#ourCOG Daily Brief [February 21, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for February 21, 2026.

Today in U.S. news, a new report highlights that three in five American undergraduates struggle with basic needs like food and housing, prompting colleges to develop new support models. The Supreme Court has struck down the Trump administration’s use of an emergency economic law to impose broad tariffs, though President Trump has vowed to find other legal avenues to maintain them. The unfolding Epstein files continue to reveal high-profile names, including the former Prince Andrew and Lawrence Summers, who are now under scrutiny. Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, with experts warning that innovation may be outpacing safety measures. And looking ahead to 2028, several Democratic governors are making headlines this week in Washington, positioning themselves as potential presidential contenders by showcasing their strategies for pushing back against the Trump administration. On the world stage, Norwegian cross-country skier Johannes Klæbo has made Olympic history, securing his sixth gold medal at the 2026 Games and eclipsing Eric Heiden’s record. There’s positive economic news from Africa, as its two largest economies, South Africa and Nigeria, show signs of recovery after a challenging period. Lastly, in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly attempting to reshape the narrative surrounding October 7 as the country prepares for an election year, facing questions over his refusal to authorize an independent inquiry into the events.

Turning our attention to our video offerings, you can catch up on our “Sunday Morning Service,” find inspiration in “Thank You for Making a Way,” and reflect on the message of “Will You Water the Camels.”

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we’re tracking a “Church Planting Intensive Set for March 11-13,” news that a “Church Files Emergency Appeal to Resume Worship,” the popular podcast “The Bible Recap Hits Top 100 on Apple Podcasts,” and a “Multi Million Dollar Gift Launches New Era for SMCH.”

In prophecy news, we’re seeing discussions echoing exceptionalism through General Washington’s Valley Forge Prayer. On a more current note, President Trump has been briefed on multiple Iran strike options as U.S. forces continue to move into the region. Concerns are also rising over national security, with a new report identifying researchers in top U.S. labs who may have ties to the Chinese Communist Party. And Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently delivered a significant speech at the Munich Security Conference, declaring a “New Western Century” and asserting that America will not oversee a “managed decline.”

Finally, in Jewish history, looking ahead to February 22nd, we note the coronation of Ramses II in 1290 BCE, whom some identify as the Pharaoh of the Exodus, though this remains a subject of debate among Egyptologists. Also on this date in 1040, we mark the birth of Rashi, Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac, one of the most revered commentators on the TaNaCh and the Talmud, reputedly a descendant of King David himself.

That concludes our daily brief. Thank you for joining us.