The indicator from Planet Money is diving into the world of batteries.

Not the kind you buy at the grocery store.

We're talking really big batteries, the kind that can power thousands of homes.

This technology came seemingly out of nowhere.

We're digging deep into the battery industry in three back-to-back episodes.

Listen to The Indicator from Planet Money podcast on NPR.

Live. episodes. Listen to the Indicator from Planet Money podcast on NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Hurst. Pete Hegseth was sworn in as

defense secretary today after the Senate confirmed his nomination by the narrowest of margins

last night with Vice President Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.

It's only the second time in history that a vice president was needed to break a tie for a cabinet-level nominee.

During his swearing-in ceremony, Hegeseth said he has three priorities in his new job.

Restore the warrior ethos in everything that we do, rebuild our military, and reestablish deterrence.

We don't want to fight wars.

Hegseth survived a brutal fight with Democrats and a few Republicans who questioned his fitness to run the massive department with its nearly 3 million employees,

which includes around 1.3 million active duty service

members over allegations of financial mismanagement and sexual assault. The former Fox News host

and military veterans says the Defense Department has been weakened by woke generals and

diversity programs. Israelis celebrated the release of four female soldiers held captive in Gaza,

and Palestinians cheered the release of 200 prisoners and detainees. The successful swap came as

the Gaza ceasefire is still holding a week after it started. And peers, Greg Myrie has more.

Palestinians in Gaza gave a rousing welcome to prisoners who arrived in the territory shortly

after being freed by Israel. Most of the 200 Palestinians released were sent to their home

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