A large and powerful Hurricane Irene roared across the Bahamas archipelago, knocking down trees and destroying homes on a path that officials said posed the greatest threat to the country’s smaller, less-populated islands.

Anna Nicole Smith’s companion emerged from seclusion at a waterfront Bahamas mansion today and was expected to travel to Florida for a hearing on where the reality TV star’s remains should be buried.

Photographs of Anna Nicole Smith in bed embracing the Bahamian immigration minister who approved her application for permanent residency have revived a political scandal in the islands, with one politician calling for the minister’s resignation.