#ourCOG Daily Brief [April 25, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 25, 2026.

In today’s top stories, the Trump administration continues to make headlines with various policy shifts and actions. Domestically, there’s ongoing debate surrounding the ethics of undercover operatives, particularly after charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center highlighted concerns about informants within extremist groups. Meanwhile, Harvard University is facing a significant strike as over 4,000 graduate students demand higher wages and better protections. The administration has also reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug, aligning with President Trump’s call for “common sense” policy, although public opinion remains divided on the drug’s societal effects. Additionally, a $500 million bailout for Spirit Airlines, which could give the government a 90% stake, is sparking criticism from Republicans over concerns of “quasi-nationalization.” On the international front, the possibility of a nuclear deal to end the Iran war remains a key focus, with discussions often referencing the Obama-era JCPOA that Trump rejected. However, hopes for a breakthrough in peace talks were dealt a blow after President Trump canceled the envoys’ Pakistan trip, only for talks to reportedly continue later with U.S. envoys heading to Pakistan for another round of indirect discussions. While a ceasefire in the Middle East has largely held, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz continues to face blockages, impacting the global economy. Amidst this extended ceasefire, Lebanon is now assessing the devastating human and economic cost of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war.

Today’s video lineup features inspiring messages including “Break Me, Lord | Luke 7:37–38 (KJV),” “When Beauty Rises From Brokenness” by Bishop Jason Garner from Sunday Morning Service (10AM), and “Digging The Family Well” with Jentezen Franklin.

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we’re following news that the Executive Council has completed its April Session, the First Christian Startup School is now officially open, and a Presidential Message commemorates 250 Years of the Bible in America. Also, the City of Refuge is slated to be featured in an upcoming new documentary.

In prophecy news, discussions continue about Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s sudden shift in wealth, with a CPA stating that her excuse “won’t fly.” The House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan has ordered the Southern Poverty Law Center to turn over communications with the Biden DOJ and the FBI. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated as President Trump reportedly ordered the U.S. military to “shoot and kill” Iranian small boats choking the critical waterway. And in a significant development, the Isaac Accords were signed in Jerusalem between Israel and Argentina, establishing a new Jewish-Christian alliance against terrorism and Iran.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at April 26th, we remember the birthdate of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius in 121 AD, who famously described Jews as “stinking and tumultuous.” In 1198, Frederick I, Duke of Austria, who notably employed a Jew named Schlom as his master of the mint, passed away. And in 1478, the Pazzi family attacked Lorenzo de’ Medici during High Mass, killing his brother Giuliano. This event proved to be a setback for the Jewish community of Florence, as Lorenzo de’ Medici had been a strong defender of the Jewish people, protecting them from expulsions and the violent frenzy often incited by anti-Semitic sermons.