PBS News Hour - World - With a deadlocked front line, the state of Ukraine peace talks and what Putin wants

American-led diplomacy restarts as the war in Ukraine rages on and unprecedented attacks plunge Kyiv into cold and darkness. How long can Ukraine hold out? How long can Russia wage war? And why has Trump failed to find a path to peace? Compass Points moderator Nick Schifrin discusses that with Michael Kofman, Justin Logan, Angela Stent and Bill Taylor. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Getting Hammered® - America 250 Bonus: George Washington’s Letter to Phyllis Wheatley

I’ve been looking for a way to celebrate America 250 as this year goes by and I don’t want it to be relegated to July 4th or certain events. So, I thought maybe I would search for primary documents, written for or by the Founding Fathers (and a surrounding cast of historical characters) for as many of the days of the year as I can.

Since I’m starting in February, I think it’s fitting that my search brought me first to a set of letters exchanged between Phyllis Wheatley and General George Washington. Below is the poem that prompted Washington to write to the formerly enslaved poet, Phyllis Wheatley.


His Excellency, General Washington

by Phyllis Wheatley


Celestial choir! enthron'd in realms of light,
Columbia's scenes of glorious toils I write.
While freedom's cause her anxious breast alarms,
She flashes dreadful in refulgent arms.
See mother earth her offspring's fate bemoan,
And nations gaze at scenes before unknown!
See the bright beams of heaven's revolving light
Involved in sorrows and the veil of night!

   The Goddess comes, she moves divinely fair,
Olive and laurel binds Her golden hair:
Wherever shines this native of the skies,
Unnumber'd charms and recent graces rise.

   Muse! Bow propitious while my pen relates
How pour her armies through a thousand gates,
As when Eolus heaven's fair face deforms,
Enwrapp'd in tempest and a night of storms;
Astonish'd ocean feels the wild uproar,
The refluent surges beat the sounding shore;
Or think as leaves in Autumn's golden reign,
Such, and so many, moves the warrior's train.
In bright array they seek the work of war,
Where high unfurl'd the ensign waves in air.
Shall I to Washington their praise recite?
Enough thou know'st them in the fields of fight.
Thee, first in peace and honors—we demand
The grace and glory of thy martial band.
Fam'd for thy valour, for thy virtues more,
Hear every tongue thy guardian aid implore!

   One century scarce perform'd its destined round,
When Gallic powers Columbia's fury found;
And so may you, whoever dares disgrace
The land of freedom's heaven-defended race!
Fix'd are the eyes of nations on the scales,
For in their hopes Columbia's arm prevails.
Anon Britannia droops the pensive head,
While round increase the rising hills of dead.
Ah! Cruel blindness to Columbia's state!
Lament thy thirst of boundless power too late.

   Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side,
Thy ev'ry action let the Goddess guide.
A crown, a mansion, and a throne that shine,
With gold unfading, WASHINGTON! Be thine.

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PBS News Hour - Science - How sports betting is changing our brains and behavior

Americans are expected to place a record-breaking $1.7 billion in legal bets on the Super Bowl. With a potential casino inside every phone and computer, a rising chorus of experts who study problem gambling and addiction are ringing the alarm. Horizons moderator William Brangham explores this tidal shift in American culture with journalist Danny Funt and addiction psychiatrist Dr. Timothy Fong. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

PBS News Hour - World - U.S. restarts nuclear diplomacy with Iran amid escalating threats. Here’s what to know

The U.S. faced two very different nuclear challenges across two continents Friday. For the first time since last year's war with Iran, U.S. and Iranian diplomats restarted indirect talks over Tehran's nuclear program. And for the first time, the U.S. accused China of conducting a secret nuclear test, just one day after letting a key nuclear arms treaty with Russia expire. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

PBS News Hour - World - One-on-one with Ambassador Huckabee on what’s next for Gaza and the Middle East

As the Trump administration advances its vision for rebuilding Gaza and reshaping how the territory is governed, critical issues remain unresolved as the ceasefire moves into its next phase. Geoff Bennett speaks with Mike Huckabee, U.S. ambassador to Israel, for more about the administration's plans. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

PBS News Hour - Health - How effective will TrumpRX be at lowering prescription drug prices for Americans?

TrumpRX is now online. The new website lists drugs at reduced rates, with coupon codes to be used at participating pharmacies or directly through manufacturers' sites. It's part of Trump's pledge to lower prescription drug prices, but health policy experts caution the impact will likely be muted for many Americans. Stephanie Sy speaks with Washington Post reporter Dan Diamond for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

PBS News Hour - World - Trump administration’s visa freeze upends work and life for many U.S. families

This week, the Trump administration was sued for a sweeping pause of immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries. The freeze, which began last month, comes on top of full or partial travel and visa restrictions on citizens from 39 countries. We hear from some of the people left in limbo by the bans and suspensions, and Liz Landers speaks with David Bier at the Cato Institute for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Marketplace All-in-One - Consumer mood sours

On the whole, consumers are feeling 20% worse about the economy than they were a year ago, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. High prices were cited as one concern, but that’s been a pain point for years. So what’s new? Also in this episode: Uncertainty in the tech sector drums up investor interest in consumer staples, the federal government yanked over 3,000 data sets from public sites under President Trump, and a dancer-educator discusses the business of ballet.


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PBS News Hour - World - Christine Brennan discusses the Winter Olympics athletes to watch on ‘Settle In’

The 2026 Winter Olympics are now officially underway. This week's episode of our podcast "Settle In" is all about the games in Milan and Cortina, and what you need to know. Amna Nawaz speaks with sports journalist Christine Brennan of USA Today for more on the games, the athletes and the world coming together in an uncertain era. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

1A - The News Roundup For February 6, 2026

The Trump administration now says a “softer touch” might be required when it comes to their immigration agenda in Minnesota. Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s border head, says that 700 ICE agents will leave the state.

In another warning sign for Republicans in Washington, a Democratic candidate won an upset in a special election for a Texas State Senate seat.

And the Department of Justice released another round of Epstein emails on Friday, revealing communications between the late New York financier and several public figures, from Bill Gates to Elon Musk.

Talks between the U.S. and Iran got off to a stuttering start this week, one moment being tabled, and the next moment being back on. Arab leaders lobbied the White House on Wednesday to not walk away from the table entirely.

The Trump administration revealed a plan to create a critical mineral reserve and a new trade alliance, aimed at taking away China’s ability to use its near monopoly of the rare metals as leverage in trade negotiations.

Spain is set to follow Australia’s lead and implement a ban on social media use for minors.

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