#ourCOG Daily Brief [April 19, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 19, 2026.

In U.S. news today, the closure of Hampshire College highlights the financial and demographic pressures facing many small liberal arts institutions. Politically, Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger is grappling with the challenges of governing from the center in a highly polarized Virginia, as a crucial redistricting vote looms. On the international front, perceptions of U.S. power and strategic thinking are being questioned following the Iran war, with allies voicing concerns. Domestically, a new documentary explores the controversial “sheltered workshops” for intellectually disabled workers, debating exploitation versus the sense of purpose and community they provide. Finally, Congress remains split across party lines over the surveillance powers granted by FISA Section 702, with a Monday deadline quickly approaching.

Turning to our video offerings, the latest include our Sunday Service available live at both 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM EST, alongside recent livestreams from citylife church, Dallas Church of God, and the Princeton Church Live Stream for April 19, 2026.

In FaithNews, we hear that the City of Refuge is slated to be featured in a new documentary, while a dedicated group continues to advocate for the ‘historical accuracy’ of faith’s role in society. Also, a new devotional aims to help readers break free from negative thinking, and we note with sadness the passing of Robert White, our former General Overseer.

For our prophecy news updates, Pope Leo XIV has expressed his disinterest in debating Donald Trump, clarifying that his recent statements on ‘tyrants’ were not intended as a direct response. In space news, Starlink satellites have now surpassed 10,000 in Earth orbit, leading some observers to jokingly say they’re ‘declaring war on comets’ due to their increased visibility. We’re also tracking legislative efforts to implement age verification for parts of the internet, which is raising red flags for compliance and data security. Finally, the mystery surrounding the numerous March fireballs continues to deepen, following significant events across Western Europe, Ohio, and Houston.

And finally, in Jewish history, looking back at April 20th. We note the birthdate of Marcus Aurelius in 121 AD, the 16th Roman Emperor often called the ‘Philosopher’ Emperor. Despite his reputation, he held a remarkably low opinion of the Jewish people, reportedly calling them ‘stinking and tumultuous’ and preferring the company of the ‘barbaric Teutons.’ This sentiment may have stemmed from the immense difficulty Rome faced in quelling successive Jewish rebellions, particularly the Bar Kochba revolt just 25 years before his reign. Also on April 20th, in 570 AD, was the birthdate of Muhammad, the revered founder of Islam.