Palantir: Powering Counterterrorism with Cutting-Edge Software Platforms

The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1400 block of S Los Palos Street in Boyle Heights on August 14, 2024. Heavy smoke was visible from the roof of the 479,152 square foot building. Due to the size and split level roof, ladder pipes were ineffective. Firefighters used aerial ladder trucks to reach the first roof level and deployed extension ladders to access the upper level, ultimately extinguishing the fire.

Tensions exist between US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, stemming from disagreements on trade and economic policy. Trump has expressed a desire for Canada to join the United States, but this idea is met with strong opposition from Canadians. Carney emphasizes the importance of Canada maintaining control over its economy and pursuing independent trade relationships. The two leaders have clashed over US tariffs imposed on Canadian goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Canada. Despite these challenges, Carney remains committed to finding ways to maintain a constructive trading relationship with the United States.

For the second time in eight days, an F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed into the Red Sea after attempting to land on the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. The two aviators aboard ejected safely and suffered only minor injuries. The aircraft failed to catch the landing wire, resulting in a "failed arrestment." This incident follows another jet loss from the USS Harry S. Truman just over a week ago, where a $67 million F/A-18E was lost.

Several Indian airports have been closed due to airspace restrictions and operational disruptions. Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Air India Express, and Akasa Air have suspended services to and from affected airports such as Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Leh, Chandigarh, Dharamshala, Bikaner, and Jodhpur. Passengers are urged to check flight status before heading to the airport as schedules may change.

"Andor" Season 2 delves into political intrigue, danger, and escalating tension as the Rebel Alliance emerges. Cassian Andor's journey from a disillusioned individual to a key rebel figure intensifies as war looms closer. The season promises amplified character relationships and heightened stakes. The cast includes Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Genevieve O’Reilly, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu, Elizabeth Dulau, Alan Tudyk, Ben Mendelsohn, and Forest Whitaker.

The Canadian postal strike involves employees of Canada Post represented by the Syndicat des travailleurs et travailleuses des postes (STTP). Negotiations began on November 15, 2023. Canada Post offered workers an 11.5% salary increase over four years and longer paid leave. During the national strike, packages are not processed or delivered until operations resume. On December 1st, Canada Post presented a framework to the STTP to end the strike. The federal government has appointed mediators to assist both parties in negotiating new collective agreements for urban and rural/suburban mail carriers (FFRS) units.

Generative AI (GenAI) adoption in professional services has surged since late 2022. Over half of legal, tax, risk and fraud, and government professionals have already utilized GenAI in some capacity. The 2025 Generative AI in Professional Services Report from the Thomson Reuters Institute investigates this rapid growth and focuses on whether firms can maximize the value of the GenAI tools they've implemented.

Streamer Kai Cenat is creating "Streamer University," a weekend event where influencers will act as instructors for aspiring streamers. Cenat aims to help both established and new streamers learn from successful content creators like MrBeast and Mark Rober, who were initially approached for the first session. The university-style event will include dorms and classes covering topics such as monetization and live streaming best practices.

A papal conclave is a gathering of cardinals to elect the new pope. The most recent conclave was in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI resigned. Cardinals are bound by oath to secrecy during the process and cannot use any recording devices. Black smoke from the Sistine Chapel indicates no two-thirds majority vote for a new pope.

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Andrew Scheer was born in Ottawa, Ontario in 1979 and raised there. During the 2019 Canadian federal election, he proposed legislation requiring national-security reviews for corporate takeovers by foreign state-owned enterprises. Scheer married Jill Ryan in Regina in 2003. He holds both Canadian and U.S. citizenship due to his American-born father.

Around 55,000 postal workers in Canada went on strike on November 15th, demanding higher wages, job protections, and influence over Canada Post's future. They argue Canada Post is pushing for concessions that harm new hires. The strike, initiated by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), has halted mail and parcel processing and delivery across the country. Some offices are closed, and no new items are being accepted. Canada Post temporarily laid off some striking employees, prompting a complaint from CUPW to the Canada Industrial Relations Board for violating the Canada Labour Code. This strike comes after a similar situation in 2018 where postal workers conducted rotating strikes targeting various cities. The government may be pressured to intervene again due to Canada Post's crucial role in both the economy and public services. This work stoppage is anticipated to cause delays for holiday deliveries and purchases.

Stephen Curry is day-to-day after exiting Game 1 against the Timberwolves with a strained left hamstring. He will undergo an MRI on Wednesday. If Curry can't play in Game 2, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody and Pat Spencer could see increased minutes.

Bowden Francis pitched seven dominant innings and Will Wagner got hits in his first three at-bats of his major league debut as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-2. Logan O'Hoppe drove in the tiebreaking run in the eighth inning, Yoán Moncada followed with a three-run homer, and the Los Angeles Angels rallied to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 8-3.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with US President Donald Trump. Carney stated that Canada is not for sale and annexation is out of the question, directly addressing Trump's prior suggestion of incorporating Canada into the United States. Trump acknowledged Canadian opposition to his idea while expressing his desire for Canada to join the US. The conversation also touched on trade, with Trump stating a preference for the US manufacturing its own cars.

The Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 99-88 in Game 1 of their playoff series. Despite Stephen Curry leaving the game early in the second half due to a hamstring strain, the Warriors built a commanding lead that the Timberwolves were unable to overcome. Minnesota struggled offensively, shooting poorly from the field throughout the game.

Poilievre and his colleagues actively campaigned during the leadership election, focusing on phone calls for support and fundraising. He played a key role in scrutinizing the Liberal Party during the WE Charity scandal. Poilievre has made controversial statements about Justin Trudeau and his father Pierre Trudeau, labeling them as "Marxists." He's also been targeted by alleged disinformation campaigns from the Chinese government. In the recent Canadian general election, Poilievre lost his seat, a surprising outcome given his previous popularity. Despite this loss, he plans to remain as Conservative leader, aiming to regain his seat through a by-election. Poilievre rose to prominence at a young age, becoming the youngest MP in Canadian history at 25. His political career was influenced by his connection with former cabinet minister Stockwell Day. As Conservative leader, he employed sharp criticism of Trudeau to appeal to disillusioned voters.

The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America. It serves as the primary developmental league of the National Hockey League (NHL). The AHL traces its origins to two predecessor leagues: the Canadian-American Hockey League and the first International Hockey League. After the 1939–40 season, the I-AHL renamed itself the American Hockey League. The AHL presents various individual and team awards.