Morning everyone. Anthony Albanese is expected to announce the date of the Indigenous voice referendum next week, and the controversy surrounding the campaign shows no sign of abating. Today we report how a New Zealand activist’s views are being co-opted by far-right groups in Australia which could spread “dangerous falsehoods” about the vote. A sharp rise in dangerous strep A infections in children is causing alarm, as are the Naplan results which show one in 10 students falling below numeracy and literacy standards. And there has been drama overnight as eight people left dangling in a damaged cable car high above a remote valley in Pakistan were rescued.
Australia
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 a New Zealander who campaigns against what he claims is “the elite Māori takeover” of the country, are being used by others to fuel 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.
World
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.
Full Story
Are we on the cusp of a breakthrough on endometriosis?
Gabrielle Jackson, associate news editor for audio and visual at Guardian Australia, and the author of Pain and Prejudice, speaks to Jane Lee about why despair is turning to hope in the endometriosis community.
In-depth
Today’s Naplan results show one in 10 students are not meeting standards in literacy and numeracy, and students with high levels of socioeconomic disadvantage are even less likely to be keeping up. The Northern Territory recorded the highest group in the “needs additional support category”, with more than 30% of students failing to meet proficiency standards. It comes as advocates are calling for urgent federal investment in high schools to ensure children with disabilities are supported through their final years of study. Susanne West says her autistic son Charlie doesn’t want to finish years 11 and 12 because he doesn’t feel welcome.
Not the news
When Nova Weetman’s mother urged her to buy a camel coat from an op-shop years ago, she was a bit reluctant but went along with the plan because her mum said it was a label Audrey Hepburn wore and “she might have worn it”. Nova never wore it and only kept it because of the connection to her mum. Years later she found out what it was really worth.
The world of sport
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.
Media roundup
Mark Latham’s exit is the beginning of the end for One Nation in New South Wales, according to an analysis piece in the Sydney Morning Herald. Coles and other retailers are being targeted by organised gangs who are stealing high-value items and selling them online, the Australian says. The Senate inquiry into the Brisbane Olympics “erupted” after the organiser-in-chief was quizzed about her pay, the Courier Mail reports,
What’s happening today
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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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
