#ourCOG Daily Brief [May 21, 2026]

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

In today’s U.S. news, a controversial settlement in a case involving President Trump suing his own government has raised concerns among critics, who fear a resulting “anti-weaponization fund” could be misused to benefit the president and his allies. Meanwhile, support for Israel is notably declining among Democrats, a shift that is already influencing primary campaigns and could signal significant policy changes if the party gains control of Congress. We’re also seeing reports that Iran has emerged as a significant propaganda player with its slick, viral ‘Lego’ videos, seemingly catching the U.S. off guard. Politically, President Trump’s influence on the Republican Party remains strong, as evidenced by the defeat of outspoken critic Thomas Massie in Kentucky by a Trump-backed challenger. On the academic front, U.S. schools are grappling with budget shortfalls due to a significant drop in international graduate student enrollment. Globally, the economic situation in Iran has worsened considerably due to war, an internet blackout, and a shipping blockade, creating an unclear path forward. Additionally, questions are being raised about whether Norway, a humanitarian superpower, can continue its vital efforts without traditional U.S. support in global initiatives.

Looking at some of our video content, we have “Cancel The Invitation To Temptation” with Jentezen Franklin, along with a special feature for May 21, 2026, and “City Nights.”

From the FaithNews RSS feed, we’re seeing updates on a Korean Church Organization partnering with the Church of God, continuing concerns as Cuba Maintains Poor Religious Freedom Conditions, the unveiling of a U.S. Army Hymn for the 250th Army Anniversary, and Pentecost Sunday being Designated as ‘Evangelism Sunday.’

In prophecy news, an Israeli tech company is reportedly preparing to release millions of tons of microscopic particles into the Earth’s upper atmosphere to reflect sunlight, a concept some are linking to Joel’s prophecy of the sun dimming. Earlier this week, President Trump’s act of reading God’s promise to Solomon while in Jerusalem was noted as a significant, biblical moment connecting nations to their relationship with God. On the military front, Russia and Belarus have held joint nuclear weapons drills, with Russia having deployed nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles to its neighbor and placing Belarus under its nuclear umbrella. And in the UK, a 66-year-old pastor was arrested and is facing hate speech charges for preaching the Bible and speaking out against Islam during a street sermon.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back to May 22, 334 BCE, Alexander the Great’s Macedonian army defeated Darius III of Persia in the Battle of the Granicus. This victory marked the beginning of a journey that would infuse Egypt and Asia Minor, including Jerusalem and Judea, with Hellenistic culture. This cultural clash would eventually ignite the Maccabee Revolt, leading to decades of internal conflict that wouldn’t truly conclude until the Second Temple’s destruction. Furthermore, on the 23rd of Iyar, 3618, which was May 22, 124 BCE, Simon the Hasmonean successfully expelled the Syrians and their Hellenized Jewish allies from their last stronghold in Jerusalem’s citadel—a pivotal victory that predates the Hanukkah celebration by four decades.