Good morning, Canberra. We're in for a sunny day with a top of 30 degrees. Smoke haze will worsen in the evening. Here are today's top headlines.

ESA boss's family emergency at height of crisis

While Georgeina Whelan was leading the emergency response to the bushfires, another crisis closer to home was unfolding.

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Sport

Raiders give youngster Kris extended sick leave

Subscriber only: Canberra Raiders centre Sebastian Kris is on extended sick leave and has been absent for the entire pre-season.

Brumbies ready to Rebel against Super hoodoo

Subscriber only: The Brumbies are ready to consign their four-match losing streak to the Melbourne Rebels to the history books.

Gutsy Djokovic toughs it out for eighth Open win

Novak Djokovic overcame Dominic Thiem, illness and the Rod Laver Arena crowd to win his eighth Australian Open crown last night.

Cavalry fall short of ABL final series in Adelaide

Subscriber only: Cavalry manager Keith Ward says an overhaul of their recruiting is unnecessary after their ABL season ended on Sunday.

Times Past

James Strickland, 3, of Monash, was comforted by assistant French teacher, Louise Ferry, on his first morning at the French pre-school at Red Hill on this day in 1988. He was one of many children who enrolled at school or pre-school for the first time. Classes for all students at government schools and most non-government schools began on this day. James did not want his father to leave him. "He was bellowing like a walrus," dad Bill Strickland said. He said his son was accustomed to being with other children in day care, and it was the strange environment which upset him. READ MORE