The Pentagon will no longer require flu vaccines for military service members. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the change allows troops to make their own medical decisions and respect their religious beliefs.
Key Facts
The Pentagon ended the rule requiring all military members to get a flu vaccine.
This decision was announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The new policy is described as giving service members medical autonomy.
It also protects the ability of troops to follow their religious convictions.
The policy change applies to all American military personnel.
The goal is to trust troops to decide if the flu vaccine is right for them.
The announcement was made on a Tuesday.
The flu vaccine is no longer mandatory but remains available for those who want it.
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The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) said it is being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department for possibly breaking the law. The investigation focuses on SPLC’s past practice of paying people to secretly join extremist groups.
Key Facts
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a civil rights group.
The Justice Department is conducting a criminal investigation of the SPLC.
The probe concerns SPLC’s use of paid informants to enter extremist groups.
Informants are people who secretly gather information for others.
The SPLC announced the investigation on a Tuesday.
The investigation comes under President Donald Trump’s administration.
There may be legal charges against the SPLC or its employees.
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The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Joseph Matos, who is wanted for the murder of 19-year-old National Guard member Chrys Carvajal in Chicago in 2021. Matos and another gang member allegedly shot Carvajal to gain status within their gang.
Key Facts
Chrys Carvajal, a 19-year-old National Guard member, was fatally shot on July 3, 2021, in Chicago.
Joseph "Troubles" Matos, age 43, is wanted for the murder and is believed to be armed and dangerous.
Another suspect, Gary "Gotti" Roberson, was arrested during an FBI raid in May 2024.
Carvajal was shot while walking to his car after a party, shortly after returning from National Guard training.
The shooting was reportedly to help Matos and Roberson maintain or increase their standing in the Milwaukee Kings street gang.
An arrest warrant for Matos was issued in May 2024 with charges including murder linked to racketeering.
Matos has several distinctive tattoos, including gang-related phrases, and is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall and about 220 pounds.
Carvajal had planned to become a Chicago police officer before his death.
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Kevin Warsh, chosen by President Donald Trump to replace Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve Chair, appeared before the Senate for a confirmation hearing. Senators questioned him about the independence of the Federal Reserve during the hearing.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh is President Trump's nominee for Federal Reserve Chair.
He is set to replace Jerome Powell in this role.
Warsh appeared before the Senate for a confirmation hearing.
Senators asked him about how the Federal Reserve can stay independent.
The Federal Reserve plays a key role in setting U.S. monetary policy.
Confirmation hearings are part of the process to approve high-level government appointments.
The hearing was covered by CBS News, including correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns.
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Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Kevin Warsh during his hearing to become Federal Reserve Chair. She asked about his financial assets and whether he could act independently from President Trump.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh is a nominee for Federal Reserve Chair.
Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned him at his confirmation hearing.
Warren focused on Warsh’s financial assets.
She also questioned his independence from President Trump.
The hearing was described as tense.
The Federal Reserve Chair leads the U.S. central bank, which influences the economy.
Disclosure of financial assets helps identify any conflicts of interest.
Independence from the president is important for the Fed’s unbiased decisions.
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Virginia held a special election where voters decided on a ballot measure to allow the Democratic-led state legislature to temporarily redraw the state's congressional districts. This decision could influence which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives, as it may change the balance of Virginia’s congressional seats.
Key Facts
The special election did not have any candidates running for office.
Voters considered a measure to change Virginia’s constitution for redistricting power.
The Democratic-majority General Assembly would get temporary power to redraw congressional districts if the measure passes.
The move follows Texas Republicans redrawing their congressional map in 2025 to benefit their party.
Democrats currently hold 6 of Virginia’s 11 congressional seats.
The new redistricting plan could increase Democratic-held seats to 10, a gain of 4 seats.
The plan was passed by the Virginia legislature and signed by Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger.
Control of the U.S. House could be affected by this redistricting outcome.
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Leon Smith, a social studies teacher at Haverford High School in Pennsylvania, was named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. He teaches AP U.S. history and AP African American studies and was previously Pennsylvania's Teacher of the Year for 2025.
Key Facts
The National Teacher of the Year award is chosen by the Council of Chief State School Officers.
Smith teaches advanced placement courses in U.S. history and African American studies.
He was honored for representing teachers across the country.
Students and colleagues describe him as passionate, caring, and engaging.
Smith coaches the freshman basketball team at his high school.
Basketball legend Julius Erving surprised Smith on live TV to congratulate him.
Smith said making students feel cared for is as important as teaching content.
Erving shared a story about his own mentor, a teacher and coach who impacted his life.
