Today: Are You Ready for El Niño?

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

Are You Ready for El Niño?

Northern L.A. County was hit by flash flooding and mudslides Thursday. It could be a taste of what's to come, as a new forecast said El Niño is strengthening. The potentially record rainfall this winter is now expected to reach into Northern California. And that means it could ease the drought -- but not end it.

Why Obama Changed Course on Afghanistan

Before leaving office, President Obama had hoped to end the U.S. roles in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Instead, he's planning to hand over both to his successor. As we told you yesterday, American troops will remain in Afghanistan -- pursuing potential terrorists and aiding and advising the Afghans. How will the decision play out?  

Two Young Lives Violently Intertwined

One is Jewish. The other, from an Arab neighborhood. Both are 13-year-old boys. Each ended up in the hospital. After the Israeli middle-schooler was stabbed by two Palestinians, the older of the pair, 15, was killed at the scene and the younger injured, authorities and witnesses said. The incident has left Israelis and Palestinians fearful of each other.

Behind LAUSD's 'Tiger Team'

The L.A. Unified School District calls it the "tiger team": a squad of investigators created in the wake of sex abuse scandals. Its biggest test was looking into a complaint against the district's most celebrated teacher: Rafe Esquith. This week, based on its efforts, the school board voted to fire him. We take a closer look at the team Esquith's attorney called "an investigative hit squad."

A Bleak Picture in India 

Black and white, and red ink all over. That's the condition of Hindustan Photo Films, whose products are suited for a time before digital color photography. As India's economy grows, officials have kept it alive, just barely, even though it is among the worst performers of 290 government-owned enterprises. In today's Great Read, see how these vestiges of India's early years live on.

Dodgers: Game Over

Three consecutive years in the postseason. Three years of disappointment. The Dodgers' record payroll was more than $300 million, but they still couldn't defeat the New York Mets in their division series. "The front office changes, the players change, yet the ugliness stays the same, 27 years without a World Series and counting," writes Bill Plaschke. Who will pay the price? Manager Don Mattingly, most likely.

CALIFORNIA

-- L.A. will pay $2.5 million to settle a lawsuit over a woman assaulted by an LAPD officer.

-- Bel-Air water hogs spur a move to impose stiff penalties on L.A.'s guzzlers.

-- A Port of L.A. official said a busy terminal met air-pollution goals despite missing steps.

-- A pilot spots a drone flying too close to a Southwest jet at LAX.

NATION-WORLD 

-- Elephants are dying in a spate of cyanide poisonings in Zimbabwe.

-- Not eligible to vote yet, a young immigrant plays a key role in the Clinton campaign.

-- Tourists descend on the Nevada brothel where Lamar Odom was found.

-- Wearing a bean sprout on your head is a fashion fad in China.

-- Our ancestors were just as sleep-deprived as we are, scientists say.

BUSINESS  

-- Social Security recipients won't get a cost-of-living increase next year.

-- Aquavit. Whiskey. Rum. Artisan distilleries are booming in California.

-- YouTube says it will charge a monthly "sponsor" fee for some of its video game channels.

SPORTS

-- Former basketball players are making names in the NFL.

-- Meet a father-son team who are San Fernando Valley high school football physicians. 

ENTERTAINMENT

-- Movie reviews: Tom Hanks shines in "Bridge of Spies," while "Room" is exhausting, exhilarating and excellent.

-- Set artists sneak Arabic graffiti accusing "Homeland" of racism into an episode of the show.

-- Teen actor Abraham Attah's role in "Beasts of No Nation" is one of the most talked about this fall.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING 

-- The story of what is called the first mass murder in U.S. history. (Smithsonian)

-- The brother of a journalist convicted in Iran logs many miles trying to free him. (CNN)

-- If a Pulitzer-nominated 34-part series can vanish from the Web, anything can. (The Atlantic)

-- Is there evidence of an alien civilization around a mysterious star? Probably not. (Slate)

ONLY IN L.A.

Virginia Davis isn't much for birthday parties. She hasn't had a big one since her sweet 16. And that was 92 years ago. As Davis prepared to turn 108 today, Nita Lelyveld talked with her about a bygone L.A. -- of Red Cars and nickel milkshakes.

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.