Here are the major stories from the Dec. 11 CBS Evening News broadcast.
Pacific Northwest flooding
An atmospheric river has dumped historic rain across western Washington, triggering catastrophic flooding and large-scale evacuations. Some Seattle-area locations recorded nearly 18 inches of rain over several days as rivers surged toward record crests. Mount Vernon and parts of Skagit County were inundated; the city erected temporary flood barriers as the Skagit River rose. The Snohomish River set new records and was expected to top prior highs by roughly half a foot, threatening neighborhoods that hadn’t flooded in decades. Rescuers used boats to pull people from roofs and car hoods while sandbagging crews and National Guard teams worked to divert water. Officials warned the situation remained unpredictable: a brief lull in rain was expected before more storms return, keeping flood danger high and prompting orders for tens of thousands to evacuate.
Venezuela sanctions and tanker seizure
The U.S. Treasury announced sanctions targeting relatives of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and several oil tankers accused of supporting the regime. U.S. forces seized a large tanker, the Skipper, which authorities say was part of a so-called “dark fleet” used to move sanctioned oil at sea. The administration said it would continue seizing vessels tied to illicit fuel shipments. Critics warned the moves could escalate tensions; Senator Jacky Rosen questioned the policy’s aims. Venezuelan opposition leaders overseas called the Maduro government criminal. Opposition politician and Nobel Peace Prize nominee María Corina Machado reportedly left Venezuela in a risky operation and traveled to Norway; she missed a ceremony there but later reunited with family.
Michigan football coach arrested
University of Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was fired and arrested amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Newly released 911 audio described chaotic moments at an apartment complex, including reports of a person allegedly carrying a knife and following a woman. Moore, 39, who is married with children, was held in the Washtenaw County Jail; authorities said formal charges would be revealed at arraignment. The firing and arrest come after earlier program scandals and sanctions that have affected the Wolverines in recent seasons.
Minnesota COVID-era fraud probe
Federal prosecutors outlined a sprawling fraud scheme that allegedly exploited state-run pandemic relief programs in Minnesota. A CBS News review of files and wire transfers showed convicted defendants spent ill-gotten funds on luxury travel, foreign properties and expensive goods; investigators estimate more than $1 billion may have been stolen across related cases. In the last three years, 87 defendants were charged and 61 convicted. The probe has focused heavily on members of Minnesota’s Somali-American community; officials say evidence points to theft for personal enrichment rather than funding extremist groups, though investigations continue. State leaders pledged reforms and appointed a statewide fraud czar to try to recover stolen funds.
Town hall with Erika Kirk and CBS Minnesota investigation
CBS aired excerpts of a town hall with Erika Kirk, widow of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, moderated by Bari Weiss. Weiss read controversial past remarks attributed to Charlie Kirk on guns, race and civil rights; Erika Kirk urged viewers to consider fuller context and defended aspects of his legacy. The full town hall is scheduled to air on the network. Separately, a CBS News Minnesota investigation documented how alleged fraud proceeds were spent on luxury cars, private villas, cash-filled boxes and transfers to foreign banks, and prosecutors described the scheme as a get-rich operation that preyed on programs meant to help children, vulnerable adults and people with disabilities.
Local and other coverage
– Seattle-area responders continued sandbagging downtown businesses and preparing for river crests; up to 300 National Guard troops were deployed for rescues and sandbag operations. Meteorologists warned more storm systems could renew flooding after a short lull.
– A doorbell camera in the East Bay captured a major gas explosion south of Oakland that injured several people; Pacific Gas & Electric said a contractor reported damaging a gas line before the blast.
– In Maryland, a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador was returned and ordered released by a federal judge who found he’d been held without lawful authority; DHS said it would appeal.
– A Kansas man who cares for dozens of raccoons is pushing a bill to legalize raccoons as pets; wildlife officials cautioned they are wild animals unsuited to confinement.
Coming up
CBS News investigative reporting will air more on alleged fraud spending in Minnesota, and the full town hall with Erika Kirk is set for Saturday. The Evening News will continue to follow the Pacific Northwest flooding and other top stories.