Canberra Now: ACT likely to legalise weed, and cyclists want separation

If like me you've been rejoicing in the recent rain, then the sky will be looking a little empty today  as we head for a mostly fine top of 24 degrees. The good news is there's more storm clouds ahead - Tuesday and Wednesday look set to deliver another soaking so don't pack the brolly away just yet.

Here's what's making news around the capital:

Here's something to get you started at the water cooler: should the ACT legalise marijuana?

The prospect now looks increasingly likely, after the ACT Labor party revealed it was united behind a new bill to legalise cannabis for personal use pushed by backbencher Michael Pettersson.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr has stressed it won't be a "retail model" and our reporter Sally Pryor has more here.

Were cyclists and walkers born to share the same footpath?

Peak cycling lobby group Pedal Power says the city's lakeside paths have become so congested it's time to split these two groups up with separate facilities.

Whether you agree with this plan - or worry it could start us on a slippery slope to separate paths for dog walkers, skateboarders, particularly aggressive arm swingers - our deputy editor Scott Hannaford has the story.

The federal watchdog policing law enforcement agencies had its largest caseload on record last year as it reported a backlog of investigations and detected deeper levels of misconduct.

And that workload's not about to get any lighter - the creation of the Home Affairs Department will bring another 1000 staff under its jurisdiction.

Among those brought before courts last year by the commission were Australia's federal police and border officials. Doug Dingwall reports.

Comedian Merrick Watts is happy to work for bacon. So it's lucky this new comedy show is at Pialligo Estate, the home of award-winning bacon (and wine I hear too).

The new tour (yes it's called The Grapes of Mirth) is coming to Canberra on December 2nd.

Karen Hardy has all the details here.

Have you ever quit a job and run into your old work mates?

That slightly awkward feeling is something Parramatta big bopper Junior Paulo knows all too well. He'll come up against his old club the Canberra Raiders at St Marys Leagues Stadium on February 15 and then again at Canberra Stadium on April 14 in the season proper.

David Polkinghorne caught up with Paulo and has the story here.