Good morning, Canberra! We're waking up to a chilly one this morning, with a low of minus 4 and frost about. That will improve throughout the day to reach a high of 13.
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Here are today's local headlines:
ACT threatens to pull pin on light rail stage 2
The Barr government has threatened to pull the pin on the second stage of light rail if it's forced to use Kings Avenue bridge to travel over the lake, saying it would cost at least $300 million more but take longer and pick up fewer passengers.
The federal parliament's joint standing committee has interrogated ACT government officials for the past few months over the decision to use Commonwealth Bridge to get light rail to Woden, amid concerns it will negatively impact on the Parliamentary Triangle.
Read the story by Katie Burgess here.
James Cook's three Pacific journals come together
In a world first, all three of explorer Captain James Cook's handwritten journals from his three Pacific voyages will be on display together.
The National Library of Australia's Endeavour Journal - purchased by the Australian government for £5000 at a Sotheby's auction in 1923 - will be joined by Cook's two other journals, on loan from the British Library in London, to mark the 250th anniversary of the beginning of his three Pacific voyages.
Ron Cerabona's story is here.
Smith to wait for result of complaint against staffer
ACT Labor Senator David Smith will stand by a staffer accused of bullying until after the matter can be probed, saying it is critical that internal processes be conducted without prejudice.
Senator Smith said he would take action at the conclusion of the investigation if required but that complaints should be kept confidential.
Emily Baker and Michael Inman's story is here.
Greens propose new rates system
The ACT Greens have proposed a radical overhaul of the ACT's rates system that would base the charge on the market value of the property, rather than the average unimproved value of the land.
The Barr government has been steadily increasing rates as it abolishes "inefficient" taxes such as stamp duty and insurance taxes.
Katie Burgess writes more about it here.
Brave's dominance revives calls for new rink
The Canberra Brave's record-shattering Australian Ice Hockey League campaign has renewed calls for a new ice rink that could see finals and All-Star games played in the capital.
They are making a case to be known as one of the league's greatest ever teams but the minor premiers will effectively be the away team in a semi-final on Saturday.
Caden Helmers has the story here.
Today's cartoon
