Good evening. Major storms swept the Plains and Midwest, putting more than a third of Americans under severe weather threats. Supercells produced tornadoes, damaging hail and widespread wind damage — including tornadoes in Kansas and Minnesota, and flooded neighborhoods in Michigan after heavy rain and melting snow. Meteorologist Rob Marciano warned that a large area, from the interior Northeast through the Midwest and into the Plains, faced risks of tornadoes, giant hail and damaging winds, with record warmth fueling the system. Tonight the Plains and parts of the Midwest stayed under tornado and severe thunderstorm watches, and forecasters urged people to stay alert.
In Washington, two members of Congress resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations. Texas Republican Tony Gonzales admitted to a relationship with a former aide. California Democrat Eric Swalwell denied assault allegations but acknowledged what he called mistakes in judgment; he has withdrawn from the governor’s race and resigned his House seat. CBS News spoke with two women who say Swalwell pursued them years ago; one former model recently accused him of rape, alleging she was incapacitated at an event. Swalwell’s lawyers called the claims a political hit, while prosecutors in Manhattan and elsewhere are investigating.
Markets were higher as talks about a US-Iran ceasefire advanced. President Trump suggested face-to-face negotiations could resume soon while the US Navy enforced restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Tehran, a move that has pushed gas prices up. White House and international officials met with diplomats from the region to seek a framework for peace. Energy executives told CBS News that while some US crude is buffering prices, sustained disruptions to Middle East shipping could keep fuel costs elevated and strain global supplies.
At Chevron’s largest Gulf Coast refinery, the company urged conservation and said there’s no simple way to shield American consumers from global energy disruptions. The IMF warned prolonged energy shocks could bring the global economy close to recession and trigger higher inflation.
In Texas, testimony resumed in lawsuits arising from last summer’s flash flood that killed 27 at Camp Mystic. Prosecutors and families pressed camp leaders over decisions during the storm. One director admitted sleeping through overnight alerts; relatives of Cile Stewart, the only camper still missing, asked judges to prevent cleanup at the site, saying evidence could be destroyed as the camp prepares to reopen on adjacent higher ground. State officials and lawmakers continue reviewing the camp’s operations.
Overseas, police in Zanzibar detained a U.S. man as investigators probe the death of influencer Ashly Robinson, known online as Ashlee Jenae. Robinson was found unconscious in her villa during a vacation; her boyfriend remains in custody while investigators complete an autopsy and review the circumstances of her death.
CBS News interviewed two women who came forward about former Congressman Eric Swalwell’s behavior. Annika Albrecht said social media attention prompted her to speak after years of fear about repercussions. Ally Sammarco and others described inappropriate messages and conduct. Swalwell denied the assault allegations. The Manhattan DA’s office confirmed an investigation into an alleged hotel assault in New York.
In the Bahamas, Brian Hooker, whose wife Lynette has been missing after reportedly falling overboard more than a week ago, was questioned and released by Bahamian police. Hooker told CBS News he believes Lynette could still be alive and wants to return to resume the search. Coast Guard investigators joined Bahamian teams; Hooker says he and Lynette had separated briefly after she fell into rough water and began swimming toward their boat while he drifted away in a dinghy. Lynette’s family has urged a thorough investigation.
A high school principal in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, tackled a would-be school shooter in the lobby this month, reportedly after being shot in the leg. The principal’s quick action prevented further injuries; the suspect faces multiple charges, including shooting with intent to kill.
A Texas courtroom heard emotional testimony from families affected by the Camp Mystic tragedy, where parents have pressed for accountability after flash flooding. Camp leaders testified about warnings and decisions during the night of the flash flood that killed campers and counselors; the families of the missing have sought to halt work at the site while litigation proceeds.
CBS also reported from the Bahamas on the disappearance of Lynette Hooker and spoke with the husband, who was detained for several days and denied wrongdoing while insisting he wants to continue searching. Authorities classify the ongoing effort as a recovery mission and are coordinating with U.S. investigators.
From the Pentagon and State Department, U.S. officials said they are pursuing diplomatic talks around the Iran-Israel conflict, with European partners working to reopen shipping in the Strait of Hormuz once conditions permit. The naval presence and restrictions on Iranian port shipping have curbed some traffic; the U.S. says at least six Iranian vessels turned back on orders from U.S. forces, and the blockade has contributed to higher global fuel costs.
A segment on grit and opportunity profiled Freddie McGee III, an undersized football player from Canton, Michigan, seeking another shot at the NFL after walking on at Eastern Michigan and playing in Arena Football. McGee stood outside the Detroit Lions practice facility holding a sign asking for a chance, embodying the perseverance promoted by the team’s culture.
Culture notes: the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was announced, honoring artists from the ’80s and ’90s alongside others; winners included Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan, Billy Idol and Phil Collins. Some notable pop figures were not inducted.
Finally, CBS Evening News covered human stories and local heroism alongside national news — reminding viewers that communities and individuals continue to confront natural disaster, political upheaval, legal reckonings and personal tragedies, even as broader diplomatic efforts unfold. Good night.
