Lawmakers grill former Equifax chief over breach House Republicans and Democrats grilled Equifax's former chief executive Tuesday over the massive data hack of the personal information of 145 million Americans, calling the company's response inadequate as consumers struggle to deal with the breach. Former Equifax CEO Richard Smith apologized for the compromise of such information as names, addresses, birth dates and Social Security numbers. Smith was the lone witness at the first of several Capitol Hill hearings this week. “The criminal hack happened on my watch, and as CEO, I am ultimately responsible, and I take full responsibility,” Smith said. Democrats favor legislation that they say would establish strong data security standards and prompt notification and relief for consumers.

But Republicans tamped down expectations for any congressional action as this year the GOP-led Congress has rolled back several Obama-era rules affecting the financial sector. —Associated Press Michael Phelps partners with pool-building firm Michael Phelps is partnering with Crystal Lagoons, an international firm that makes large water amenities — essentially giant pools — for swimming, water sports and other uses. The Olympic swimming star’s title with the company is “official world ambassador,” according to the firm’s website. Crystal Lagoons has its United States headquarters in Miami but develops projects worldwide. Phelps, who has won more gold medals than any Olympian, was raised in Rodgers Forge in Towson and trained at Meadowbrook Aquatic and Fitness Center in Mount Washington. He has sought to raise awareness about pool safety and doping in the sport, and recently joined the board of directors of Medibio, a medical technology company that has developed a test to assist in the diagnosis of depression and other mental health disorders.

—Jeff Barker