Newsletter: Today: A Tragic Night in Berlin, an Assassination in Ankara and Trump’s Response.

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

TOP STORIES

A Tragic Night in Berlin

At least a dozen people were killed and scores injured when a 40-ton truck from Poland crashed into an outdoor Christmas market in Berlin. Police say the truck was intentionally driven into the crowd in what they are investigating as a suspected terror attack. The incident was part of a bloody day across Europe, during which three people were wounded at a Muslim prayer center in Zurich, and Russia’s ambassador to Turkey was shot to death. Here is the latest from Germany.

An Assassination in Ankara

The video is chilling: Russia’s ambassador to Turkey is speaking at a photo exhibition in Ankara when shots ring out and he slumps to the ground. “We die in Aleppo, you die here!” the shooter yells before firing several shots into the air. Security forces would eventually gun down the assailant, a 22-year-old off-duty riot policeman, after what appears to be the latest violent incident in Turkey over the complex conflict in Syria.

Trump Responds — and Wins the Electoral College

Donald Trump quickly responded to the day’s violence, calling all three incidents terror attacks and tweeting that “it is only getting worse. The civilized world must change thinking!” Meanwhile in the electoral college, Trump ended up with 304 votes, well above what he needed to become the 45th president of the United States. Despite protests and a push to turn electors against Trump, only two did, and there was an even bigger flip against Hillary Clinton. In total, those seven “faithless electors” set a record for the most in U.S. history.

More Politics

-- Three Washington state Democratic electors voted for Gen. Colin Powell, and one for Faith Spotted Eagle.

-- In 1969, Democrats and Republicans united to get rid of the electoral college. Here’s what happened.

L.A. Spoils for an Immigration Fight

L.A. leaders have unveiled a plan for a $10-million fund to provide legal assistance for residents facing deportation, with at least $5 million coming from the city and county and the rest from philanthropic groups. How will that sit with the Trump administration? Well, during the campaign, Trump vowed to withhold federal funds to punish cities with lenient policies toward illegal immigration. The fund’s announcement has already raised the ire of anti-illegal-immigration activists.

All the News That’s Fit to Fake

PizzaGate. Trump and the pope. Clinton and ISIS. You probably saw plenty of fake news show up in your social media feeds during this election year, but aside from the technology, it’s hardly a new phenomenon. Ever hear of the six-part New York Sun series about the discovery of life on the moon, published in 1835? Here’s a look at the evolution of fake news and some of the most pernicious headlines of the past year.

CALIFORNIA

-- Former Sheriff Lee Baca’s obstruction of justice and conspiracy case has gone to the jury after both sides made their closing arguments.

-- More than two decades after a young mother’s slaying in La Mirada, her husband was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the killing.

-- The judge in the Brock Turner rape case has been cleared of misconduct after a commission found the sentencing was within the “parameters set by law.”

-- The huge public pension fund CalPERS is widening its ban on tobacco investments, against the recommendations of its staff.

HOLLYWOOD AND THE ARTS

-- Hollywood is headed toward another record year at the box office, but the numbers mask the big flops and declining profits besetting the industry.

-- “Look at her poundin’ down those fries!” Remember when David Letterman took Zsa Zsa Gabor on an L.A. fast-food drive-through tour? Here it is, along with more of her greatest hits on TV.

-- Action star Donnie Yen says he was thinking about not acting in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” until his kids weighed in on the matter.

-- The Disneyland Resort has a global feel this holiday season, as it tries to provide an antidote to the chaos outside its walls.

NATION-WORLD

-- The Dakota Access pipeline protests are exposing raw divisions and emotions in North Dakota.

-- North Carolina’s governor has called a special session to repeal the state’s transgender bathroom law.

-- In a surprise verdict, IMF chief Christine Lagarde has been found guilty of negligence.

-- Alcohol poisoning from counterfeit bath lotion has killed at least 49 people in Russia.

BUSINESS

-- Three senior executives at medical scope maker Olympus Corp. repeatedly invoked the 5th Amendment when questioned about emails dealing with its role in superbug outbreaks.

-- State Farm customers in California could soon be paying lower premiums for homeowners, condo and renters insurance, thanks to a judge’s order. Will refunds be next?

-- Def Jam music mogul Russell Simmons is trying to turn his online video network All Def Digital into the Vice Media of hip hop.

SPORTS

-- Football coaching legend Jimmy Johnson shares his thoughts on the L.A. Rams’ search for a new coach. His conclusion: He’s not so sure they need one that’s offense-minded.

-- Clippers star Blake Griffin will have knee surgery today and is expected to miss three to six weeks of NBA action.

OPINION

-- Careful what you wish for: President Obama is going to be replaced by the kind of Republican he’s always said he wanted.

-- Bigots at the gate: Universities shouldn’t duck the fight against white nationalism.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- The Associated Press photographer who took some stunning photos of the assassination in Ankara recounts being an eyewitness to the attack. (Associated Press)

-- Ten Hollywood legends talk about the creative spirit that drives them to keep working well past the age of 90. (The Hollywood Reporter)

-- Children explain how gender affects their lives. (National Geographic)

ONLY IN L.A.

Hollywood awards season is upon us, and with it will come the omnipresent red-carpet question: “Who are you wearing?” But the real insiders will want to know: “Who did your teeth?” As it turns out, cosmetic dentistry is a key component to achieving The Look, and celebrity dentists on the Westside say it’s a lot more complicated than just making those Chiclets gleaming white.

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.

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