In this episode of Get the Check, Anika, Maya, and Priya discuss Arsenal One, Anduril’s new $1 billion defense tech manufacturing factory in Ohio. They dive into Anduril’s competition with legacy military defense contractors like Boeing and Lockheed. Unlike traditional contractors, Anduril operates more like a tech startup—prioritizing speed, software integration, and cost efficiency. With backing from the U.S. government and a partnership with Palantir, this expansion signals a new era of military tech and raises some new ethical concerns.

Next, they break down Zuck’s announcement that Meta is ditching fact-checkers in favor of community-based moderation, a shift similar to Elon Musk’s approach on X. This change sparks a debate on online misinformation—what does research say is the most effective approach? The hosts also explore the Facebook Files, including the company’s secret “XCheck” program, which allowed high-profile users to bypass nearly all content moderation.

Then, they discuss the LA wildfires, including the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, which have caused billions in damages and mass evacuations. The conversation covers the economics of home insurance in California, why the fires have caused political controversy, and how controlled burns, better infrastructure, and smarter urban planning could help prevent future disasters.

Finally, the hosts introduce a fun new segment where they highlight a business that wouldn’t Get the Check. Follow us on socials @getthecheckpod!

00:00 Intro

01:42 Anduril’s Arsenal-1 hyperscale manufacturing facility

20:16 Meta’s content moderation

39:23 LA fires

59:00 JaaS (Job referrals-as-a-service)