#ourCOG Daily Brief [April 21, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 21, 2026.

In U.S. news today, proposed ICE mega-jails are facing unexpected pushback from pro-Trump Southern towns, citing logistical and financial concerns. Meanwhile, retiring lawmakers express worry that Congress is losing its ability to function effectively, with fundraising and attention-getting eroding norms. The closure of Hampshire College, despite significant fundraising, highlights the financial and demographic pressures challenging many small liberal arts institutions. In Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger is finding it difficult to maintain a moderate image as redistricting looms and her party controls the state legislature amidst polarized politics. Internationally, the recent conflict in Iran has prompted allies to question U.S. strategic thinking, as a militarily inferior adversary used asymmetric warfare to resist American might, changing perceptions of U.S. power. Around the globe, Peru finds itself balancing decades of Chinese investment with renewed U.S. regional interest, welcoming American capital but not at the expense of its relationship with Beijing. In Uganda, rapidly melting tropical glaciers are dramatically reshaping the lives of mountain villagers who depend on them. And amid a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, civilians displaced by the Israel-Hezbollah conflict face significant obstacles returning to their war-damaged homes, with a new Israeli occupation zone in the south making many areas unreachable.

Before we go, let’s take a quick look at some of the latest videos you might have missed. These include a historical look back at the “Alabama Church of God Camp Meeting, June 17, 1984,” a thought-provoking short titled “Treating People You Disagree With Like Jesus Would #shorts #christian #respect,” and today’s “Chapel” message, “Love Your Mama,” from April 21, 2026.

Turning to our FaithNews RSS feed, we haven’t found any recent faith-based news to share with you today.

In prophecy news from the past few days, the EU is set to gauge member states’ willingness to take measures against Israel, with Spain leading calls to suspend their cooperation agreement. President Trump claims the U.S. seized an Iranian ship in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz after the Navy fired warning shots. Separately, Pope Leo XIV has expressed regret over his statements being interpreted as a response to Donald Trump, emphasizing his disinterest in debating the U.S. president. And the ever-increasing number of Starlink satellites, now over 10,000, is starting to declare war on comets, with their bright trails making it difficult to photograph celestial objects like Comet PanSTARRS.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back to April 22nd, we note several significant events. In 404 AD, Emperors Arcadius and Honorius issued a decree limiting opportunities for Jews and Samaritans to serve the Empire. Fast forward to 1073, when Pope Gregory VII began his twelve-year reign; he’s remembered by some as “The Jewish Pope” due to reports of him being descended from an Italian Jew named Baruch who converted to Christianity. Later, in 1213, Pope Innocent III issued the papal bull Quia maior, calling on all of Christendom to join what would become a major crusade.