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The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a civil rights group, said it is being investigated by the Department of Justice (DOJ). This comes after the Trump administration has frequently criticized the SPLC. The organization’s interim CEO mentioned they do not yet know all the details of the investigation.
Key Facts
The SPLC is a civil rights organization.
The Department of Justice is currently investigating the SPLC.
The investigation was announced by the SPLC on a Tuesday.
The investigation happens after repeated criticism of SPLC by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Bryan Fair is the interim CEO of the SPLC.
The SPLC does not have full information about why the DOJ is investigating.
The investigation’s specific focus is not yet clear.
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Voters in Virginia are participating in a special election to approve new political district boundaries. This vote is important because it could change how many House of Representatives seats each party wins from Virginia, affecting control in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Key Facts
Virginia voters are casting ballots for a special redistricting vote.
Redistricting means drawing new maps for political districts.
The vote is part of a nationwide effort by Democrats and Republicans to influence House control.
Changing district lines can affect which party wins more seats.
The outcome may impact the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
CBS News reported and provided analysis through Anthony Salvanto.
This vote is happening during the current political term under President Donald Trump.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that U.S. military members will no longer be required to get a flu shot every year. The decision makes flu vaccinations voluntary for active and reserve service members and Defense Department civilians.
Key Facts
The Department of Defense ended the annual mandatory flu shot for all service members.
The change was announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a video on X (formerly Twitter).
The decision is part of the Trump administration’s effort to reduce what it calls “overreaching mandates.”
A memo states the flu vaccine is now voluntary for all active duty, reserve members, and Department of Defense civilians.
Only reserve troops activated for more than 30 days will still be required to get the flu vaccine.
The Pentagon will no longer pay reservists or National Guard members for time spent getting their flu shots independently.
The Navy and Marine Corps warn that flu vaccination helps protect mission readiness by reducing flu spread among troops.
The COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which led to some troops leaving the military, was lifted in 2023, and President Trump has allowed some discharged members to return.
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Rep. Eric Burlison said he thinks it is possible that foreign countries like China, Russia, or Iran could be behind the recent deaths and disappearances of around eleven American scientists. He made this comment while serving on a committee that looks into government matters.
Key Facts
Rep. Eric Burlison represents Missouri and is a member of the House Oversight Committee.
Nearly a dozen American scientists have died or gone missing in recent years under unclear circumstances.
Burlison suggested that countries such as China, Russia, or Iran might be involved.
The statement was made on a Monday during a public discussion or hearing.
The House Oversight Committee investigates government actions and related issues.
No direct evidence was cited in Burlison’s statement linking those countries to the incidents.
The scientists’ deaths or disappearances remain mysterious and unexplained.
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Singer and songwriter D4vd has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The case is currently developing, with CBS News providing updates.
Key Facts
D4vd is accused of first-degree murder.
The victim is Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was 14 years old.
D4vd has entered a plea of not guilty.
Several charges have been filed against D4vd.
CBS News reporter Matt Gutman is covering the story.
The case involves serious criminal allegations.
Further details are being reported as the case progresses.
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A gun users’ group called the Australian Recreation Union (ARU) is campaigning against new firearm laws in New South Wales. The group is targeting seats held by Labor party members who supported the laws introduced after the Bondi terror attack in December 2023.
Key Facts
The ARU emailed 15 Labor backbenchers in NSW, saying it had campaign managers ready in 17 marginal seats.
The new firearm laws passed quickly in December 2023 after a terror attack in Bondi.
The laws limit recreational gun owners to four firearms each and commercial users to 10.
The NSW Liberal party supported the laws, while the Nationals opposed them due to concerns for farmers and regional businesses.
The ARU offers support to parties opposing the laws and plans to campaign against those who backed the restrictions.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the laws aim to protect the community and criticized the ARU’s tactics.
The Liberals said they would continue reviewing the laws to ensure proper implementation.
The ARU claims the laws unfairly target law-abiding gun owners and were passed without enough consultation.
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A young homeless man from Nepal named Bikram Lama was found dead near Sydney’s city center after reportedly living on the streets with expired visa status. Australian federal and state housing ministers said his death shows the need to better support non-resident homeless people who often cannot access housing, jobs, or healthcare. The government and community groups are discussing ways to close these support gaps.
Key Facts
Bikram Lama, 32, came from Nepal to study in Australia but his visa expired and he didn’t renew his passport.
He was found dead on 7 December 2023 near St James tunnel in Sydney, where he had been sleeping rough.
Police believe his body was undiscovered for up to a week despite the area’s foot traffic.
Non-residents like Lama can’t legally work or access crisis housing, social services, or government assistance in Australia.
