Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 20, 2026. In today’s top stories, a new report highlights concerns from retiring lawmakers that Congress is losing its ability to function, with fundraising and attention-seeking eroding policymaking norms. We also look at the closure of Hampshire College, a victim of the financial and demographic […]

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 […]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 18, 2026. Starting with our top stories, in U.S. news, we’re looking at the closure of Hampshire College, a victim of financial and demographic pressures despite significant fundraising efforts. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is finding it challenging to uphold her moderate image amidst a polarized […]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 17, 2026. Today in U.S. news, a critical look at how America’s handling of the Iran war has impacted global perceptions of its power, especially as an adversary uses asymmetric warfare. On the domestic front, the contentious debate continues over “sheltered workshops” and subminimum wages […]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 16, 2026. Today’s news brings several significant developments both domestically and across the globe. In the U.S., the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by America’s military aims to force Iran to the negotiating table, a move that could significantly escalate tensions in the […]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 15, 2026. In today’s top stories, U.S. news sees President Trump facing scrutiny from Christian supporters over abortion policy and controversial memes, even as 1.7 million acres have burned nationwide this year, more than double the 10-year average. The IRS, meanwhile, has shrunk, leading to […]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 14, 2026. Today in U.S. news, we’re seeing the IRS with fewer personnel, leading to a dip in public trust regarding tax fairness, with many Americans feeling the wealthy aren’t paying their share. Meanwhile, the recent resignations of Swalwell and Gonzales suggest a new era […]