TODAY'S TOP STORIES
Demolition of the Currong flats in July. Photo: Rohan Thomson
- The cost of demolishing the Currong public housing building in the city has blown out to about $14 million, more than double the contract price.
- Police in Canberra illegally gathered surveillance for a month after the wrong judge issued warrants, it can be revealed.
- A woman whose husband threatened to kill her before driving their car into Lake Ginninderra with her inside had vowed to face death with as much dignity as she could muster, a court has heard.
- Canberra Grammar School has dropped 45 places in HSC rankings just scraping into the top 100.
- A Canberra criminal lawyer accused of dishonestly accepting tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees has been found guilty of fraud.
- And in sport, another Steve Smith century has left Australia in a commanding position in the first Test against Pakistan, who were left to rue a stunning non-appeal when Smith was on 97 runs.
TRAFFIC
If you see any accidents or have any info on the morning commute, let us know whenever it is safe to do so. Email morningblog@canberratimes.com.au or tweet us @canberratimes.
ROAD CLOSURES:
The southbound lane of Flemington Road in Gungahlin will be closed from Well Station Drive to Morriset Road until January 3.
Northbourne Avenue at the intersection of Elouera Street and Gould Street will be closed until December 23.
Parts of Couranga Crescent in Hume will be closed in both directions until December 21.
WHAT'S ON TODAY:
- Read our comprehensive guide to everything happening this weekend here in our Canberra Weekender.
Shannon Noll headlines the free Christmas in the City concert in the city at 6pm. Also hitting the stage will be Lah-Lah and her Big Live Band, The Brindabella Chorus and Santa himself.
Explore the work of Stuart Devlin at the Royal Australian Mint exhibition The Designer with the Midas Touch. Opens today until April 30.
The Commons Street Feast continues today - get there between 4 and 11pm to indulge your inner glutton.
TODAY'S CARTOON:
Touch or click through for more David Pope.
WEATHER
Today: Up to 20mm of rain expected, light winds. Max 19.
Saturday: Partly cloudy. Medium (60%) chance of showers and the chance of a thunderstorm, becoming less likely in the evening. Min 14, max 28.
Sunday: Cloudy. Slight (20 per cent) chance of a shower in the morning. Min 9, max 22.
