A powerful winter storm has unleashed torrential rain across Southern California, triggering flash flooding and prompting evacuation orders. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in six counties and warn the dangerous conditions could continue through Christmas Day. | Al Jazeera English

With Christmas approaching, celebrations in Haifa were met with chaos after Israeli police stormed the Wadi al-Nisnas neighbourhood, arresting and beating Christians in the area. | Al Jazeera English

Algeria’s parliament unanimously passed a law declaring France’s colonisation a crime. Lawmakers celebrated in the chamber as they demanded an apology, reparations and assigned France legal responsibility for the harms caused during colonial rule. | Al Jazeera English

India has launched what it says is the heaviest satellite ever lifted from the country, using an Indian-made launcher. The BlueBird Block-2 is the largest commercial communications satellite in orbit and is designed to provide space-based cellular broadband to smartphones. | Al Jazeera English

"Ultimately, this [also] helps to bring relief to the victims of Boko Haram." US air strikes in Nigeria against ISIL (ISIS) are late but needed, says analyst Ebenezer Obadare. | Al Jazeera English