#ourCOG Daily Brief [September 23, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for September 23, 2026.

In today’s top stories, a federal test could put pressure on colleges, potentially leading them to lose federal student loan access if graduates don’t see a significant income boost. Meanwhile, a shooting in Texas involving an immigrant is renewing concerns over ICE tactics during vehicle stops. President Trump’s proposal for a 250-foot arch in Washington, which he claims the military wants for storing ammunition and drones, is being met with skepticism from analysts who see no genuine military need. On Capitol Hill, calls for AI regulation are highlighting a notable lack of technology savvy among many members of Congress, while voters seeking generational change might find that Boomer priorities continue to rule despite younger candidates being elected. Internationally, older voters are surprisingly poised to decide Brazil’s presidential election, shifting focus from the traditional youth vote. At the United Nations, President Trump delivered a strong speech, again threatening Iran but also suggesting that the Iran war could be nearing a resolution “one way or the other.” Finally, the U.S. and Chinese leaders, Xi and Trump, are preparing for their second of four planned meetings this year in Washington, part of an ongoing effort to steady ties amidst intense global competition.

Turning to our recent video content, we’ve had some inspiring messages. You can catch up on “What Awaits You in Heaven” with Jentezen Franklin, find encouragement in “Building Your Faith” by Pastor Tony Stewart, and hear important insights in “Revolutions And Bad Winters Are Predicted!” from Perry Stone.

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we’re celebrating the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home, which recently dedicated its newly renovated cottage. We also saw groups nationwide hosting 9/11 Memorial Climbs, and inspiring news from Jordan where more than 500 people came to Christ at a recent event. And a significant milestone: Church of God membership has now topped 10 million worldwide.

In prophecy news, President Trump’s UN speech made headlines again today, where he reportedly threatened to “annihilate” Iran and defended his handling of global conflicts, just before meeting with other world leaders. Shifting to military matters, Poland is actively seeking to host 15,000 U.S. soldiers on its territory as Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its fifth winter. On the economic front, France’s national debt is projected to climb to its highest level since 1978 due to a soaring deficit. Finally, a security expert hailed President Trump’s recently announced Greenland pact as a “big deal,” on par with the Alaska purchase, for its role in blocking U.S. adversaries like China and Russia from establishing bases and investments on the island.

And finally, looking back at Jewish history for September 22nd: In 384, Roman Emperors Gratian, Valentinian II, and Theodosius I issued decrees forbidding Jews from buying or owning Christian slaves, with severe penalties for those who converted Christians to Judaism. Fast forward to 1499, Switzerland gained de facto independence from the Holy Roman Empire. Jews had been settling in Switzerland since the 13th century, with the Jewish community in Basel being one of Europe’s largest in the early 14th century. However, the latter half of the 14th century and the 15th century saw successive bans driving Jews from various cities and cantons, primarily fueled by accusations of well poisoning linked to the spread of the Black Death.

That’s your #ourCOG Daily Brief for September 23, 2026. Have a blessed evening.