#ourCOG Daily Brief [February 24, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for February 24, 2026.

In today’s top stories, concerns are rising over basic needs for U.S. undergraduates, with three in five reportedly struggling with food or housing insecurity, prompting colleges to adopt new support models. The Supreme Court has struck down the Trump administration’s broad use of emergency economic laws for tariffs, a ruling the President vows to counter with other legal avenues. Meanwhile, the unsealing of Jeffrey Epstein’s files continues to reveal high-profile names, including the former Prince Andrew and Lawrence Summers, sparking further scrutiny. AI safety is also under the microscope, as rapid innovation raises fears that safeguards are being left behind, evidenced by disputes within the Defense Department. And looking ahead to 2028, Democratic governors are making their mark in Washington, many seen as strong contenders for their party’s presidential nomination, having demonstrated an ability to challenge the Trump administration. On the international front, tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high, with both sides seemingly misreading each other as they head into nuclear diplomacy talks in Geneva. The global scramble for Greenland’s rare earth minerals and energy potential continues, raising questions about the self-determination of its people. And in heartwarming news, one nonprofit is ensuring children in remote areas have access to books by bringing libraries to them via camel, rickshaw, or whatever means necessary.

Turning to our digital content, today’s featured videos include “Receive Him The Right to Become Children of God,” a chapel service from February 24, 2026, with Julie Martinez, and “I Got the Joy of the Lord.”

From our FaithNews feed, the latest headlines announce a Church Planting Intensive set for March 11-13, a church filing an emergency appeal to resume worship services, “The Bible Recap” hitting the Top 100 on Apple Podcasts, and a multi-million dollar gift launching a new era for SMCH.

In prophecy news, the headlines are buzzing with current events. Today, February 24th, reports discuss “liberal judges declaring themselves president,” taking unprecedented actions to appoint executive branch personnel against the President’s wishes. This follows yesterday’s news, February 23rd, detailing President Trump reportedly “mulling targeted Iran strikes,” with the potential for larger military action if diplomacy or initial attacks fail to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, Iran, on February 22nd, stated it “will not bow” to pressure amid U.S. nuclear talks, even as anti-government protests are reported in Tehran.

And finally, in Jewish history for February 25th, we remember a significant victory in 161 BCE when Jewish soldiers under Judah Maccabee defeated the Syrian general Nicanor, who had threatened to destroy the Temple. Centuries later, in 138 CE, Emperor Hadrian, known as one of the cruelest Roman emperors for his defeat of Bar Kochba and his war against Judaism itself, adopted Antoninus Pius as his successor. In a twist of fate, Antoninus Pius actually reversed Hadrian’s decrees, allowing the study of the Torah and its laws to be observed once again.