Fire Island

A Long Island swimmer has vanished in the ocean off Fire Island while a deadly nor'easter battered the region, and officials have launched a search. Authorities have not released the swimmer's name or details of the incident. The storm has already caused deaths across the area, raising fears for the missing person as dangerous surf and conditions hamper rescue efforts.

Officials are expressing frustration after a controlled burn on Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay produced large amounts of smoke visible across the region. The prescribed fire, intended to reduce wildfire risk and manage vegetation, drew complaints as smoke drifted over nearby communities, prompting questions about planning, timing and public notification around the burn.