Tuesday afternoon's news in under 5 minutes.

We’ve rounded up all the biggest news stories around this afternoon, so it’ll only take you a few minutes to catch up on the important headlines.

1. US considers mandatory measles vaccinations.

By Michael Vincent, ABC NEWS

The number of measles cases in the United States is rising, with some states considering enforced vaccinations.

The US Centres for Disease and Control (CDC), which began tracking the outbreak on January 1, said the measles outbreak had now spread to 17 states and Washington DC.

It said the vast majority of the 121 confirmed cases were part of the large outbreak that began at California’s Disneyland amusement park in December.

The latest figures put the US on track to surpass the 644 cases it experienced last year.

The outbreak has spurred politicians in California, Oregon and Washington state to consider laws to make it harder for parents legally to opt out of vaccinating school-aged children.

Related content: Should sick kids be able to sue anti-vaxxers?

Bills in several other states, including New York, Mississippi and West Virginia, would loosen restrictions.

US congressional leaders and several possible 2016 presidential hopefuls addressed the issue last week, joining a renewed debate over parents’ right to forgo inoculation of their children amid fears about potential side-effects.

The University of California has told students at its 10 campuses they will be required to be immunised for measles, mumps, rubella and other diseases under policy set to take effect in 2017.

Measles, a highly contagious disease that can lead to pneumonia or brain swelling, was declared eliminated in the US in 2000.

This article originally appeared on the ABC and was republished here with full permission. 

2. Campbell Newman has resigned as Queensland Premier.

Campbell Newman has resigned as the Premier of Queensland, pending the election of a new premier.

“In accordance with my constitutional duty, I have agreed it is my obligation to remain in office as caretaker Premier until that time,” Mr Newman said in a statement.

“It is a duty I take seriously and one I will continue to undertake to the best of my ability.”

It has now been 10 days since the state election, and a new premier is yet to be decided.

The Labor and LNP parties are negotiating support with two Katter’s Australian Party members. According to the ABC, Labor has succeeded in gaining the support of independent, Peter Wellington.

It is alleged Annastacia Palaszczuk will seek permission from the Governor to form a minority government.

Baby Gammy is now officially an Australian Citizen.

By Samantha Hawley, ABC NEWS

The surrogate family of Baby Gammy collected his citizenship certificate from the Australian embassy in Bangkok on Monday.

Baby Gammy, who was at the centre of a surrogacy scandal in Thailand, was granted Australian citizenship last month.

Related content: Wonderful news for Baby Gammy.

Born with Down syndrome via a surrogate mother, Gammy was abandoned by his Australian parents Wendy and David Farnell who chose to take only his twin sister Pipah back to their home in Western Australia.

Gammy could now be eligible for Australian welfare payments.

His surrogate mother, Pattaramon Chanbua, also known as Goy, has not applied for an Australian passport.

This article originally appeared on the ABC and has been republished here with full permission.

4. Charles Manson calls off his wedding for a peculiar reason.

Charles Manson and his 27-year-old fiancee have called off their wedding.

Why?

Not because of the somewhat alarming 53-year age difference. Not because he is a convicted mass murderer and cult leader…

But because she was only marrying him to secure the rights to his corpse.

Afton Elaine Burton, also known as Star, was plotting to place Manson’s corpse in a case, and pop it on display for tourists or Manson-worshippers.

According to news.com.au, the pair considered it would turn out like a Californian version of Lenin’s tomb, drawing massive crowds and big bucks.

However, Manson’s protestations to the marriage are not the money-grubbing corpse theft, but rather because he things it’s, well, stupid.

“He feels he will never die. Therefore, he feels it’s a stupid idea to begin with,” journalist, Daniel Simone, said.

5. Tasmanian police urge gunman to surrender, as barricade continues.

By ABC NEWS

A suspected gunman holed up at a property in Launceston, in Tasmania’s north, for more than 27 hours has been urged by police to give himself up.

Negotiations with the man are continuing after he held a woman and two children hostage at the Newnham property for more than two hours on Monday.

Police Commander Brett Smith said officers were still aiming for a peaceful resolution.

“We know that he has contact with other people outside, not just our negotiators,” he said.

“We would encourage those people that he does have contact with to encourage him to leave the residence, walk to the front door and he’ll be met by police and his safety can be guaranteed in that respect.”

At least seven police cars and a Bearcat armoured truck are near the house on Cedar Street.

A fire truck and SES vehicle are also on standby.

This article originally appeared on the ABC and was republished here with full permission.