes #18088, #18524 #18088 and #18088.
+ * Show "Message" in the user info panel instead of "Start chat" ([\#6319](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6319)). Fixes #17877 and #17877. Contributed by [SimonBrandner](https://github.com/SimonBrandner).
+ * Fix space keyboard shortcuts conflicting with native zoom shortcuts ([\#6804](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6804)).
+ * Replace plain text emoji at the end of a line ([\#6784](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6784)). Fixes #18833 and #18833. Contributed by [SimonBrandner](https://github.com/SimonBrandner).
+ * Simplify Space Panel layout and fix some edge cases ([\#6800](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6800)). Fixes #18694 and #18694.
+ * Show unsent message warning on Space Panel buttons ([\#6778](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6778)). Fixes #18891 and #18891.
+ * Hide mute/unmute button in UserInfo for Spaces as it makes no sense ([\#6790](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6790)). Fixes #19007 and #19007.
+ * Fix automatic field population in space create menu not validating ([\#6792](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6792)). Fixes #19005 and #19005.
+ * Optimize input label transition on focus ([\#6783](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6783)). Fixes #12876 and #12876. Contributed by [MadLittleMods](https://github.com/MadLittleMods).
+ * Adapt and re-use the RolesRoomSettingsTab for Spaces ([\#6779](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6779)). Fixes #18908 #18909 and #18908.
+ * Deduplicate join rule management between rooms and spaces ([\#6724](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6724)). Fixes #18798 and #18798.
+ * Add config option to turn on in-room event sending timing metrics ([\#6766](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6766)).
+ * Improve the upgrade for restricted user experience ([\#6764](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6764)). Fixes #18677 and #18677.
+ * Improve tooltips on space quick actions and explore button ([\#6760](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6760)). Fixes #18528 and #18528.
+ * Make space members and user info behave more expectedly ([\#6765](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6765)). Fixes #17018 and #17018.
+ * hide no-op m.room.encryption events and better word param changes ([\#6747](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6747)). Fixes #18597 and #18597.
+ * Respect m.space.parent relations if they hold valid permissions ([\#6746](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6746)). Fixes #10935 and #10935.
+ * Space panel accessibility improvements ([\#6744](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6744)). Fixes #18892 and #18892.
+
+## 🐛 Bug Fixes
+ * Fix spacing for message composer buttons ([\#6854](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6854)).
+ * Fix accessing field on oobData which may be undefined ([\#6830](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6830)). Fixes #19085 and #19085.
+ * Fix reactions aria-label not being a string and thus being read as [Object object] ([\#6828](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6828)).
+ * Fix missing null guard in space hierarchy pagination ([\#6821](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6821)). Fixes matrix-org/element-web-rageshakes#6299 and matrix-org/element-web-rageshakes#6299.
+ * Fix checks to show prompt to start new chats ([\#6812](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6812)).
+ * Fix room list scroll jumps ([\#6777](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6777)). Fixes #17460 #18440 and #17460. Contributed by [robintown](https://github.com/robintown).
+ * Fix various message bubble alignment issues ([\#6785](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6785)). Fixes #18293, #18294 #18305 and #18293. Contributed by [robintown](https://github.com/robintown).
+ * Make message bubble font size consistent ([\#6795](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6795)). Contributed by [robintown](https://github.com/robintown).
+ * Fix edge cases around joining new room which does not belong to active space ([\#6797](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6797)). Fixes #19025 and #19025.
+ * Fix edge case space issues around creation and initial view ([\#6798](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6798)). Fixes #19023 and #19023.
+ * Stop spinner on space preview if the join fails ([\#6803](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6803)). Fixes #19034 and #19034.
+ * Fix emoji picker and stickerpicker not appearing correctly when opened ([\#6793](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6793)). Fixes #19012 and #19012. Contributed by [Palid](https://github.com/Palid).
+ * Fix autocomplete not having y-scroll ([\#6794](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6794)). Fixes #18997 and #18997. Contributed by [Palid](https://github.com/Palid).
+ * Fix broken edge case with public space creation with no alias ([\#6791](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6791)). Fixes #19003 and #19003.
+ * Redirect from /#/welcome to /#/home if already logged in ([\#6786](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6786)). Fixes #18990 and #18990. Contributed by [aaronraimist](https://github.com/aaronraimist).
