#ourCOG Daily Brief [March 28, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for March 28, 2026.

In U.S. news today, the Education Department is directing student borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan to prepare for repayment, with loan servicers offering a 90-day window to select new repayment plans, part of President Trump’s initiative to end Biden-era student debt relief. Meanwhile, the cultural landscape of the South is shifting as lower taxes, milder winters, and more affordable housing attract newcomers, largely from the Midwest, subtly altering local accents and lifestyles. Baltimore is reporting progress in its fight against crime, crediting a new policing strategy for a reduction in violent incidents. Internationally, President Trump has extended a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face military action against its power plants, with more U.S. troops heading to the region. And stateside, Opening Day for baseball not only signals the arrival of spring but also highlights the sport’s unique ability to unite humanity through teamwork and the pursuit of excellence across national boundaries. On the world stage, the ongoing conflict in Iran is having significant repercussions for India, undercutting its energy security, remittances, and geopolitical influence, making Delhi one of the biggest indirect losers. The global movement to ban social media for younger children, which began in Australia, is gaining traction with dozens of countries now considering similar laws, though questions remain about their effectiveness. Finally, in Israel, outrage is mounting over increased settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, occurring under the cover of the Iran war, with condemnations coming from a wide array of Israeli leaders, including rabbis and Benjamin Netanyahu’s own military chief of staff.

Turning to our video segment, we invite you to check out “FROM PALMS TO POWER | The King who came; the Lamb who rose” with Bishop Jason Garner, “When Anger Rises, This Is What Works” by Jonathan Vorce, and for those looking to strengthen their relationships, a powerful #shorts video titled “Strengthen Your Marriage Intentionally.”

In FaithNews, we’re following the “Church Planting Intensive In Session,” alongside the impactful “‘Jesus Wells’ Campaign Focusing on ‘World’s Thirstiest Communities’.” We also celebrate news that a ministry has “Wins ‘Best Children’s Feature’ at Movieguide® Awards,” and look forward to the “Church Planting Intensive Set for March 11-13.”

On the prophecy front, recent reports include the cancellation of a California primary gubernatorial debate by the University of Southern California because all invited candidates were white. A judge is currently weighing whether Venezuela can use U.S. funds to cover legal costs for President Maduro in a drug trafficking case. In Israel, the Knesset has made headlines by restoring the power of rabbinical courts, a move that some interpret as echoing the ancient prophecy, “I will restore your judges as of old.” Scientists in Geneva at CERN successfully performed a delicate test of transporting antimatter in a truck. And in a potential sign of de-escalation, President Trump reportedly sent a 15-point peace plan to Iran, which in turn announced it would allow ‘non-hostile’ oil vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

And finally in Jewish history, looking back at March 29th, we note that in 835 BCE, Joash is believed by some to have ascended to the throne as King of Judah. Later, in 1139, Pope Innocent II issued the Papal Bull, Omne Datum Optimum, which endorsed the Knights Templar and generally upheld the Sicut Judaeis doctrine, protecting Jewish lives and religious practices. A significant moment in 1188 saw Emperor Frederick issue a powerful decree, influenced by Moses bar Joseph Hakohen of Mayence, stating that “anyone who wounds a Jew shall have his arm cut off, he who slays a Jew shall die,” a measure credited with preventing much of the violence against Jews during the Third Crusade. And in 1244, we mark the passing of Rabbi Meir Abulafia Halevi, a noted Talmudist and masorete.