Donald Trump's former longtime lawyer Michael Cohen admitted on Thursday that he and others working for Trump negotiated with important Russians over a possible Trump Tower in Moscow well into the presidential campaign in 2016. Meanwhile, in response to a killing of a journalist, Senate Republicans back a bill that would curb the president's power. This episode: Congressional correspondent Scott Detrow, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, justice correspondent Ryan Lucas, national political correspondent Mara Liasson, White House correspondent Scott Horsley, and political reporter Tim Mak. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

House Democrats nominated Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to serve as the next speaker of the House. If approved by the full House, Pelosi would again wield the gavel in January — a dozen years after she became the first female speaker in 2007. Plus, Republicans claimed another Senate seat in a runoff in Mississippi, wrapping up the midterms elections for the Senate. This episode: political reporter Danielle Kurtzleben, Congressional correspondent Scott Detrow, and political editor Domenico Montanaro. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

The U.S. briefly closed border entries in Tijuana and used tear gas on the protesters after several migrants began approaching the border fence. The president has defended their actions. Plus, the president heads to Mississippi to rally for the Republican facing a formidable Democratic opponent. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Scott Horsley, and national political correspondent Mara Liasson. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

Original broadcast date: April 7, 2017. Whether it's asking for a raise or asking for equality, speaking up can be risky — even dangerous. This hour, TED speakers share ideas and stories about taking the crucial step to say something. Guests include activists Esra'a and Dalia Mogahed, climate scientist James Hansen, social psychologist Adam Galinsky, and poet Clint Smith.

Eleven House Democrats and five incoming freshmen have signed a letter promising to vote against Pelosi in Democrats' internal caucus leadership vote as well as on the House floor in January. Plus, President Trump says he completed written questions for the special counsel. Now, the ball is back in Robert Mueller's court. This episode: Congressional correspondent Scott Detrow, White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Kelsey Snell, and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

An update on where things stand in Georgia and Florida plus why President Trump is planning some rallies in Mississippi. And of course, Domenico Montanaro's annual discussion of why turkeys get presidential pardons. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political editor Domenico Montanaro and political reporter Asma Khalid. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

When we focus so much on achievement and success, it's easy to lose sight of joy. This hour, TED speakers search for joy in unexpected places, and explain why it's crucial to a fulfilling life. Speakers include inventor Simone Giertz, designer Ingrid Fetell Lee, journalist David Baron, and musician Meklit Hadero.

A recount is under way in Florida, rebel Democrats claim they can defeat Nancy Pelosi in a speaker vote, a bipartisanship effort at criminal justice reform is happening...and of course, can't let it go. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Kelsey Snell, national political correspondent Mara Liasson, political editor Domenico Montanaro and White House reporter Ayesha Rascoe. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

Congress is returning to Washington this week for an end of year session that's likely going to bring a good bit of drama. The team discusses the impending leadership elections in the House and what Congress still needs to accomplish. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Scott Detrow and congressional reporter Kelsey Snell. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

Election season hasn't actually ended yet as a recount becomes likely in Florida, where a vicious legal battle is brewing. Votes are also still being counted in Georgia, Arizona and California, which could end up changing election results. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political reporter Miles Parks and political editor Domenico Montanaro. Email the show at [email protected]. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.