Hi there, it's Monday, July 25. Here's what you need to get going today.
One thing to know right now
It's been revealed prosecutors dropped a major child abuse case against the former headmaster of a Brisbane private boys' school — who abused a child years later. Here's more from the ABC's Rory Callinan:
- The ABC uncovered the 2004 decision as part of an investigation into the activities of former St Joseph's Nudgee College principal, Stephen David McLaughlin
- The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions says it dropped the child abuse case deeming there was little chance of a conviction
- The former Christian Brother was also alleged to have been associating with Dennis Norman Douglas, a Nudgee "old boy" who was a self-confessed child abuser in the 1990s
- McLaughlin was convicted earlier this year of abusing a child he'd been babysitting in 2015. His lawyers say he denies the offences and they have flagged an appeal
- The Christian Brothers have announced an investigation into the allegation
Read the full story here.
One thing you'll be hearing more about: COVID reinfections
If it's not you, then you probably know someone who's faced their third (or more) fight with the virus. So what do we know about it?
- While Omicron appears to be causing more reinfections than other variants, there isn't enough substantial data to make conclusions about the severity of reinfection
- States hardest hit by COVID-19, such as New South Wales and Victoria, have rough figures detailing reinfections in the tens of thousands
- But states including Queensland aren't tracking reinfections at all
- Lyndall Heather, a nurse from Darwin, has long COVID symptoms and has had the virus three times in two years. She says there's "a very real chance that I could get it again"
- And a COVID inquest is starting today — it's looking into the deaths of 19 aged care residents during an outbreak at Sydney's Newmarch House
News while you snoozed
Let's get you up to speed.
- More than 6,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as a fast-moving fire near Yosemite National Park in California continues to spread. The state's Governor has called a state of emergency for the county — and CalFire says the "explosive fire behaviour" is challenging firefighters. The Oak Fire is now one of California's largest wildfires of the year
- The New South Wales parliament could be recalled for an urgent sitting this week, over the government's failure to produce documents regarding John Barilaro's appointment to a plum New York trade job (which he's since withdrawn from). Premier Dominic Perrottet has acknowledged delays in getting documents to a parliamentary committee, but he insists more will be handed over
The news Australia is searching for
- Jonas Vingegaard: He's now the first Dane to win the Tour de France in more than 20 years. It wasn't such a good day for Australian Caleb Ewan, who missed out on the final sprint to the Champs-Elysees, coming in eighth spot
- North Queensland Cowboys: That's the NRL side's controversial win against Wests Tigers. Behind by a point, the Cowboys asked for a review with one second remaining, claiming winger Kyle Feldt was impeded. They got it — and kicked for a 27-26 win
One more thing: A *massive* price for Ali's historic belt
It's undoubtedly one of boxing's most memorable moments — when Muhammad Ali took out the fearsome George Foreman to win the heavyweight title.
Now the "Rumble in the Jungle" championship belt has been sold for a huge ($US6.18 million) $8.9 million.
The proud owner? Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts owner:
The auction company's director Chris Ivy said:
Maybe, but we're betting no blows were landed.
That's it for now
We'll be back later on with more.
ABC/wires
