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Los Angeles – A search and rescue operation is underway in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains after an avalanche struck a backcountry slope near Castle Peak on Tuesday, leaving nine skiers missing and six others rescued, authorities said.

The avalanche occurred around 11:30 a.m. Local time, engulfing a group of 15 skiers, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office. Six skiers were rescued Tuesday evening, with two transported to a hospital for treatment, the Sheriff’s Office stated. The remaining nine skiers are still missing as of Wednesday morning.

Captain Russell Greene of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office described the rescue effort as “slow and tedious” due to continued high avalanche danger and hazardous weather conditions. “They too have to be very careful accessing the area due to the fact that the avalanche danger is still very high,” Greene said in a statement.

The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued an avalanche warning for the Central Sierra Nevada Mountains prior to the incident, noting “widespread areas of unstable snow” and the potential for large avalanches that could travel through treed areas. The warning remained in effect Wednesday.

Heavy snowfall and high winds have hampered the search, with Interstate 80 remaining closed at the summit of Castle Peak. Over two feet of snow has fallen in the Sierra Nevada, creating difficult travel conditions.

The group involved consisted of ski guides and clients, though the exact breakdown of how many were guides versus clients remained unclear Wednesday. Rescuers were dispatched from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Centre.

The survivors were able to communicate with rescuers via radio beacon and text messaging, and had constructed a makeshift shelter using tarpaulin sheets, according to Greene. Their condition was not immediately known.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the situation, and state authorities are coordinating with local emergency teams in an “all-hands search-and-rescue effort,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.

The incident comes amid similar avalanche events in the French Alps this week. On Tuesday, two separate avalanches in France killed three people and injured four others, with two of the injured in serious condition. A large slide in Valloire prompted a four-hour rescue operation before being halted due to continued avalanche risk, while two skiers died in an off-piste avalanche in La Grave.

Munich – U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s sharp critique of Europe, initially delivered at the Munich Security Conference in February 2025, continues to reverberate across the continent, sparking debate about the future of transatlantic relations and the internal challenges facing European nations. Vance’s assessment, focusing on concerns about free speech, immigration, and perceived democratic shortcomings, has prompted both condemnation and, among some observers, a degree of reluctant agreement. The core of the debate centers on whether Europe is adequately addressing its own internal vulnerabilities while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.

The initial speech, described as one of “unprecedented hostility” toward European governments, ignited a firestorm of criticism from European leaders. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius reportedly exclaimed “This is unacceptable!” during Vance’s address, according to USA Today. But, the concerns raised by Vance tap into existing anxieties within Europe about its own direction and its ability to maintain a unified front in the face of external pressures. The central argument, as outlined in Vance’s remarks, is that Europe’s retreat from “fundamental values” poses a greater threat than external actors like Russia or China.

The Core of Vance’s Critique

Vance’s criticism, as reported by Imprimis, centered on the assertion that Europe has become hostile to free speech and, to democracy itself. He specifically pointed to the persistent gap between voter preferences regarding immigration and actual immigration policies over the past 50 years as evidence of this democratic disconnect. This observation resonated with a segment of the European population that feels their concerns are not adequately addressed by established political elites. Vance framed this situation as mirroring challenges within the United States, where a similar divide exists between “populists” and “elites,” though the dynamic differs in Europe, where populist movements have had less electoral success, currently holding power only in Italy, Slovakia, and Hungary.

The vice president’s concerns extend beyond immigration. He also questioned Europe’s commitment to free speech, suggesting that restrictions on expression are becoming increasingly common. This claim, while not detailed with specific examples in available reports, aligns with concerns raised by some observers about the rise of speech regulations in certain European countries. The implication is that these restrictions stifle open debate and undermine the foundations of a healthy democracy.

A Year Later: Shifting Dynamics and U.S. Reassurance

One year after Vance’s initial speech, the atmosphere at the Munich Security Conference in February 2026 was markedly different. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to mend fences, emphasizing the enduring ties between the U.S. And Europe. Rubio stated, “The United States and Europe belong together,” and affirmed that “for us Americans, our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe,” as reported by USA Today. This shift in tone suggests an attempt by the Trump administration to reassure European allies following Vance’s earlier, more confrontational approach.

However, Rubio also signaled a desire for change in the transatlantic relationship, indicating that the administration wants European countries to collaborate with the U.S. In fresh ways. The specifics of these desired changes remain unclear, but the message suggests a push for greater alignment on key policy issues. This comes after Vance’s initial assessment that the biggest threat to Europe wasn’t external powers, but internal issues.