State and federal housing ministers called the death “beyond tragic” and said it highlights service gaps for vulnerable non-resident homeless people.
Community groups and local councils are urging governments to improve support and provide access to shelters and housing for non-residents.
The Department of Home Affairs provides some help to certain visa holders but expects those who cannot stay legally to leave the country.
The issue involves both federal responsibility for visas and state responsibility for housing services.
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Cocaine use in the United States has decreased significantly over the past decade, especially among young adults aged 18 to 25. Newer generations are turning to other drugs like ketamine, psychedelics, and prescription stimulants, while concerns about safety and health effects are growing.
Key Facts
Cocaine use fell from 6.7% of Americans in the 1980s to 1.5% in 2024, with 4.3 million adults reporting use in the past year.
Among 18- to 25-year-olds, cocaine use dropped from 2.1 million in 2017 to 811,000 in 2024.
This decline happens even though cocaine production in Colombia is at record highs.
Generation Z views cocaine as risky and linked to heavy drinking and nightlife culture they are moving away from.
Concerns about fentanyl contamination have made cocaine use feel unpredictable and more dangerous.
Young adults are choosing cannabis, prescription stimulants like Adderall, and drugs such as ketamine and psychedelics instead.
Cocaine is less popular in club scenes compared to other substances which may have fewer negative mental side effects.
The cultural appeal of cocaine has faded, as more people focus on health and mental wellness.
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A caregiving expert and researcher, Neal K. Shah, highlights the importance of sibling relationships for mental health and aging. He explains that good sibling bonds can reduce loneliness and improve emotional well-being in older adults, while conflicts can increase risks of depression and anxiety.
Key Facts
Neal K. Shah is a caregiving expert, researcher, and CEO of CareYaya Health Technologies.
Shah used to work as a hedge-fund manager but became a full-time caregiver after personal experiences with dementia and cancer care.
Research shows siblings often know each other longer than spouses or friends.
Healthy sibling relationships lower risks of depression, anxiety, and loneliness in older adults.
Loneliness affects over 30% of Americans aged 65 and older and is linked to higher early death risk than heavy smoking.
Toxic sibling relationships can harm mental health more than having no sibling support.
Good social connections, including friendships, matter for healthy aging even for those without siblings.
Shah works to support caregivers and promote sibling bonds as a key part of aging well.
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The U.S. Department of War shared a video showing U.S. forces boarding a tanker in the Asia Pacific region. The tanker is sanctioned because it is suspected of helping Iran, and this action is part of efforts to stop such vessels.
Key Facts
U.S. forces boarded a tanker in the Asia Pacific region.
The tanker is under sanctions, meaning it is legally restricted.
The operation aims to disrupt ships that support Iran.
The Department of War published a video of the boarding.
These actions are part of ongoing U.S. efforts to enforce sanctions.
The Asia Pacific region includes many countries near the western Pacific Ocean.
The operation was carried out by U.S. military or security forces.
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Virginia voters will decide on a new plan to redraw political district boundaries in a vote on Tuesday. This process, called redistricting, happens every ten years after the census to adjust districts based on population changes.
Key Facts
The vote is about a redistricting plan in the state of Virginia.
Redistricting changes the boundaries of political districts.
This process occurs every 10 years after the national census.
The purpose is to reflect population shifts and keep districts balanced.
The vote will happen on Tuesday.
The redistricting plan affects state and possibly congressional districts.
CBS News reporter Fin Gómez covered the story.
People can watch CBS News or use their app to follow updates.
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Kevin Warsh, nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve, spoke at his Senate confirmation hearing. He started his statement by saying that America's economy has more potential to grow right now.
Key Facts
Kevin Warsh is President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Reserve.
Warsh spoke at a confirmation hearing held by the Senate.
He gave an opening statement about the economy.
Warsh said America’s economic growth potential is increasing.
The Federal Reserve chairman guides U.S. monetary policy.
The Senate must approve Warsh before he can become chairman.
The hearing was covered by CBS News.
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President Donald Trump said the United States is thinking about doing a currency swap with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He mentioned this during an interview on CNBC, noting that the UAE had been targeted by missiles from Iran during the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
President Trump stated the U.S. is considering a currency swap with the UAE.
The statement was made during an interview on the CNBC news channel.
The currency swap is being considered amid the war involving Iran.
Iran has launched missile attacks on the UAE during this war.
A currency swap is an agreement where two countries exchange money to help trade or financial cooperation.
The United States and UAE are working together in response to regional security threats.
The discussion shows ongoing U.S. involvement in Middle East economic and security matters.
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