Good morning Canberra.
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Yesterday's weather was as near perfect as it gets, but it appears we're in for more glorious temperatures today. Maybe a last gasp before the winter chill sets in? In any case, we'll take it. Canberra will have a maximum of 24 degrees today, sunny. Tomorrow will reach 26 degrees, mostly sunny.
In case you're new to the ACT and think it'll always be like this, just wait a few weeks (and buy some warm clothes).
Here's what is making news in Canberra this morning.
French community grieves over Notre Dame
![Director Veronique Danjou with children from the French-Australian Preschool, all three years old. Front from left: Marcus, Celia, Emanuelle, Max and Camille. Rear from left: Celeste, Ella, and Meredith. Photo: Jamila Toderas. Director Veronique Danjou with children from the French-Australian Preschool, all three years old. Front from left: Marcus, Celia, Emanuelle, Max and Camille. Rear from left: Celeste, Ella, and Meredith. Photo: Jamila Toderas.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc74xyk86ap0l1e4rnlcey.jpg/r0_0_5000_3333_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
It was shocking news to wake up to on Tuesday. Or, for some, to watch overnight. The 850-year-old, spectacular, spiritual and historic Notre Dame Cathedral utterly gutted by fire.
For many people in Canberra, Notre-Dame de Paris was a part of their lives - and, they say, it will be again.
Veronique Danjou, the director of the city's French-Australian Preschool, said she was taken to the cathedral as a child by her parents - as all French schoolchildren were.
Steve Evans spoke to people in Canberra's French community about the fire, and their memories of the cathedral.
Church faces clash over Campbell townhouses
![Campbell resident Tanya Morgan opposes the church's planned development. Photo: Jamila Toderas. Campbell resident Tanya Morgan opposes the church's planned development. Photo: Jamila Toderas.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc74y1nauomeorumwbcey.jpg/r0_256_5000_3078_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Canberra's Anglican diocese is looking for ways to fund its compensation to abuse victims. One of them, a redevelopment of land granted to it in Campbell, is drawing opposition from neighbours.
Residents living near the diocese bishop's house say plans to build eight double storey townhouses there will cause problems on the quiet street.
The diocese has defended the proposal, saying it would meet a growing demand for housing suitable for the aged.
Businesses hope tram will bring a bonanza
![Cool Barbers owner Hesam Najafian hopes light rail will bring more business to his shop. Photo: Jamila Toderas Cool Barbers owner Hesam Najafian hopes light rail will bring more business to his shop. Photo: Jamila Toderas](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc74y1qdcx1c110f741cey.jpg/r0_256_5000_3078_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
For more than a year of construction, they have complained that the tram works have cramped the entrance to their shops.
Now, they are hopeful it will deliver customers and a pay-off.
Business owners are waiting in hope that the new vehicle will deliver loads of cash. They dream that the bell of the tram will be echoed by the tinkle of the tills.
Steve Evans spoke to Canberra businesses about the potential impact of the light rail route.
Five things to do in Canberra this weekend
![Peter Helliar comes to the Canberra Theatre. Peter Helliar comes to the Canberra Theatre.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc74jjt0s92zk6c75yai6.jpg/r0_87_4881_2831_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The 53rd instalment of the Folk Festival. A movie premiere. Comedian Peter Helliar, oversharing and hilarious.
If you're looking for something to do this weekend, there's plenty to choose from. A journey through Old Parliament House awaits with the annual Great Easter Egg Trail at the Museum of Australian Democracy.
And if you're celebrating the opening of the light rail, maybe head to Reload Bar Games on Northbourne Avenue at the Fat Controller's Birthday Party.
Karen Hardy's guide will fill out your schedule.
Chill factor: Hockey league revamped
![The Canberra Chill will represent the capital in Hockey Australia's revamped national competition, Hockey One. The Canberra Chill will represent the capital in Hockey Australia's revamped national competition, Hockey One.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/fdcx/doc74xz3fsd61j12bb1l3dx.jpg/r0_191_4765_2881_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Canberra has a new sporting team out of Hockey Australia's radical makeover of the national hockey scene.
The Canberra Chill will unite the region's elite hockey players under one banner.
Hockey Australia will launch its new domestic league, dubbed "Hockey One", on Wednesday morning with the governing body making sweeping changes across the board.
The Chill will replace the Canberra Lakers and Strikers teams that have previously represented the capital in the Australian Hockey League, Caden Helmers writes.
Today's weather
Today's cartoon
![The Canberra Times editorial cartoon for Wednesday, April 17, 2019. By David Pope. The Canberra Times editorial cartoon for Wednesday, April 17, 2019. By David Pope.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/SXxisSeUazLQeUK4SswLry/1c700acd-5244-4307-bb55-d9538ecd69d2.jpg/r0_0_1024_675_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)