A powerful storm carrying a strong atmospheric river is laying siege to California. Evacuations have been issued amid the risk of life-threatening flooding and debris flows. According to the Weather Prediction Center, a Level 4 of 4 “high” risk of flooding rain is in place for Southern California on Wednesday, affecting more than 7 million people across parts of Los Angeles and surrounding counties.

A tragedy in eastern Pennsylvania: an explosion at a nursing home near Philadelphia claimed at least two lives and injured 20 others. The blast collapsed part of the building, sent flames shooting out, and left residents trapped inside.

Christians from around the world are preparing to celebrate Christmas in Bethlehem for the first time since the Israel-Hamas war began two years ago. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the United States and Ukraine have reached consensus on several key issues aimed at ending the war, though sensitive matters remain unresolved.