Axios

The U.S. Postal Service said Thursday that it plans to raise stamp prices this summer as it looks to shore up finances amid mounting cost pressures.

Why it matters: The proposed increase — alongside a series of cost-cutting and pricing moves — shows USPS is pulling multiple levers to stabilize its finances.

AI-powered monitoring platform PeakMetrics has raised $6 million in a Series A funding round, bringing its total capital raised to $16.3 million, Axios is first to report.

Why it matters: This comes as companies scramble to keep up with reputational risks that are now shaped or accelerated by social media and AI-generated content.

High-quality CEO thought leadership can drive an average of $367 million in shareholder value in a single week, according to a new study by Cardinal40.

Why it matters: This study suggests words themselves can create value, independent of external news or disclosures — something communicators have long believed but haven't been able to prove.

Lance Frank has joined Beehiiv as its first head of communications, Axios exclusively reports.

Why it matters: The hire signals Beehiiv is outgrowing the "newsletter platform" label and is investing in communications to help build its narrative.

As chief communications officer of Lead Edge Capital, Michaela Balderston helps the growth equity firm differentiate itself in the eyes of investors and founders.

Driving the news: Lead Edge recently announced it raised $3.5 billion in commitments, bringing the fund's total raised capital to $9 billion.

Seven & i Holdings, the Japanese owner of 7-Eleven convenience stores, is delaying an IPO of its North American unit from this year until April 2027 "at the earliest."

The big picture: It's a reminder that the macro matters.

Meta on Thursday began removing advertisements from attorneys who were seeking clients that claim to have been harmed by social media while under the age of 18.

Why it matters: This comes just two weeks after Meta and YouTube were found negligent in a landmark California case about social media addiction.

AARP, the leading advocacy group for adults age 50 and up, is increasingly leaning into social media and digital channels to reach seniors — but it's not ditching its print magazine.

Why it matters: Senior citizens are increasingly online, forcing AARP, a media behemoth in its own right, to rethink how it reaches its members.

"Say Anything" was a great movie with an all-time boom box meme; "Trade anything" is how retail investors live now.

The big picture: The so-called dumb money has greatly evolved from the 2021 GameStop meme stock moment.

Nextdoor is opening early access to local journalist accounts, executives exclusively tell Axios.

Why it matters: The initiative seeks to provide tips and sources for journalists and boost distribution for stories as some local newsrooms shrink.