The Guardian

New Jersey regulators have issued a record $1.1 million fine against DataOne's datacenter in Vineland after a visual investigation, carried out with the Guardian and Floodlight, revealed dozens of generators operating without permits. The penalty is the largest of its kind from the state regulator, and it has reignited debate over the environmental footprint and regulatory oversight of rapidly expanding datacenter infrastructure across the United States.

Donald Trump is striking out at political rivals and institutions as his grip on power weakens, according to a Guardian feature capturing the mood in Washington. Commentators warn that a cornered Trump becomes more volatile, pointing to his attacks on the Federal Reserve and the Supreme Court and mounting pressure from the 2026 midterm elections, with Republicans increasingly anxious about the fallout.

Donald Trump is lashing out as his political position weakens, The Guardian reports, with his approval ratings falling sharply and even some Republicans distancing themselves from him. At the UN, he attempted to project dominance on the world stage despite waning influence at home. Commentators warn that 'the weaker he gets, the more dangerous he gets', voicing concern over how the weakened president may respond to his declining power.

Advocacy coverage is highlighting the plight of migrant children who must appear in immigration court proceedings without a parent, lawyer, or guardian at their side. Commentators argue that a lone child before a judge represents a moral and legal failure, since children cannot reasonably navigate asylum and deportation hearings by themselves. The discussion forms part of ongoing debate in the United States over immigration enforcement and the treatment of unaccompanied minors.

One Nation is demanding payments of up to $630,000 from candidates seeking to run in the Victorian election, according to a Guardian Australia report. Critics have labelled the demand a 'cash grab', raising questions about the minor party's vetting and preselection practices ahead of the state poll.

Pauline Hanson's One Nation is requiring candidates standing in Victoria's state election to pay fees of up to $630,000, prompting criticism that the party is running a 'cash grab'. The demand, reported by The Guardian, has raised questions about how minor parties finance their campaigns and what candidates get in return for such large payments.

The Guardian reports that the Trump family and other allies are securing financial interests in artificial intelligence ventures while the White House advances policies that protect and promote the AI industry. The piece raises conflict-of-interest concerns, suggesting official AI policy may be shaped to benefit those close to the administration as the sector rapidly expands.

The Guardian reports on growing anger in Maine over the trade war between the United States and Canada, with locals saying the situation is 'just getting worse.' Border-state communities that rely on cross-border trade and tourism are hit hard as tariffs strain relations between the two allies. US politics watchers are sharing the report widely.

Schoolchildren in England who do not own a smartphone are being charged higher bus fares than their peers, the Guardian reports. Discounted child fares on some services are tied to apps or digital ticketing that require a smartphone, meaning pupils with basic phones or none at all pay more for the same journey. Commentators are calling the arrangement unfair and exclusionary, arguing that transport pricing should not effectively force families to buy their children smartphones.