Selena Simmons-Duffin
Stories
-
RFK Jr. fact check: Were Americans actually healthier decades ago?
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. frequently harkens back to when his uncle was president as a healthier time for Americans. But American life expectancy in 1960 was almost ten years shorter than it is today. And the leading causes of death were chronic diseases.
-
At World Pride in Washington, D.C., government policies create a sense of tension
WorldPride is being celebrated in Washington, D.C., this year, with a parade being held today near the White House. But the president's policy on DEI and transgender rights is making some participants nervous.
-
RFK Jr. stands by overhaul of HHS during congressional testimony
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is standing firm on the sweeping cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, cuts he says were suggested by Elon Musk and his team.
-
RFK Jr. faces criticism from Congress about budget cuts to science and health care
On Wednesday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifys before the House Appropriations committee in the morning and the Senate HELP committee hearing in the evening.
-
RFK Jr. got rid of an 'alphabet soup' of health agencies. Now, Congress gets a say
On Wednesday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. goes to Capitol Hill to promote and defend his massive overhaul of HHS, and President Trump's plans to change it even more.
-
Trump administration asks court to dismiss suit restricting access to abortion drug
Trump's Justice Department asked for a lawsuit against the abortion medication mifepristone to be dismissed. It's a surprising move, given that it is similar to one the Biden administration made.
-
Health care for transgender children questioned in 400-page Trump administration report
President Trump called for the report in an executive order, titled "Protecting Children From Chemical and Surgical Mutilation."
-
How three key cabinet departments are functioning amid layoffs and cuts
NPR correspondents recap how funding cuts, layoffs and leadership and policy changes in the second Trump administration are affecting the Departments of Defense, State and Health and Human Services.
-
It's sexual assault awareness month and HHS just gutted its rape prevention unit
The CDC teams that supported local sexual assault prevention groups were 'wiped out' in RFK Jr.'s overhaul of the Department of Health and Human Services.
-
NPR's health reporters catch you up on cuts to agencies and contract spending
It was a chaotic week for the nation's health agencies, as layoff notices rolled in along with an order for deep cuts to contract spending. NPR's health reporters tell us what they've learned.
