A round-up of major stories from the Dec. 11 broadcast.
Pacific Northwest flooding
An atmospheric river has drenched western Washington, producing catastrophic flooding and prompting mass evacuations. In the Seattle area some locations have recorded nearly a foot and a half of rain over several days as rivers surge toward historic crests. Mount Vernon and parts of Skagit County were inundated; Mount Vernon installed flood barriers as the Skagit River rose. The Snohomish River set new records and was forecast to top prior highs by roughly a half foot, threatening areas that hadn’t flooded in decades. Rescuers have used boats to pull residents from roofs and car hoods, while sandbagging and National Guard teams work to block and divert water. Officials warned the situation was unpredictable: more rain was expected to taper briefly but return, keeping flood danger elevated and raising the possibility of catastrophic loss of life for tens of thousands asked to evacuate.
Venezuela sanctions and tanker seizure
The U.S. Treasury announced sanctions targeting family members of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and several oil tankers it says supported Maduro’s regime. U.S. forces seized a large tanker, the Skipper, which authorities say had been part of a “dark fleet” used to move sanctioned oil at sea. The administration said it would continue to seize vessels tied to illicit fuel shipments. Critics accused the administration of escalating tensions; Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen questioned the aims of the actions. Venezuelan opposition figures overseas described the government as criminal. Venezuelan critic and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado escaped Venezuela in a risky operation, then traveled to Norway; she missed the ceremony but later reunited with family.
Michigan football coach arrested
University of Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was fired amid allegations he had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and was later arrested. New 911 audio released by investigators described chaotic moments at an apartment complex, including a report of an individual allegedly carrying a knife and stalking a woman. Moore, a 39-year-old husband and father, was held at the Washtenaw County Jail; authorities said details of the charges would be released at arraignment. The firing and arrest followed earlier program scandals and sanctions that had marred the Wolverines’ recent seasons.
Minnesota fraud investigation
Federal prosecutors detailed a sprawling COVID-era fraud scheme in Minnesota that allegedly used state-run assistance programs to steal taxpayer funds. A CBS News review of files and wire transfers showed convicted fraudsters spent money on luxury travel, properties abroad and lavish goods; investigators said more than a billion dollars was likely stolen across cases. In the past three years 87 defendants were charged and 61 convicted in the probe, which has focused heavily on members of Minnesota’s Somali-American community. Officials said evidence so far points to theft for personal enrichment rather than direct funding of extremist groups, though the administration said it would continue to probe possible illicit links. Minnesota officials pledged reforms and named a statewide fraud czar to help recover stolen funds.
Town hall with Erika Kirk
CBS News aired excerpts of a town hall with Erika Kirk, widow of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, moderated by Bari Weiss. Weiss read a selection of Charlie Kirk’s controversial past statements — on guns, race and civil rights — and asked Erika Kirk how she reconciled those comments with his reputation as a civil-discourse figure. Erika Kirk urged viewers to consider full context, saying he “loved excellence” and that selective quotes did not capture his broader views. The town hall was scheduled to air in full on the network.
CBS News Minnesota investigation
A separate CBS News Minnesota investigation reviewed exclusive evidence showing how alleged fraud proceeds were spent: luxury cars, private villas, cash-filled boxes and transfers to foreign banks. Prosecutors and former U.S. attorneys described the fraud as a get-rich scheme that exploited programs intended to feed children, house vulnerable people and support disability services. State officials said fighting fraud was a priority, but community leaders warned against stigmatizing entire populations.
Local and other coverage
– In the Seattle region, responders sandbagged downtown businesses and prepared for river cresting; displaced families described losing homes and possessions amid fast-rising water. Up to 300 National Guard troops were deployed for rescues and sandbag operations. Meteorologists warned additional storm systems could bring renewed flooding after a short lull.
– A doorbell camera in the East Bay captured a major gas explosion south of Oakland that injured several people and damaged buildings; Pacific Gas & Electric said a contractor reported damaging a gas line prior to the blast.
– In Maryland, a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador was returned and ordered released by a federal judge who found he had been held without lawful authority; DHS said it would appeal.
– A CBS News town hall scheduled Saturday will feature Erika Kirk discussing her husband’s legacy and controversial statements.
– Lighter note: A Kansas man who cares for dozens of raccoons is pushing a bill to legalize raccoons as pets in his state. The animals — some living indoors and treated as companions — are illegal as pets in many jurisdictions. Wildlife officials warned raccoons are wild animals unsuited to confinement, while supporters described them as intelligent companions.
Coming up
CBS News investigative reporting will air on alleged fraud spending in Minnesota, and the network’s town-hall with Erika Kirk is set for Saturday. The Evening News will continue to follow the Pacific Northwest flooding and the other top stories.
