Surge in child strep A infections; far-right ‘falsehoods’ spread from NZ; cablecar rescue drama

Strep shock | A medical journal has reported an alarming rise in cases of flesh-eating invasive strep A bacteria in Australian children, with some experiencing toxic shock, amputation and flesh-eating, necrotising disease.

‘Elite takeover’ | A Māori advocate has expressed concern that the views of Julian Batchelor, a New Zealander who campaigns against what he claims is “the elite Māori takeover” of the country, are being used to spread misinformation and lies about the Indigenous voice referendum in Australia.

Grounds for optimism | Australian engineers say they have developed a way to make concrete nearly 30% stronger by incorporating processed coffee grounds into the material, saving waste and energy.

Super soars | Australia is projected to spend proportionately less on the age pension thanks to soaring superannuation balances and despite a projected doubling of people aged 65 and older, the intergenerational report will show.

Vaping vector | Vaping is the single strongest risk for adolescents taking up smoking, out-anking social norms, poor mental health and misperceptions about the dangers of tobacco, research out today finds.

Rescue drama | Pakistani army commandos have rescued seven children and a young man who became trapped in a cable car dangling over a high ravine after the mechanism snapped.

Lucy Letby | The parents of one of the victims of serial killer Lucy Letby say they were given the “total fob-off” by executives at the hospital where the nurse murdered seven children, while there are calls for managers to be regulated in the same way as doctors.

Greece fires | The bodies of 18 people have been found in an area of north-east Greece where firefighters are battling a major wildfire, authorities have said, as a record-breaking late summer heatwave continues to sear much of Europe.

‘Required by history’ | A leading judge at the international court of justice has said the UK will no longer be able to ignore the growing calls for reparation for transatlantic slavery.

Cup kiss | Spain’s acting prime minister says the kiss planted on World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso by the country’s head of football was “unacceptable” as the controversy continued to escalate.

Women’s World Cup | Find out which Matilda has made our team of the tournament in a line-up dominated by Spain and England.

Rugby World Cup | Six Nations champions Ireland are ready to take on the world in France next month but they’ll need luck, according to our correspondent.

Football | Richard Arnold’s position as Manchester United chief executive is under increasing pressure over his handling of the club’s investigation into Mason Greenwood with prominent fans and former players critical of the club’s approach.

Melbourne | AN Smith lecture is delivered by film director Rachel Perkins.

Toowoomba | Committal hearing for a high-profile man charged with two counts of rape who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Canberra | Productivity Commission chief Michael Brennan to address the National Press Club.

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