Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy was at the White House on Wednesday for talks as President Biden continues to insist that the U.S. paying its debts is non-negotiable. House Republicans remove Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota from her seat on the Foreign Relations committee. And in response to pressure from Congress, the administration says it will end the COVID emergency declaration. Here's what that means in practice.This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro, and health correspondent Selena Simmons-Duffin.This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Devin Speak.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Guest host Selena Simmons-Duffin delves into the 'fraternal birth order effect' on sexuality, where the likelihood of being gay increases with each older brother. She discusses the global studies, debunked research, and societal impacts of this phenomenon.

In 2013, researchers published a landmark study on why Americans of all incomes and demographics die years before their peers in comparable countries. In the decade since the report was published, that gap has only grown. We examine the policy choices behind Americans' shorter lives.This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, national political correspondent Mara Liasson, and health correspondent Selena Simmons-Duffin.The podcast is produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It is edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Devin Speak.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Giveaway: npr.org/politicsplusgiveaway Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

White House correspondent, health policy correspondent, and national justice correspondent discuss the Supreme Court's decision on an abortion case. They highlight the challenges ahead for abortion access, including pending cases and the potential impact on medication abortion. The episode explores the legal battles and uncertainty in the ongoing abortion debate, emphasizing the importance of standing in such cases.

The podcast features White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and health policy correspondent Selena Simmons-Duffin discussing the Supreme Court case on mifepristone. Justices seem skeptical of arguments to restrict access with implications beyond abortion. They delve into the legal battle, conservative arguments for drug legalization, and the dual usage of the medication for miscarriage treatment and abortion, highlighting reproductive care and legal battles.

Selena Simmons-Duffin, health policy correspondent at NPR, discusses the challenges faced by women seeking abortion in Texas, including the recent Texas Supreme Court ruling, strict regulations, and absence of exemptions for rape and incest. She also highlights Kate Cox's personal experience and the contradictory nature of the abortion laws, as well as the implications of the court's ruling on medical exceptions and mandated grieving.

Selena Simmons-Duffin, health policy correspondent at NPR, discusses the legal challenges faced by women seeking abortions in Texas, the complex landscape of abortion laws in the state, and contradictions in the Texas Supreme Court's opinions. The podcast also includes an interview with Simmons-Duffin and closing remarks from the host.

This episode discusses gun violence and contains mentions of suicide and the sound of gun shots. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8, or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.Nearly one-in-five Americans have seen someone injured in a shooting. Four percent of adults have been injured themselves. A recent KFF poll documents the sizable reach of a uniquely American gun violence epidemic.This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, and science correspondent Selena Simmons-Duffin.The podcast is produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dr. Francis Collins talks with health correspondent Selena Simmons-Duffin about Americans' overall health, how tribalism in American culture has fueled vaccine hesitancy, and advises his successor on how to persevere on research of politically charged topics — like guns and obesity and maternal health. Selena talks with host Emily Kwong about the conversation.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Health insurance can be tremendously confusing, with its complexity, jargon and acronyms. But putting in a bit of time to learn what these health insurance terms mean can empower you to better understand what signing on to a plan might mean for your budget and your health.Whether you're picking a plan for the first time, thinking of changing a plan, or want to see your options, NPR health correspondent, Selena Simmons-Duffin offers tips for browsing and choosing a health insurance plan. This episode is brought to Short Wave in conjunction with our colleagues at Life Kit.What other tips and tricks would you like from Short Wave? E-mail us at shortwave@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy