Whether you're still kicking back on holidays or are one of the first back to work, you're here for your fill of morning news. We can provide, starting with the weather, which continues its rather confusing run. A top of 28 is predicted today along with a high chance of showers, and a chance of a thunderstorm. There's also a medium chance of more rain tomorrow.

Now for today's headlines.

There was an unwanted holiday surprise for people who bought into a planned apartment complex in Tuggeranong's Southquay precinct.

They received letters from lawyers for developer Empire Global before Christmas saying the company had torn up their contracts and conceding it would not be able to deliver the project on time.

Doubt has fallen on the future of the wider Jardin project, which was to feature a 12-storey, 339-unit apartment block as part of its second stage.

Dan Jervis-Bardy has the story.

The ACT's light rail project could still receive accreditation even if the electrical cabling is too shallow to meet Australian standards, so long as Canberra Metro can prove it's safe.

But the Electrical Trades Union says the consortium will be hard-pressed to find a sparkie who would sign off on it.

The union and its representatives are concerned electrical conduits in parts of the corridor are too close to the surface to meet Australian standards, the Sunday Canberra Times revealed.

Katie Burgess has the follow-up story here. 

The guilt of leaving a beloved pet behind while going on holiday is no more for the people who let Rebekah Condon and Jim Fuller into their home.

Members of the group Trusted Housesitters, the pair have joined a legion of people living rent-free in strangers' homes.

Their living situation has let them save for their first apartment - and is perfectly legal.

Han Nguyen spoke to the couple about their many homes away from home.

Wait, what's a "doula"? And what do they have to do with birth? This story answers those questions and more.

A doula is a non-clinical birth coach. They provide emotional and physical support to mothers and partners during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. What's more, they're a "lay profession" and practitioners earn between $800-$2500 per birth.

Canberra doula Mirabai Rose said it involves supporting people at the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual level.

The word "doula" means 'to mother the mother', she tells Serena Coady in this article.

Rebecca Wiasak will be on a time trial in more ways than one in the Australian titles, which will potentially determine whether she realises her Olympic dream.

The 34-year-old two-time world champion is one of three Canberrans riding in the national individual time trial championships at Ballarat on Tuesday, along with Gracie Elvin and Nathan Haas.

Wiasak was part of Cycling Australia's track program, winning the world crown in the individual pursuit but she was unable to break into Australia's team pursuit side.

David Polkinghorne with this story.