#ourCOG Daily Brief [February 22, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for February 22, 2026.

We start with a look at today’s top headlines. In U.S. news, a concerning report indicates that three in five undergraduates are struggling 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, although President Trump has vowed to continue tariffs using other legal avenues. Meanwhile, the unsealed Epstein files continue to reveal high-profile names, with the former Prince Andrew now facing criminal charges and figures like Lawrence Summers under scrutiny. There are also growing concerns over AI safety, as innovation races ahead of safeguards, highlighted by a Defense Department dispute and warnings from researchers. Politically, Democratic governors are stepping into the spotlight, taking on the Trump administration and positioning themselves as potential contenders for the 2028 presidential nomination. On the world stage, security and violence are driving Latin American voters to support “iron fist” policies in upcoming elections. The Mexican army has announced the killing of “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. And finally, at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games, Norway proved to be the undisputed champion, securing 18 gold and 41 overall medals, while the U.S. team brought home a respectable 12 gold medals.

Our latest video offerings include “A Message To Pharaoh” with Dr. David Lamb, recorded on February 22nd, our “Sunday Service” broadcast live from citylife church, and the “Dallas Church of God Livestream,” available for your viewing.

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we have several important updates: a “Church Planting Intensive” is set for March 11-13, a “Church Files Emergency Appeal to Resume Worship,” “‘The Bible Recap'” has hit the top 100 on Apple Podcasts, and a “Multi Million Dollar Gift” is launching a new era for SMCH.

In prophecy news, Iran has declared it will not ‘bow’ to pressure amidst ongoing nuclear talks with the U.S., even as anti-government protests are reported in Tehran. This follows earlier reports of President Trump being briefed on multiple Iran strike options as more U.S. forces, including the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier, move into the Middle East. Earlier this week, national security concerns were raised by a report identifying at least 21 Chinese nationals in top U.S. labs with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, and we were also reminded of General Washington’s pivotal Valley Forge Prayer during the struggles of the Continental Army in December 1777.

Finally, in Jewish history, today, February 22nd, marks the coronation of Ramses II in 1290 BCE, who some scholars believe to be the Pharaoh of the Exodus, though there’s ongoing debate among Egyptologists regarding his exact accession date. It’s also the secular calendar birthdate of the revered Rabbi Solomon ben Isaac, or Rashi, born in Troyes, France, in 1040. Rashi remains one of the greatest commentators on both the TaNaCh and the Talmud, reputedly descended from the royal house of King David himself.