Good Morning! Today’s edition is 1,008 words, a 4-minute read.

What’s on tap: 

• Pete Hegseth confirmation hearing

• ChatGPT releases “Tasks”

• World’s busiest airports

First-time reader? Sign up here!

Big Story

More Unsanitary Boar’s Head Plants

Government inspectors released more records that found serious hygiene issues at three other Boar’s Head meat plants, including meat residue, mold, slime, and insects.

• Reports from plants in Indiana, Arkansas, and Virginia detailed problems like dripping condensation on food, blood puddles, and filthy equipment. These issues had been going on for about six years.

• The reports came after a dangerous listeria outbreak that started at Boar's Head's Jarratt, Virginia plant in July 2024. That outbreak killed at least nine people and forced the company to recall 7 million pounds of meat. The plant closed shortly after the first report came out.

• The USDA has promised stronger food safety measures, including increased inspections, better training, and more oversight. However, lawmakers are criticizing the USDA for not taking stronger action sooner, and the Department of Justice is investigating whether criminal charges are necessary.

Big Story

Pete Hegseth Confirmation Hearing

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, faced sharp questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing.

• Democrats raised concerns about his lack of experience, past opposition to women in combat, and personal misconduct allegations, including excessive drinking and financial mismanagement. Republicans strongly supported Hegseth, with some dismissing Democratic criticism as political theater.

• Hegseth has vowed to improve his conduct if confirmed, but his controversial past remarks, such as questioning diversity initiatives in the military, fueled heated exchanges during the hearing.

• If confirmed, Hegseth would oversee a $1 trillion budget and a military facing global challenges, including conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and the rise of China’s military.

• With a slim Republican Senate majority, Hegseth’s fate remains uncertain, as even a few defections could derail his nomination.

Big Story

Capital One Lawsuit

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit against Capital One, accusing the bank of cheating customers out of over $2 billion in interest payments.

• The issue centers around Capital One's 360 Savings account, which kept interest rates at 0.3% from 2020 to 2024, even as national rates rose. Meanwhile, the bank introduced a 360 Performance Savings account with significantly higher rates but allegedly hid its availability to prevent customers from switching.

• Capital One denied the allegations, saying that the 360 Performance Savings account was widely marketed, including on national TV. However, CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said the bank did not live up to its promises of providing the "best" interest rates and vowed to hold Capital One accountable.

• The CFPB is seeking compensation for affected customers, civil penalties, and measures to prevent similar actions by Capital One in the future. But, the lawsuit’s outcome may hinge on the incoming Trump administration’s decision to pursue or dismiss the case.

Quick Stories

US News

• Firefighters are still battling wildfires in Los Angeles. The Palisades Fire is now 17% contained, up from 14% on Monday, while the Eaton Fire reached 35% containment, up slightly from 33%. (More)

• The US House passed the "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act," which bans transgender women from participating in women's athletic programs in federally funded schools. (More)

• President Joe Biden plans to remove Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism in a deal linked to the release of 553 prisoners by Cuba. The prisoners include those detained during anti-government protests. (More)

World

• Spain's government has announced new housing measures to address affordability issues. A key element is a potential 100% tax on property purchases by non-EU citizens and non-residents. (More)

• Russia's military announced plans to retaliate against Ukraine following a series of attacks by Kyiv that included six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles, six UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and one of the largest drone offensives to date. (More)

• NATO announced the "Baltic Sentry" initiative to bolster security in the Baltic Sea, deploying frigates, patrol aircraft, and naval drones to safeguard power cables, telecom links, and pipelines. (More)

Business & Economy

• US stock markets closed mixed on Tuesday (S&P +0.11%, Nasdaq -0.23%, Dow +0.52%). (More)

• The US Department of Commerce will ban Russian and Chinese software in vehicles, citing national security risks. The software restrictions will take effect for 2027 model vehicles, while hardware bans will begin with 2030 models. (More)

• Meta is preparing to reduce its workforce by approximately 5%, targeting employees identified as low performers. The memo from CEO Mark Zuckerberg warned that 2025 will be an "intense year." (More)

Sports & Entertainment

• Twelve Los Angeles professional sports teams, including the Lakers & Dodgers, have united to support wildfire relief efforts, pledging over $8 million to aid those affected. (More)

• Princess Kate Middleton shared on social media that she is now in remission after undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. (More)

• Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is nearing Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record of 894, with 873 goals after scoring his 20th this season. This marks Ovechkin's 20th consecutive season with 20+ goals, a feat matched only by Gordie Howe. (More)

Science, Health, & Tech

• OpenAI has introduced a new feature in ChatGPT called Tasks, currently available in beta for Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers. The feature allows users to schedule future actions and set reminders. (More)

• Scientists have found a huge underground water supply in Oregon's Cascade mountains. The aquifer contains at least 19.43 cubic miles of water, which is more than half the volume of Lake Tahoe. (More)

• Scientists discovered a new species of giant isopod, Bathynomus vaderi, in Vietnam. Named after Darth Vader due to its helmet-like head, it can grow up to about 12.8 inches long and weigh more than 2.2 pounds. (More)

Extra Credit

✈️ Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International tops the world’s busiest airport list.

🌕️ Check out pictures of the Full Wolf Moon from around the world. 

❄️ Why you shouldn’t put your windshield wipers up when it snows.

🔥 Photos of before and after damage done by LA fires.