#ourCOG Daily Brief [February 20, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for February 20, 2026.

In today’s top stories, a new report reveals that three in five U.S. undergraduates now struggle with basic needs like food and housing, prompting colleges to adopt new support models. The Supreme Court has struck down the Trump administration’s broad use of an emergency economic law for tariffs, with the justices stating the 1977 law didn’t grant such sweeping power, though President Trump vowed to find other ways to maintain them. The recently unsealed Epstein files continue to generate headlines, with former Prince Andrew being the highest-profile figure to face criminal charges, and many other notable names under scrutiny. Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over AI safety as innovation races ahead, highlighted by a Defense Department dispute and warnings from researchers. On the political front, Democratic governors are making their mark this week in Washington, positioning themselves as potential 2028 presidential contenders by showcasing their strategies against the Trump administration. Internationally, Africa’s two largest economies, South Africa and Nigeria, are showing signs of recovery after several challenging years. In Israel, as the country moves towards election-year politics, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces questions about his refusal to authorize an independent inquiry into the events of October 7. Finally, our Olympics reporter reflects on the exuberance and gratitude felt as the joyful 2026 Milan Cortina Games wrap up.

Next, we turn to some of the latest video offerings, featuring insights from “Help From Your Generational Angel | Episode 1324 | Perry Stone,” reflections on “The Blessing of God’s Face,” a look at “The Power of Short Prayers,” and messages from “Jentezen Franklin,” rounded out by “The Resourceful Well Within You.”

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we’ve seen headlines including “Church Planting Intensive Set for March 11-13,” “Church Files Emergency Appeal to Resume Worship,” “‘The Bible Recap’ Hits Top 100 on Apple Podcasts,” and news about a “Multi Million Dollar Gift Launches New Era for SMCH.”

In prophecy news, tensions in the Middle East remain high as President Trump has been briefed on multiple Iran strike options, with more U.S. forces moving into the region and the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier expected in the Mediterranean later this week. A new report raises national security concerns by identifying at least 21 Chinese nationals in top U.S. labs with likely ties to the Chinese Communist Party. On the diplomatic stage, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared a “New Western Century” in a recent world speech, emphasizing America’s refusal to oversee a “managed decline.” Additionally, a global investor sees Israel as a resilient financial hub, and California has been significantly impacted by a winter storm bringing high winds, heavy rain, and snow.

Finally, in Jewish history, we look back at February 21. In 362 AD, Athanasius returned to Alexandria to combat various Christian heresies, including the Arians. His strong anti-Jewish rhetoric, it’s understood, actually served to stigmatize Christians who resisted his efforts to reform local Alexandrian practices of Lent and Easter to align with more international, Catholic lines. Fast forward to 1513, when the papacy of Julius II came to an end; he is perhaps best known for commissioning Michelangelo with the Sistine Chapel ceiling.