Australia vaults to best-ever Olympic haul, asbestos found in soil products at NSW waste facilities, pay rise for childcare workers

Golden day | It’s been yet another sensational day for Australia at the Paris Olympics, capped by Nina Kennedy, who won the women’s pole vault in front of 80,000 people at the Stade de France with a leap of 4.90m. Earlier, Australia’s men won gold in the cycling team pursuit overnight by beating Team GB in an exciting final. Keegan Palmer retained his champion status in the men’s skateboarding park (pictured) while another Tokyo gold medallist, sailor Matt Wearn, also proved unbeatable again as he defended his men’s dinghy title in Marseille. Plus the Opals avenged the Boomers’ defeat by beating Serbia to reach the semi-finals of the basketball.

Exclusive | The New South Wales environment watchdog has vowed to crack down on the waste industry after tests found asbestos at seven of 13 facilities producing or handling cheap landscaping products. A Guardian Australia investigation revealed earlier this year that similar tests in 2013 and 2019 found potentially contaminated products had been distributed across the state.

Pay boost | Early childhood education workers will receive a 15% pay increase as the Albanese government fulfils one of its key election pledges – but only if centres agree to limit fee increases.

‘Existential threat’ | Ocean temperatures in the Great Barrier Reef are now the hottest in at least 400 years and are an “existential threat” to the planet’s unique natural wonder, according to new scientific research.

Body image | Watching less than 10 minutes of videos on TikTok can negatively impact a woman’s body image, a new study has found, as experts call for stricter regulation of harmful content on social media.

UK disorder | UK police forces are staging their biggest mobilisation for more than a decade to face down dozens of gatherings led by the far right on Wednesday evening although counter-protesters are out in force as well such as in Walthamstow (pictured). Follow the developments live here and we also have a guide to the far-right groups and figures behind the violence.

Battleground US | Long lines are forming in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, before Kamala Harris and Tim Walz’s much-anticipated rally later today as their campaign for votes in swing states continues. Follow developments live here.

Kursk incursion | Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region has continued into a second day, prompting Vladimir Putin to convene a meeting with his top defence and law enforcement officials.

$50m Titanic suit | The family of a French explorer who died in a submersible implosion has filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking more than $50m that accuses the sub’s operator of gross negligence.

‘London zoo’ | Banksy has revealed his third animal-themed artwork in London since Monday, this time showcasing a trio of monkeys swinging across the rail bridge over Brick Lane in east London.

Olympics | Australian hockey player Tom Craig has apologised for making “a terrible mistake” after being arrested and spending a night in a police station for allegedly trying to buy cocaine on the streets.

Wrestling | India’s Olympic contingent are devastated after star female wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified hours before her gold medal match for exceeding the 50kg restriction by just 100g despite even cutting off her hair.

Football | Manchester United do not plan to demolish Old Trafford if they build a new stadium and would instead scale down the famous ground for use by the women’s team and academy.

Economy | RBA governor Michele Bullock delivers annual Rotary lecture in Armidale.

Media | Kate McClymont delivers Caroline Jones oration for Women in Media.

Arts | Archibald prize, people’s choice award winner announced.

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