European Reactions and Internal Divisions

The initial reaction to Vance’s speech in February 2025 was one of shock and dismay, with one German diplomat, Christoph Heusgen, visibly emotional during the address, fearing a breakdown in shared values between the U.S. And Europe, as detailed in Le Monde. The speech highlighted existing tensions within Europe itself, particularly regarding immigration and the rise of nationalist parties. As noted by Imprimis, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), an anti-immigration party, has gained significant traction in German politics, becoming the country’s second-largest political force.

The situation reflects a broader trend across Europe, where populist movements are challenging the established political order. While these movements have achieved limited electoral success in many countries, they represent a significant force in shaping the political debate and influencing policy decisions. The internal divisions within Europe, coupled with Vance’s criticisms, raise questions about the continent’s ability to present a united front on the international stage.

Looking Ahead

The long-term implications of Vance’s critique and the subsequent efforts to recalibrate the transatlantic relationship remain to be seen. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the U.S. And Europe can overcome their differences and forge a more constructive partnership. The focus will likely be on finding common ground on issues such as defense spending, trade, and security cooperation. The evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the rise of China, will further shape the dynamics between the U.S. And Europe. Continued dialogue and a willingness to address mutual concerns will be essential for maintaining a strong and stable transatlantic alliance.

What are your thoughts on the future of US-European relations? Share your perspectives in the comments below.

Essex Police are assessing information related to private flights to and from Stansted Airport following the release of files connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, prompting renewed scrutiny of potential trafficking networks and raising questions about the involvement of high-profile individuals. The investigation comes after former Prime Minister Gordon Brown publicly called for a thorough re-examination of claims that women and girls were trafficked to the UK via these flights.

The focus on Stansted Airport stems from allegations that Epstein used the location as a key transit point for his trafficking activities. Brown, in an article for the New Statesman, highlighted details from the released files indicating Epstein’s jet made 90 flights to or from UK airports, including 15 after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a child. He specifically claimed Epstein was “flying in girls from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia” to Stansted, exploiting lower airport charges compared to Paris.

Police Response and Scope of Investigation

Essex Police confirmed they are currently evaluating the information that has emerged. A spokesperson stated, “We are assessing the information that has emerged in relation to private flights into and out of Stansted Airport following the publication of the US DoJ [Department of Justice] Epstein files.” This assessment is part of a broader effort across multiple British police forces to investigate potential criminal activity linked to Epstein’s network.

Beyond Essex Police, Thames Valley Police is assessing claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke of York, shared confidential reports from his time as the UK’s trade envoy with Jeffrey Epstein. Surrey Police is similarly investigating a separate allegation against Mountbatten-Windsor, according to reports. These investigations are occurring as multiple police forces seek to demonstrate impartiality in examining allegations involving powerful figures, as reported by The Guardian.

Stansted Airport’s Role and Security Protocols

Stansted Airport has issued a statement clarifying its role in handling private aircraft. The airport emphasized that all private flights operate through independent Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), which are responsible for all aspects of private and corporate aviation in compliance with regulatory requirements. Crucially, the airport stated that all immigration and customs checks for passengers arriving on private aircraft are conducted directly by Border Force, and that passengers do not enter the main airport terminal. “They leverage entirely independent terminals not operated by London Stansted and no private jet passengers enter the main airport terminal. The airport does not manage or have any visibility of passenger arrangements on privately operated aircraft,” the statement reads.

However, Brown’s claims suggest a potential circumvention of standard procedures. He noted that women arriving on private planes into Britain would not necessarily require British visas, raising concerns about the ease with which individuals could be transported without proper documentation. The Independent reported that a BBC investigation in December identified three women allegedly trafficked by Epstein who were named in his flight records to and from the UK.

Broader Political Implications

The renewed scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s activities extends beyond potential criminal investigations. The case is also creating political pressure on King Charles and Prince William, as a US committee has reportedly reached out to them regarding Prince Andrew’s connections to Epstein, according to Sky News Australia. The Business Committee chair is planning action against Mountbatten-Windsor, as reported by The News International.

The investigations are taking place against a backdrop of ongoing efforts to understand the full extent of Epstein’s network and the involvement of individuals who may have facilitated his crimes. Police are keen to demonstrate a commitment to investigating without bias, particularly given the high-profile nature of the allegations.

As the police assessments continue, further details regarding the flights to and from Stansted Airport are expected to emerge. The outcome of these investigations could have significant legal and political ramifications, and will likely fuel further debate about accountability and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.