Good morning, Canberra. It's going to be a tough one today, with the smoke haze set to linger and a scorching top of 38. Here's what's making news.

Five dead, eight missing in NZ volcano blast

At least five people are dead and police advise several others could yet have been killed in an eruption of New Zealand's Whakaari, or White Island, volcano.

Sport

Red-hot Ross ready for Super Rugby challenge

Tom Ross has his sights set on forcing his way into Dan McKellar's match-day squad after a terrible run of injuries.

Hawks won't bring second NBL game to AIS

Subscriber only: Did you miss your chance to see a potential No.1 NBA draft pick in action at the AIS Arena? There won't be another one.

Penna's hard work pays off as Meteors regroup

Subscriber only: ACT coach David Drew will have one message for the rookies that join his squad for a date with an international side this week.

Cricket ACT considers cancelling games in haze

The smoke haze rolling through Canberra has Cricket ACT facing the prospect of cancelling a Twenty20 World Cup warm-up game.

Times Past

An inquiry into whether students were being unfairly caned at Telopea Park School turned up no findings of wrongdoing on this day in 1935. The investigation came about after statements were made to the Advisory Council of Canberra, alleging children were being punished for going to school without boots. A report deduced that none of the claims were substantiated, and no charges were sustained against the school's then-headmaster. READ MORE