Axios

America's future college pipeline is growing in the South and shrinking across the Northeast and California.

Why it matters: America's next higher-ed reckoning won't hit regions evenly. Colleges in shrinking markets will face a fierce fight for students, while those in growing regions will have to adapt to serve an expanding, more diverse student body.

The Louisiana National Guard's eight-month deployment in New Orleans is coming to an end, Mayor Helena Moreno confirms.

Why it matters: The federal deployment became a political flash point over who deserves credit for New Orleans' falling crime rate.

Students are returning to campus as the Trump administration continues to reshape American academia.

The big picture: The administration has leveraged federal education funding and threatened litigation against universities deemed misaligned with policy priorities — moves critics say subject academia to political whims.

The Justice Department and TikTok, along with parent company ByteDance, have reached a $400 million settlement to resolve allegations of violating children's online privacy laws, per an announcement first shared with Axios.

Why it matters: The Biden administration's DOJ first filed the suit in 2024. TikTok will clear the allegations it violated the Children's Online Privacy Act by paying a total of $400 million, without undergoing further litigation or admitting wrongdoing.

Prominent figures in the Make America Healthy Again movement are telling President Trump that "data centers should not become the justification for burning more coal."

Why it matters: The appeal, in a joint letter, collides with Trump officials' support for coal to help power AI.

President Trump said Friday that he would temporarily increase beef imports free of tariffs and that he had secured a commitment to sell the meat at 25% below current market prices.

Why it matters: A global shortage of cattle has driven up red-meat costs for processors and retailers, making burgers and steaks more expensive on menus and grocery shelves.

A super PAC linked to Sen. Ted Cruz is launching a more than $1.7 million ad campaign Friday to boost Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Paxton needs the backup. The Texas Senate race is now rated a "toss-up," and Democratic nominee James Talarico keeps raking in the cash.

There is a growing disconnect between the business and politics of data centers.

Why it matters: Investors may be whistling past the server racks.

A top Department of Homeland Security attorney has repeatedly targeted sitting judges on social media over rulings against the Trump administration, according to a new ethics complaint.

Why it matters: Experts say the attacks mark a historic break from professional ethics expectations and could expose judges to violence while undermining public trust in the judiciary.

The Treasury Department's unusual bond market intervention Wednesday is prompting questions about its commitment to a longstanding cornerstone of American economic statecraft: the strong dollar policy.

Why it matters: The "strong dollar policy" is shorthand for the U.S. government's commitment to policies guided by economic orthodoxy — concern over debt and deficits, non-intervention in markets and central bank independence, among them — that have for the most part characterized both parties' management of the economy for decades.