Kim Vennell

We'll be back tomorrow with our daily headline show.

Hi, I'm Kim Vennell in Whanganui, New Zealand.

It's Wednesday, February 18th.

Today, as many as 10 skiers are missing in California's Sierra Nevada mountains as fears grow of one of the deadliest avalanches in U.S.

history.

New details emerge of an alleged Chinese nuclear test, whereas there are signs of progress in high-stakes negotiations between the U.S.

and Iran.

And Zuckerberg takes the stand in a trial alleging social media harms to children.

This is Reuters World News, bringing you everything you need to know from the frontlines in 10 minutes, seven days a week.

We begin near Lake Tahoe in California and the aftermath of a huge avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

As many as 10 skiers are missing and at least six others were stranded as heavy snow and whiteout conditions hampered rescuers trying to reach them overnight.

Authorities fear if they don't find them missing, this could be one of the deadliest avalanches in US history.

The avalanche swept the Castle Peak area of Truckee at about 11.30 in the morning, engulfing the group, which included four ski guides.

The known survivors are awaiting rescue at the time of recording this podcast.

Authorities are warning there could be further avalanches in two this morning.

For the latest on this story as it is developing, check out Reuters.com or the Reuters app.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde plans to leave her job before next year's French presidential election to allow President Emmanuel Macron to have input into picking her successor.

That's according to the FT.

Here's Mike Dolan from our sister podcast Morning Bid on what it means.

Thanks, Mike.