Are deception and secrecy categorically wrong? Or can they be a necessary means to an end? This hour, TED speakers share stories of going undercover to explore unknown territory, and find the truth. Guests include poet and activist Theo E.J. Wilson, journalist Jamie Bartlett, counter-terrorism expert Mubin Shaikh, and educator Shabana Basij-Rasikh.

Congressional Republicans are stepping up their attacks on the team investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election. The House and Senate say they have come together on a final tax bill, and they plan to vote on it next week. A Texas Republican who's under ethics investigation in the House for sexual harassment says he won't seek reelection. And, can't let it go. This episode, host/White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Kelsey Snell, justice correspondent Carrie Johnson, political reporter Danielle Kurtzleben and national political correspondent Mara Liasson. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

For the first time in 25 years, Alabama has elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate. Doug Jones beat Republican Roy Moore, who had been dogged by accusations of sexual misconduct, in the state's special election yesterday. This episode: host/congressional reporter Scott Detrow, congressional correspondent Susan Davis, political editor Domenico Montanaro and national correspondent Debbie Elliott in Alabama. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

After weeks of intense national attention, the special election in Alabama is here. Voters go to the polls tomorrow to decide whether Republican Roy Moore or Democrat Doug Jones will be their next senator. And the race is too close to call. This episode: host/congressional reporter Scott Detrow, political editor Domenico Montanaro and national correspondent Debbie Elliott in Alabama. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

The brain can seem as mysterious as a distant galaxy, but scientists are starting to map and manipulate its many regions. In this hour, TED speakers take us on a trip through the human brain. Guests include neuroanatomist Jill Bolte-Taylor, neuroscientists Suzana Herculano-Houzel and Nancy Kanwisher, cognitive neuroscientist Rebecca Saxe, and philosopher David Chalmers. (Original broadcast date: February 20, 2015)

Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced he's resigning, after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Congress and the president are trying to work out a deal to fund the government. There are protests in Gaza and the West Bank after Trump officially recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. And FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before Congress. This episode: host/congressional reporter Scott Detrow, White House correspondent Scott Horsley, congressional reporter Kelsey Snell, justice correspondent Carrie Johnson and editor correspondent Ron Elving. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.) announced that he's stepping down today, though he says it's because of his health and not sexual harassment allegations. President Trump officially endorsed Roy Moore for Senate in Alabama, and the RNC has also reinstated its support for Moore. The federal government is set to run out of funding on Friday. And there have been several developments in the Russia investigation. This episode, host/White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Scott Detrow, national political correspondent Mara Liasson and justice reporter Ryan Lucas. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, the Senate is moving toward a final vote on a major tax overhaul. This episode: host/congressional reporter Scott Detrow, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Kelsey Snell and justice reporter Ryan Lucas. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

Sometimes, being truthful can be uncomfortable — even risky. But can radical honesty and openness change things for the better? This hour, TED speakers take transparency all the way to its limit. Guests include business writer David Burkus, entrepreneur Ray Dalio, journalist Trevor Timm, and hospital-patient liaison Leilani Schweitzer.

The Senate is debating the Republican tax bill, with a vote likely soon. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi now says Congressman John Conyers should resign over sexual harassment allegations. The Federal Communications Commission is just two weeks away from voting to end net neutrality, the rules that currently govern the internet. And, can't let it go. This episode, host/White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Susan Davis, national political correspondent Mara Liasson and editor correspondent Ron Elving. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.