+ * Fix build issues from two conflicting PRs landing without merge conflict ([\#6780](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6780)).
+ * Render guest settings only in public rooms/spaces ([\#6693](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6693)). Fixes #18776 and #18776. Contributed by [SimonBrandner](https://github.com/SimonBrandner).
+ * Fix message bubble corners being wrong in the presence of hidden events ([\#6776](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6776)). Fixes #18124 and #18124. Contributed by [robintown](https://github.com/robintown).
+ * Debounce read marker update on scroll ([\#6771](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6771)). Fixes #18961 and #18961.
+ * Use cursor:pointer on space panel buttons ([\#6770](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6770)). Fixes #18951 and #18951.
+ * Fix regressed tab view buttons in space update toast ([\#6761](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6761)). Fixes #18781 and #18781.
+
+Changes in [1.8.6-rc.2](https://github.com/vector-im/element-desktop/releases/tag/v1.8.6-rc.2) (2021-09-22)
+===========================================================================================================
+
+## 🐛 Bug Fixes
+ * Fix spacing for message composer buttons ([\#6854](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6854)).
+
+Changes in [1.8.6-rc.1](https://github.com/vector-im/element-desktop/releases/tag/v1.8.6-rc.1) (2021-09-21)
+===========================================================================================================
+
+## ✨ Features
+ * Fix space keyboard shortcuts conflicting with native zoom shortcuts ([\#19037](https://github.com/vector-im/element-web/pull/19037)). Fixes #18481 and undefined/element-web#18481.
+ * Say Joining space instead of Joining room where we know its a space ([\#6818](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6818)). Fixes #19064 and #19064.
+ * Add warning that some spaces may not be relinked to the newly upgraded room ([\#6805](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6805)). Fixes #18858 and #18858.
+ * Delabs Spaces, iterate some copy and move communities/space toggle to preferences ([\#6594](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6594)). Fixes #18088, #18524 #18088 and #18088.
+ * Show "Message" in the user info panel instead of "Start chat" ([\#6319](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6319)). Fixes #17877 and #17877. Contributed by [SimonBrandner](https://github.com/SimonBrandner).
+ * Fix space keyboard shortcuts conflicting with native zoom shortcuts ([\#6804](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6804)).
+ * Replace plain text emoji at the end of a line ([\#6784](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6784)). Fixes #18833 and #18833. Contributed by [SimonBrandner](https://github.com/SimonBrandner).
+ * Simplify Space Panel layout and fix some edge cases ([\#6800](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6800)). Fixes #18694 and #18694.
+ * Show unsent message warning on Space Panel buttons ([\#6778](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6778)). Fixes #18891 and #18891.
+ * Hide mute/unmute button in UserInfo for Spaces as it makes no sense ([\#6790](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6790)). Fixes #19007 and #19007.
+ * Fix automatic field population in space create menu not validating ([\#6792](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6792)). Fixes #19005 and #19005.
+ * Optimize input label transition on focus ([\#6783](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6783)). Fixes #12876 and #12876. Contributed by [MadLittleMods](https://github.com/MadLittleMods).
+ * Adapt and re-use the RolesRoomSettingsTab for Spaces ([\#6779](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6779)). Fixes #18908 #18909 and #18908.
+ * Deduplicate join rule management between rooms and spaces ([\#6724](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6724)). Fixes #18798 and #18798.
+ * Add config option to turn on in-room event sending timing metrics ([\#6766](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6766)).
+ * Improve the upgrade for restricted user experience ([\#6764](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6764)). Fixes #18677 and #18677.
+ * Improve tooltips on space quick actions and explore button ([\#6760](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6760)). Fixes #18528 and #18528.
+ * Make space members and user info behave more expectedly ([\#6765](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6765)). Fixes #17018 and #17018.
+ * hide no-op m.room.encryption events and better word param changes ([\#6747](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6747)). Fixes #18597 and #18597.
+ * Respect m.space.parent relations if they hold valid permissions ([\#6746](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6746)). Fixes #10935 and #10935.
+ * Space panel accessibility improvements ([\#6744](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6744)). Fixes #18892 and #18892.
+
+## 🐛 Bug Fixes
+ * Revert Firefox composer deletion hacks ([\#6844](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6844)). Fixes #19103 and #19103. Contributed by [SimonBrandner](https://github.com/SimonBrandner).
+ * Fix accessing field on oobData which may be undefined ([\#6830](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6830)). Fixes #19085 and #19085.
+ * Fix pill deletion on Firefox 78 ([\#6832](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6832)). Fixes #19077 and #19077. Contributed by [SimonBrandner](https://github.com/SimonBrandner).
+ * Fix reactions aria-label not being a string and thus being read as [Object object] ([\#6828](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6828)).
+ * Fix missing null guard in space hierarchy pagination ([\#6821](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6821)). Fixes matrix-org/element-web-rageshakes#6299 and matrix-org/element-web-rageshakes#6299.
+ * Fix checks to show prompt to start new chats ([\#6812](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6812)).
+ * Fix room list scroll jumps ([\#6777](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6777)). Fixes #17460 #18440 and #17460. Contributed by [robintown](https://github.com/robintown).
+ * Fix various message bubble alignment issues ([\#6785](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6785)). Fixes #18293, #18294 #18305 and #18293. Contributed by [robintown](https://github.com/robintown).
+ * Make message bubble font size consistent ([\#6795](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6795)). Contributed by [robintown](https://github.com/robintown).
+ * Fix edge cases around joining new room which does not belong to active space ([\#6797](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6797)). Fixes #19025 and #19025.
+ * Fix edge case space issues around creation and initial view ([\#6798](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6798)). Fixes #19023 and #19023.
+ * Stop spinner on space preview if the join fails ([\#6803](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6803)). Fixes #19034 and #19034.
+ * Fix emoji picker and stickerpicker not appearing correctly when opened ([\#6793](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6793)). Fixes #19012 and #19012. Contributed by [Palid](https://github.com/Palid).
+ * Fix autocomplete not having y-scroll ([\#6794](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6794)). Fixes #18997 and #18997. Contributed by [Palid](https://github.com/Palid).
+ * Fix broken edge case with public space creation with no alias ([\#6791](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6791)). Fixes #19003 and #19003.
+ * Redirect from /#/welcome to /#/home if already logged in ([\#6786](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6786)). Fixes #18990 and #18990. Contributed by [aaronraimist](https://github.com/aaronraimist).
+ * Fix build issues from two conflicting PRs landing without merge conflict ([\#6780](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6780)).
+ * Render guest settings only in public rooms/spaces ([\#6693](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6693)). Fixes #18776 and #18776. Contributed by [SimonBrandner](https://github.com/SimonBrandner).
+ * Fix message bubble corners being wrong in the presence of hidden events ([\#6776](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6776)). Fixes #18124 and #18124. Contributed by [robintown](https://github.com/robintown).
+ * Debounce read marker update on scroll ([\#6771](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6771)). Fixes #18961 and #18961.
+ * Use cursor:pointer on space panel buttons ([\#6770](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6770)). Fixes #18951 and #18951.
+ * Fix regressed tab view buttons in space update toast ([\#6761](https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/pull/6761)). Fixes #18781 and #18781.
+
 Changes in [1.8.5](https://github.com/vector-im/element-desktop/releases/tag/v1.8.5) (2021-09-14)
 =================================================================================================
 
diff --git a/Dockerfile b/Dockerfile
index e62b867d38..601f2cdbbb 100644
--- a/Dockerfile
+++ b/Dockerfile
@@ -33,5 +33,8 @@ COPY --from=builder /src/webapp /app
 # Insert wasm type into Nginx mime.types file so they load correctly.
 RUN sed -i '3i\ \ \ \ application/wasm wasm\;' /etc/nginx/mime.types
 
+# Override default nginx config
+COPY /nginx/conf.d/default.conf /etc/nginx/conf.d/default.conf
+
 RUN rm -rf /usr/share/nginx/html \
   && ln -s /app /usr/share/nginx/html
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 2a2d7904c0..38f8caeecb 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -238,6 +238,11 @@ Element requires the following URLs not to be cached, when/if you are serving El
 /index.html
 ```
 
+We also recommend that you force browsers to re-validate any cached copy of Element on page load by configuring your
+webserver to return `Cache-Control: no-cache` for `/`. This ensures the browser will fetch a new version of Element on
+the next page load after it's been deployed. Note that this is already configured for you in the nginx config of our
+Dockerfile.
+
 Development
 ===========
 
diff --git a/nginx/conf.d/default.conf b/nginx/conf.d/default.conf
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..04b1e8ac6a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/nginx/conf.d/default.conf
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+server {
+    listen       80;
+    listen  [::]:80;
+    server_name  localhost;
+
+    root   /usr/share/nginx/html;
+    index  index.html;
+
+    # Set no-cache for the index.html only so that browsers always check for a new copy of Element Web.
+    location = /index.html {
+        add_header Cache-Control "no-cache";
+    }
+
+    # redirect server error pages to the static page /50x.html
+    #
+    error_page   500 502 503 504  /50x.html;
+}
+
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 1bf7dbda4d..d35eeb16b9 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "element-web",
-  "version": "1.8.5",
+  "version": "1.9.0",
   "description": "A feature-rich client for Matrix.org",
   "author": "New Vector Ltd.",
   "repository": {
diff --git a/src/vector/index.ts b/src/vector/index.ts
index de68bf0a43..e23fc4b35a 100644
--- a/src/vector/index.ts
+++ b/src/vector/index.ts
@@ -33,6 +33,7 @@ require('katex/dist/katex.css');
  * On production build it's going to be an empty module, so don't worry about that.
  */
 require('./devcss');
+require('./localstorage-fix');
 // These are things that can run before the skin loads - be careful not to reference the react-sdk though.
 import { parseQsFromFragment } from "./url_utils";
 import './modernizr';
diff --git a/src/vector/localstorage-fix.ts b/src/vector/localstorage-fix.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..d0ca05174f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/vector/localstorage-fix.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+/**
+ * Because we've been saving a lot of additional logger data in the localStorage for no particular reason
+ * we need to, hopefully, unbrick user's devices by geting rid of unnecessary data.
+ * */
+
+if (window.localStorage) {
+    Object.keys(window.localStorage).forEach(key => {
+        if (key.indexOf('loglevel:') === 0) {
+            window.localStorage.removeItem(key);
+        }
+    });
+}
diff --git a/webpack.config.js b/webpack.config.js
index 484fe70033..444dfcb2ee 100644
--- a/webpack.config.js
+++ b/webpack.config.js
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ module.exports = (env, argv) => {
             "bundle": "./src/vector/index.ts",
             "mobileguide": "./src/vector/mobile_guide/index.ts",
             "jitsi": "./src/vector/jitsi/index.ts",
-            "usercontent": "./node_modules/matrix-react-sdk/src/usercontent/index.js",
+            "usercontent": "./node_modules/matrix-react-sdk/src/usercontent/index.ts",
             ...(useHMR ? {} : cssThemes),
         },
 
diff --git a/yarn.lock b/yarn.lock
index 7210436019..0bcfa42d16 100644
--- a/yarn.lock
+++ b/yarn.lock
@@ -7693,8 +7693,8 @@ mathml-tag-names@^2.1.3:
   integrity sha512-APMBEanjybaPzUrfqU0IMU5I0AswKMH7k8OTLs0vvV4KZpExkTkY87nR/zpbuTPj+gARop7aGUbl11pnDfW6xg==
 
 "matrix-js-sdk@github:matrix-org/matrix-js-sdk#develop":
-  version "12.5.0"
-  resolved "https://codeload.github.com/matrix-org/matrix-js-sdk/tar.gz/348ea72b70d9abd23f5e06a82d36f3b35d0635c8"
+  version "13.0.0"
+  resolved "https://codeload.github.com/matrix-org/matrix-js-sdk/tar.gz/2515d07c8fc3bf5e1afc8352e3e330cca30dde85"
   dependencies:
     "@babel/runtime" "^7.12.5"
     another-json "^0.2.0"
@@ -7716,8 +7716,8 @@ matrix-mock-request@^1.2.3:
     expect "^1.20.2"
 
 "matrix-react-sdk@github:matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk#develop":
-  version "3.30.0"
-  resolved "https://codeload.github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/tar.gz/2ffbf3aa72a166135923fd7fbbaf0c423ff4a156"
+  version "3.31.0"
+  resolved "https://codeload.github.com/matrix-org/matrix-react-sdk/tar.gz/b635d017799e198fa0391e51af0b12e9d5843992"
   dependencies:
     "@babel/runtime" "^7.12.5"
     "@sentry/browser" "^6.11.0"