National University is launching a new "co-learning" hub at its San Diego campus this week.

Why it matters: While it's a predominantly online university, the newly-remodeled physical space called The Nest aims to better support local students who are parents, navigating careers or serving in the military.

The big picture: Many colleges nationwide are trying to meet the growing demand for online and hybrid education while also serving more adult learners.

• But students are still looking for in-person support, including better career services.

Driving the news: The Nest's first location opens May 9 at National University's main campus in Kearny Mesa.

• It will provide academic services like writing coaches, collaborative study and work spaces, career development workshops and mentorship programs.
• Students will also have access to affordable or free child care through the YMCA, plus parenting events and resources at the new Sanford Harmony Family Clubhouse on site.

Zoom in: The newly-redesigned Veterans and Military Community Center will offer services partially funded by a federal grant program that helps military-connected individuals transition into civilian careers, particularly in cybersecurity, IT and K-12 education.

What they're saying: "The typical student today is an ANDer: a learner that is balancing education and work, education and parenting, education and deployment, education and caring for aging parents," NU president and CEO Mark Milliron said in a statement.

By the numbers: The nonprofit university serves 50,000 degree-seeking students, plus 80,000 students through workforce and professional programs annually.

• The average age of NU students is 37 years old.
• 80% of students take all of their classes online, and 93% take at least some courses virtually with clinical or hands-on training.

What's next

If you're flying in the next few days or weeks, be prepared for potential long lines at the airport as TSA starts taking a closer look at IDs.

Driving the news: Wednesday is the first day a Real ID compliant license — or another acceptable document — is needed to board a commercial aircraft in the U.S.

• After years of delays, the May 7 enforcement deadline means travelers without one could face additional screenings or not be allowed through security.

State of play: A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards.

• In California, they are denoted by a yellow bear with a star in the top right corner.
• About 55% of current issued IDs are already compliant, according to the California DMV.

Yes, but: Californians with a valid passport can wait until their driver's license is up for renewal.

Some local DMV offices are opening an hour early for REAL ID appointments through June 27, including in Clairemont, San Marcos, El Cajon and Poway.

• The Poway DMV is also open exclusively for these appointments on Saturday, May 10.

Between the lines: With more than 40,000 passengers departing daily, the San Diego International Airport is anticipating delays as enforcement starts and advises travelers to arrive early.

Zoom in

🗑️ Before a 2022 vote, city officials assumed about 285,000 residents would pay a new trash fee. The real number is about 223,000. (Union-Tribune)

• That miscalculation led the city to wildly underestimate the per-person fee, from between $23-$29 before the vote, to the $47.59 now proposed.

🍊 The region's $1.2 billion a year agriculture industry is taking a wait-and-see approach to the Trump administration's tariffs. (KPBS)

🚛 400 city staffers are relocating from downtown offices to two city-owned buildings in Kearny Mesa, saving about $13 million over five years. (CBS 8)

California public school systems spent 10.3% more per pupil in fiscal year 2023 than in 2022, per new Census Bureau data.

Why it matters: Spending per student can be a measure of educational resources afforded to kids, but also reflects the costs of administration, building maintenance, transportation and more.

By the numbers: California's growth in per-pupil spending nearly doubled the nationwide increase of 5.7%.

Yes, but: California in the 2022-23 school year introduced universal transitional kindergarten, essentially a new public school grade for 4 year olds with a $2.7 billion price tag.

• Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021 signed a bill expanding it from serving roughly 100,000 students with late birthdays to a universal program.
• It's set to be available to all California 4 year olds for the 2025-26 school year.

Zoom in: San Diego Unified acted ahead of the state's timeline and offered UTK to most students beginning in the 2022-23 school year.

• SDUSD is expanding its program for next year, increasing the number of classrooms by 10% and reducing class sizes from 24 to 20.

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The weather just warmed up, and suddenly the concert schedule is doing the same. It's almost like we're working our way into the summer concert season.

Here are some great shows to check out this week:

🎹 Neal Francis,a singer-songwriter-pianist from New Orleans who lives up to that city's lofty lineage of singer-songwriter-pianists, is playing Belly Up Wednesday.

🎤 MIKE, a New York-based rapper on his way up, is playing Quartyard on Wednesday night.

🎺 Uptown Rhythm Makers play their traditional New Orleans-style jazz without a cover at Panama 66 on Thursday night.

🚀 Elton John is coming out of semi-retirement for one night only at Petco Park on Friday night, benefitting Curebound, the local nonprofit that funds innovative cancer research.

More concerts to see