Federal actions this term are reshaping relations between Washington and campuses, from executive orders to agency guidance and litigation. The Chronicle’s tracker and recent Education Department moves show an active slate of orders, agency memos and legal challenges that affect compliance, funding and institutional operations. The Education Department narrowed proposed data‑collection rules, paused planned layoffs after the continuing resolution, and highlighted high‑profile deals—such as the restoration of federal funding tied to Cornell—that illustrate the new enforcement and funding dynamics. Colleges are recalibrating compliance offices and legal strategies as agencies issue more mandates and oversight threats.