Today: Germany Put to the Test. Colbert Nation, Take 2.

I'm Davan Maharaj, editor of the Los Angeles Times. Here are some story lines I don't want you to miss today.

TOP STORIES

A Tough German Test

Starting at a new school is daunting for most children. Imagine fleeing the horrors of war, settling in a new country and learning an unfamiliar language and customs to boot. The children among the migrants and refugees arriving in Germany are dealing with just that. How will the school system take them all in?

Truthiness Detector

On freewheeling Comedy Central, Stephen Colbert was the ultimate faux political bloviator. On his first night in the more staid confines of network TV, the new "Late Show" host told his guest Jeb Bush: "I used to play a narcissistic conservative pundit. Now, I'm just a narcissist." Mission accomplished? TV critic Robert Lloyd says it's a good start. 

Re-Digging Up Ancient History

Call them the fossils that history forgot. Twice. The bones of wolves, giant sloths and saber-toothed cats lay in the La Brea and McKittrick tar pits for tens of thousands of years, only to be excavated by scientists, then stored away for decades. In the bell tower of UC Berkeley, of all places. Today’s Great Read tells why the relics are relevant today. 

The Heat Is On

It's hot out there in California. Dry too. That makes homeowners who live near wild lands that are deemed to be high fire-risk areas worry. And now they have another concern: Their insurance rates are way up -- 30% or more. At this point, some are just praying for rain.

Change at the Los Angeles Times

When Austin Beutner became publisher of The Times last year, he launched efforts to experiment in digital journalism and foster civic engagement. On Tuesday, Tribune Publishing fired him. "If Tribune was looking for a caretaker, they picked the wrong person," Beutner said. Now, Timothy E. Ryan takes the helm as head of the California News Group, which includes The Times and the San Diego Union-Tribune.

CALIFORNIA

-- People living near the 60 Freeway in Ontario breathe the worst air in Southern California, data show. 

-- Gov. Brown and top lawmakers are looking to reach a deal on climate change legislation.

-- Cal State data breach hits nearly 80,000 students. 

-- Police arrest a bicyclist in a San Francisco road rage attack caught on video.

NATION-WORLD

-- Hillary Clinton's secret weapon in campaign finance reform: shame.

-- Pope Francis makes it faster, easier and cheaper for Roman Catholics to get an annulment.

-- Quotas for taking in refugees? European Union pressure mounts.

-- Kentucky clerk Kim Davis tells supporters to keep fighting same-sex marriage.

-- Diabetes nation? Half of Americans have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

BUSINESS

-- With sales flagging, Toyota unveils a sportier Prius.

-- Five things we're expecting at Apple's event Wednesday.  

SPORTS

-- The key questions entering the NFL season ... and a Super Bowl prediction.

-- Even those closest to boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. don't know if he'll keep fighting.

-- Serena Williams defeats sister Venus at the U.S. Open. 

ENTERTAINMENT

-- The stars of "Key & Peele" reflect on the sketch comedy's end. Plus, TV critic Mary McNamara's ode to the comedic duo. 

-- Prince has a new album. What does it sound like?

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- Quartz examines how Ivy League schools are ramping up their entrepreneurial programs.

-- Ausgezeichnet: The German language is becoming hip again, according to the Economist.

-- GQ talks with Willie Nelson about his long relationship with marijuana.

ONLY IN L.A.

Like a Miles Davis improv session, the Jazz Bakery has had to play it cool in finding a permanent venue for concerts after losing its lease in 2009. It's still looking for the funds to build a new home in Culver City, but it already has the design, thanks to architect Frank Gehry. A sneak peek will be at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. 

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.