#ourCOG Daily Brief [November 13, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for November 13, 2026.

Today in U.S. news, Stephen Miller’s ascension to White House Chief of Staff is raising questions about the future of presidential executive power, with Miller reportedly seeking ways to bypass Congress. Meanwhile, Democrats are grappling with the return of more moderates to Washington, prompting discussions about their readiness to be a ‘big-tent’ party again. A rare House effort to impeach Secretary Hegseth largely failed along party lines, underscoring continued Republican unity despite recent midterm defeats. Internationally, expectations remain low as the U.S. gives Ukraine peace talks another try. On a more celebratory note, the Monitor’s Harry Bruinius traveled the length of Route 66 for its 100th anniversary, uncovering stories of a vibrant America. Shifting to world news, we hear from Oaxaca, Mexico, where generations of candlemakers are creatively keeping ancient traditions alive. Near the Siberian border, a burgeoning ‘no limits’ partnership between China and Russia is driving significant trade. And in a cosmic turn, the Cincinnati Observatory continues to inspire young minds, upholding its legacy as the ‘birthplace of American astronomy’.

In our video lineup, you can catch inspiring messages such as ‘King of Kings,’ insights from the ‘Church of God General Assembly’ featuring Jentezen Franklin on ‘Generational Garments,’ and Perry Stone’s powerful testimony on ‘How My Troubles Have Always Been A Divine Set-Up’ from Episode 1362.

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we have updates including the dedication of the Wright School of Engineering at Lee University, an organization partnering with the Museum of the Bible, news of over 35,000 responses during an evangelistic outreach in Venezuela, and an announcement that Lee University will also host ‘Celebration 2026 and Homecoming’ from November 5th to 7th.

Turning to prophecy news, we’re seeing increasing concerns regarding religious freedom and political conduct. Recent reports highlight a Colorado Democrat State Senator’s intern program with controversial religious and ethnic requirements, prompting calls for a federal investigation. In Florida, the Attorney General is escalating efforts against the Democratic Socialists of America over suspected foreign funding, following a previous action against CAIR. Globally, a harrowing story emerges from Egypt, where a Christian convert faces execution after being reportedly ‘crucified’ and tortured for leaving Islam. This comes amid broader warnings that the persecution of Christians worldwide is worsening, with oppression increasing in over half of surveyed countries.

And finally, in Jewish history, this November 13th marks the birthdate of St. Augustine of Hippo in 354 AD. While revered by the Roman Catholic Church, Augustine held deeply negative views towards Jews, asserting in ‘The City of God’ that their exile was divine punishment for rejecting Jesus. He believed their dispersal served as a perpetual reminder to Christians of their correct faith, arguing that Jews should not be killed but allowed to live in error until their eventual repentance. This theological stance, combined with the political power of figures like Emperor Constantius II, would, sadly, forge a difficult path for Jewish communities for centuries to come.