Patch Morning Briefing: Berlin Suspect Killed, More Nukes Says Trump (Maybe), Ebola Vaccine

Good morning Patchers - Here's a look at some of what you need to know to make it through the day:

BERLIN TERROR SUSPECT KILLED IN SHOOTOUT

Anis Amri, the man believed to be responsible for the massacre in Berlin that left 12 people dead, has himself been killed in a shootout with police in Milan, Italy. He was approached by officers who has asked to his identification. He opened fire and was killed by officers. His fingerprints reportedly confirmed his identity. (Reuters).

TRUMP SAYS 'EXPAND' NUCLEAR FORCES BUT DID HE MEAN IT?

In another example of why governing by Tweet can be problematic, President-elect Trump tweeted the country "must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability." Asked to clarify what Trump meant by "expand" capability, one of his spokesmen responded with a statement that didn't address the question. So, #vaguetweet. (New York Times).

A VACCINE FOR EBOLA

In the final days of the recent Ebola outbreak, a vaccine was tested. It proved to offer 100 percent protection against the disease. One hundred percent. Regulatory approval is yet to come but an emergency stockpile has been ordered of 300,000 doses just in case it ever comes back. (New York Times).

QUICK HITS

Chyna Died of an Accidental Overdose (Patch).

Most Annoying Word/Phrase of the Year... Whatever (Patch)

A Newsroom Visit from St. Nicholas (Patch)

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE WILL BE FRIGHTFUL

So, Holiday travel will most likely not be delightful. The Weather Channel is predicting snow, more snow, and even more snow. It will start in the Plains, then mess with the west and finally pound the East Coast. And, yes, it's more than one storm system. (The Weather Channel).

DEUTSCHE BANK AGREES TO PAY BILLIONS TO SETTLE CASE

The German banking giant has agreed to pay $7.2 billion to settle a mortgage-abuse cae brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. If approved, it removes a conflict of interest for Trump, whose businesses owe hundreds of millions to the bank. (Washington Post).

APPARENTLY - NOT AS HARD TO GET A MEETING AS YOU'D THINK

From former Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer to Representative Peter King to Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel (brother of Chicago Mayor Rahm and one of the architects of the ACA) to the mayor of Miami-Dade, it seems everyone has a story about getting in to meet the president-elect. The short of it - meetings are not that hard to set up and sometimes it's just Trump having his secretary make a call on a whim. (Politico).

FLINT LATEST: GOVERNOR NOT WORRIED HE'LL BE CHARGED

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder says he is not worried he'll be charged in connection with the contaminated water crisis. At the same time, he's increasing his legal defense fund as the probe moves closer to his office. Thirteen people have already been charged. (Patch).

IVANKA TRUMP'S BUMPY RIDE: SO MUCH FOR CIVILITY

This much is for certain. Ivanka Trump, her husband, their kids and some other relatives were on a Jet Blue flight getting ready to leave JFK for San Francisco (where, apparently, they were met by a private plane to take them to Hawaii for vacation; presumably staying somewhere different than the Obamas). While waiting for the plane to take off, passenger Dan Goldstein - according to a witness who is not a Trump fan - said loudly "they ruin the country now they ruin the flight." Goldstein, a lawyer from Brooklyn, was escorted off the flight. The witness said the right call was made. (The Daily Mail).

INSIDIOUS RUMORS WERE CONCOCTED: COATES ON OBAMA

Te-Nahisi Coates has interviewed President Obama several times over the years, has been critical of him at times, supportive at others. In the new issue of The Atlantic, he poses a lengthy piece on the past eight years. The piece is built around four lengthy interviews he did with the president from the end of September to just after the election. Online, not only does the magazine publish the article, they publish the transcripts of the interviews. (The Atlantic).

OBAMA GOING HOME TO SAY GOODBYE

President Obama is apparently planning to return to Chicago next month to give a major farewell speech. It's where he gave his victory speech in 2008. It's where his presidential library will be built. It's where his beloved White Sox play. (Patch).

STUDY SAYS SINCLAIR TILTED COVERAGE TOWARD TRUMP

Last week, Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner told a crowd the campaign had struck a deal with Sinclair Broadcasting - the largest owner of local stations in the country; 173 in 81 cities - to provide access and coverage. The Washington Post does a deep dive on the topic, concluding: "a review of Sinclair’s reporting and internal documents shows a strong tilt toward Trump." (Washington Post).

LESSONS FROM LETTER WRITTEN ON SCRAPS OF TOILET PAPER

They live in Michigan. Their grandparents likely died at Auschwitz. Bella Goetz's grandchildren are sharing a letter she had written in a Budapest jail where she was taken after being turned in. "I did curse all, especially those who could have helped us so easily to be there with you, and did not do it!" Bella wrote. The lesson her grandchildren say: to say nothing is to be complicit. (Patch).

WHAT CONNECTS CELINE DION, ELTON JOHN, GARTH BROOKS?

They have all said no to the organizers of the inauguration. Did we mention Andrea Boccelli? Also said no. The Beach Boys have been asked but not yet replied. But, worry not. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Radio City Rockettes, and Jackie Evancho will both be there. And at the balls? The Reagan Years and The MIXX - "the Mid-Atlantic's hottest Party Band." (New York Magazine and Heavy.com).

DID THE HOLOCAUST HAPPEN? DOES GOOGLE PROFIT OFF THE ?

The Breman Museum, a Jewish heritage museum in Atlanta, says that they have been paying Google up to $2 per click to its site when people search "did the Holocaust happen?" They say they have resorted to this because Google had been directing people to hate content including a white supremacist, neo-Nazi site. (The Guardian).

JUST ANOTHER STORY ABOUT A CLOTHING-WEARING GATOR

That likes to ride ATVs. And play with dogs. And eat McDonalds. Do you need more motivation to read this fabulous story about a woman who gets to keep her "pet" alligator (name: Rambo; 15-years-old) even though she doesn't like calling him a pet? Trust me. You don't. Click the link. (Patch).

HAPPY HOLIDAYS. HERE'S CHEWBACCA SINGING 'SILENT NIGHT'

FRIDAY AGENDA

• Department of Homeland Security Raises Immigration-Related Fees
• Christmas is Sunday and Estimated 12 percent of Americans yet to Buy Gift
• Official who Referred to Michelle Obama as 'Ape in Heels' Back to Work

That's what's happening in the world this morning. Thanks for reading - have a great day and see you back here Monday morning - on the Patch.

Photo Trump campaign