CDC Removes COVID-19 Vaccines from Recommended Schedule for Healthy Groups
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will no longer include COVID-19 vaccines in their official immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced. National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya joined Kennedy in a video posted on X, calling the decision “common sense and good science.” Normally, changes like this go through a CDC advisory committee vote before the CDC director gives final approval, but this change hasn’t yet been voted on by that panel.
Trump and Musk’s Relationship Faces Strains Over Spending Bill
There appears to be some tension brewing in the once-friendly relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Trump’s effort to push a major tax and spending bill through Congress received criticism from Musk, who expressed disappointment over the bill’s high costs. Musk also said the bill “undermines the work the DOGE team is doing” and has voiced opposition to Trump’s tariffs in the past. Trump downplayed the criticism, saying he was “not happy about certain aspects” but was “thrilled by other aspects.” Meanwhile, Musk’s 130-day stint as a “special government employee” has officially ended.
Southwest Airlines Ends Free Checked Bag Policy
Southwest Airlines has ended its long-standing tradition of allowing free checked bags. Starting now, passengers will be charged $35 for their first checked bag and $45 for a second, with higher fees for oversized or overweight items. Tickets booked or changed before May 28 are exempt from these charges, and some fare types and loyalty program members will still get free checked bags. This change follows other major policy shifts at Southwest, including the end of its iconic open seating policy after more than 50 years. The airline stated that passenger preferences have changed, prompting these updates.
Phil Robertson, Star of Duck Dynasty, Passes Away
Phil Robertson, the beloved patriarch of the family featured on A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” has died at the age of 79. Known for his distinctive beard and straightforward manner, Robertson had been battling Alzheimer’s disease along with other health issues. His family-run hunting business, Duck Commander, inspired the popular reality TV show, which ran from 2012 to 2017 and focused on faith, family, and hunting. Although Robertson has passed, the legacy continues with a new spinoff series, “Duck Dynasty: The Revival,” premiering on June 1.
Caitlin Clark’s Injury Deals Blow to Indiana Fever and WNBA
WNBA star Caitlin Clark is sidelined for at least two weeks after straining her left quadriceps during a loss to the New York Liberty. This injury will keep her out of at least four games, causing a notable drop in ticket sales. The impact is especially felt ahead of the Fever’s June 7 road game against the Chicago Sky—a much-anticipated matchup that had been moved to the 23,000-seat United Center due to high demand sparked by the Clark vs. Angel Reese rivalry. Clark’s absence is a significant loss for both her team and the league at a crucial moment.
