Newsletter: Today: The New Old War on Terror

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

The New Old War on Terror

"The threat from terrorism is real, but we will overcome it." In only his third prime-time address from the Oval Office, President Obama sought to reassure the American public and outline the steps his administration says will win the war on terror. Did it work? GOP candidates were less than enthusiastic in their responses. Here's our analysis, the reaction from San Bernardino and a full transcript.    

An Online Betrothal, but How Did Their Rage Ignite?

Syed Rizwan Farook wanted a wife "who takes her religion very seriously." He found Tashfeen Malik online. Did she corrupt her husband, or was it the other way around? Did their dynamic as a couple give rise to an act of mass terror neither would have contemplated alone? A look at the attackers in this special report.  

Complete Coverage

-- The Times' team of reporters, photographers and videographers continues to dig deep. Get the latest from them here.

-- The latest on the victims. If you have a memory of them to share, please let us know. 

-- "I got you" are a man's last words to his co-worker as the bullets flew.

-- A Christmas party with a trivia game, and then the shooting started.

-- For hospitals, an alert changed everything: "Mass shooting. This is not a drill."

-- Timeline: The San Bernardino shooting and aftermath.

Are More Guns the Answer?

An unarmed security guard was on duty at the San Bernardino social services center where last week’s attack took place. Would it have made a difference if that guard had a gun? As Americans search for a way to stop on the onslaught of gun massacres, the debate over how to do so is only intensifying. 

It's the Jerry and Arnold Show

Both have been California governors, but they couldn't be more different: Jerry Brown, the Democrat who studied under Jesuits, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Republican bodybuilder-turned-movie star. Both were in France to present a united front on fighting climate change. Here's how they took their show on the road.

Too Early for Grammy Nominations? Shake It Off

Who will get Grammy nominations this morning? The odds are that Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar will -- and quite a few others. There are 83 categories, after all. Starting at 5:30 a.m. Pacific, we will have full coverage, including analysis and a complete list of nominees. 

OUR MUST-READS FROM THE WEEKEND

-- The LAPD misclassified more than 25,000 serious crimes as minor, an audit finds.

-- Though shootings raise fears of a backlash, Lebanese Muslims feel at home in Bell.

-- Chuck Williams, Williams-Sonoma founder and California foodie pioneer, has died at 100.

-- "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is destined to be big, but can rival films follow it into hyperspace?

-- Joshua Tree has for decades lured artists, musicians and the pure of heart.

-- Artist Jim Shaw celebrates the fabric and weirdness of America.

CALIFORNIA

-- Faculty members call new background checks for Cal State job candidates intrusive. 

-- George Skelton: Lax gun policies are hitting America where it hurts.

-- Cal State Northridge wins a $100,000 grant to build student skills and confidence.

NATION-WORLD

-- Today is the 74th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. How much do you know about it? Take our quiz.

-- Officials say the Justice Department will investigate the Chicago Police Department. 

-- "We are stronger than they are": A Paris cafe hit in the terrorist attacks reopens.

-- Islamic State claims responsibility for the assassination of a governor in Yemen.

-- Venezuelans go to the polls, with opposition candidates expected to win.

BUSINESS 

-- The growth of prepaid debit cards comes with caution. 

-- How Mark Zuckerberg's paternity leave could affect the rest of us.

SPORTS

-- Former NBA players offer their retirement advice for Kobe Bryant. 

-- Three defensive coaches are fired as USC shakes up its football staff.

-- The College Football Playoff offers no surprises with four chosen teams. 

ENTERTAINMENT

-- TV review: "Telenovela," starring Eva Longoria as a Miami-based soap star, is promising.

-- Where to find "The Nutcracker" in Southern California.

-- "Spotlight" is named the best of 2015 by the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- Inside Samoa's pipeline to professional football. (California Sunday) 

-- Why is imagery of the French Revolution popping up in so much advertising? (The Atlantic)

-- The Philly accent in American Sign Language. (PRI)

ONLY IN L.A.