Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, is on track to be confirmed as soon as Friday night if his support holds. Source

Some of the biggest car brands, including Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, have plants in Mexico and Canada. Source

CBS News obtained a Justice Department memo directing local authorities to enact the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Former federal prosecutor and independent counsel Scott Fredericksen tells “The Daily Report” that the memo reflects a “major change.” Source

The Academy Thursday announced the nominations for the 97th Academy Awards. “Emilia Pérez” received the most nominations with 13, the most ever for a non-English film, while “Wicked” picked up 10 nominations. Source

A winter storm brought the wind and freezing temperatures to North Carolina. Meanwhile, the state is still trying to recover from Hurricane Helene. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff has more. Source

President Trump made an economic pitch at the World Economic Forum, telling businesses to make their products in the U.S. He said if they don’t, they’ll have to “pay a tariff.” CBS News business contributor Javier David breaks it down. Source

The average price of a new car in the U.S. is more than $49,000, and President Trump’s proposal to increase tariffs on Mexico and Canada could raise car prices even higher. Kelly O’Grady examines why. Source

The decision would close an unprecedented leadership gap at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Source

At the direction of President Trump, about 1,500 troops are being deployed to the southern border with increased operations to block illegal immigrant crossings set to start in the coming days. Meanwhile, his administration is closing immigration offices former President Joe Biden opened in Latin America. CBS News immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more. Source

Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s pick for defense secretary, told Sen. Elizabeth Warren that he paid a woman $50,000 who had accused him of sexual assault in 2017, two sources confirmed to CBS News. Source