#ourCOG Daily Brief [October 11, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for October 11, 2026.

In our top stories from the U.S. today, a botched execution in Tennessee and discussions about livestreaming a firing squad have reignited the national death penalty debate, prompting serious questions about morality and justice. Federal officials are highlighting the debate over local cooperation in the wake of an ICE shooting in New York, while the Cornell rape allegations continue to draw a significant cultural firestorm, with public views informed by the #MeToo movement and the Jeffrey Epstein case. Politically, the upcoming midterms could mark the start of a generational shift in Congress, as many seats are projected to be filled by younger representatives. We’re also seeing questions about the meaning of representation, particularly in Tennessee, where new redistricting maps, flowing from a Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act, have fractured Memphis’s traditionally Democratic stronghold. Turning our attention overseas, the Middle East conflict is intensifying with Houthis and Saudis exchanging strikes on airports, as the Iran-backed Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of hitting the Sanaa airport. A more serene report from Taiwan introduces us to an artist in Hualien who finds light in the storm, crafting unique art from driftwood collected after typhoons. And in a powerful story from Afghanistan, women are bravely stitching together an education in secret ‘sewing’ classes, five years after the Taliban outlawed schooling beyond the sixth grade.

Moving on, if you missed out on any services today, our latest video titles include ‘Sunday Service | Sundays at 9:30AM & 11:30AM EST | citylife church,’ ‘Join us now for this morning’s service! [11am EST Service],’ and the ‘Princeton Church Live Stream 10-11-26.’

In FaithNews, we’re tracking the latest headlines including ‘Operation Compassion Prepares First-Responder Relief Teams for Hurricane Isaias,’ the news that ‘The Chosen’ Talent Joins Award Winners for Unique Multimedia Retelling of the Story of John the Baptist,’ a report on how the ‘San Diego Mayor Punishes Pastor for Christian Beliefs,’ a case now heading to the U.S. Supreme Court, and finally, ‘CoGPray Launched at Leadership Gathering.’

Shifting to prophecy news, today we’re hearing from Rabbi Tovia Singer, who suggests that Daniel’s 1,335-year countdown began at the Dome of the Rock and concludes this very year, 2026. This comes as recent reports describe city council meetings in Iowa and Washington opening with Satanic prayers, an occurrence linked to what some are calling ‘leftist Marxists.’ Meanwhile, the Pentagon has reportedly drawn up extensive plans for a major military offensive against Iran, targeting missile installations, drone facilities, and energy infrastructure, and we learn of a thwarted Muslim terror attack planned for the Mall of America. Finally, Pope Leo XIV is set to join over 300 leaders of various religions at what’s being called a ‘scandalous’ Assisi gathering on October 27, aimed at promoting the ‘spiritual unification’ of the world.

And finally, in Jewish history, looking back at this day, October 11, we remember the massive earthquake that struck Aleppo, Syria, in 1138. The Jewish community there traditionally traces its origins all the way back to the time of King David. The city’s Great Synagogue, dating back to the fifth century, stands as a testament to its ancient heritage, but the community’s true historical importance is highlighted by the Aleppo Codex. This incredible manuscript is the earliest known containing the entire text of the Bible, copied over a thousand years ago, and was famously consulted by Maimonides himself when he set down the precise rules for writing Torah scrolls.