Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for June 13, 2026.
In U.S. news, Congress is currently locked in a standoff with President Trump over a lapsed spy law, raising questions about future counterterrorism efforts amidst heightened security risks. The nation is also grappling with its 250th anniversary events, which many are viewing as a missed opportunity for unity, despite efforts like the White House hosting mixed martial arts fights. Meanwhile, a heartening story emerges from the tiny nation of Cape Verde, whose far-flung diaspora is celebrating its first World Cup appearance. Domestically, questions continue to swirl around President Trump’s fluctuating statements regarding the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, alternately threatening war and predicting peace, prompting speculation about his strategy or control. This conflict has also highlighted the increasing role of sea drones in combat, as one recently aided a troop rescue near Iran. Shifting to world news, President Trump is set to meet G7 leaders with growing confidence for an Iran war deal, with Pakistan indicating an agreement is closer than ever. Trump plans to discuss demining the Strait of Hormuz at the upcoming summit. However, Pakistan’s role as mediator has come at a considerable cost, with many on the ground feeling the price is too high. Finally, in eastern Congo, the ongoing fight against the Ebola outbreak is emphasizing the crucial role of building trust between affected communities and outside health responders.
Turning now to our video library, we recently featured ‘We’ve Been Through So Much Together,’ ‘John 14:1-6,’ ‘Pastor April Garner,’ our ‘Sunday Morning Service (10AM),’ and ‘The Power of Biblical Correction.’
In FaithNews, we’ve seen headlines including ‘Historical Commission Announces Conn Historical Writing Award Winners,’ ‘New Army Hymn Endorsed by U.S. Army Chaplains,’ ‘Ministry Restructures Leadership Team for Stronger Future Impact,’ and ‘Korean Church Organization Partners with Church of God.’
Looking at prophecy news, the Department of War has just released the third tranche of Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon, or UAP, encounter records under the PURSUE system, intensifying geopolitical power struggles. This follows recent disturbing events, including riots in Belfast after an attempted beheading by a Sudanese Muslim, leading to door-to-door evictions and homes being set ablaze. Politically, headlines have questioned the Democrats’ ‘Gallery of Rogues,’ highlighting individuals with links to Al Qaeda, Nazi tattoos, a child sex offender, and satanic practices. Economically, however, President Trump’s critics have been proven wrong again with a blockbuster jobs report showing significant growth.
Finally, in Jewish history, looking back to June 14th: In 1287, Kublai Khan defeated Nayan in East Mongolia, and it’s believed Jewish soldiers may have served under him. Marco Polo even noted Kublai Khan celebrated Jewish festivals, suggesting a notable Jewish presence at the highest levels of the empire. Later, in 1325, the renowned Maghrebi traveler Ibn Battuta was born, whose extensive journeys through places like the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza, and Jerusalem, remarkably mirrored those of the 12th-century Jewish author Benjamin of Tudela.
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