Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 23, 2026. In U.S. news today, the focus remains on the Strait of Hormuz, where the U.S. and Iran are locked in a standoff, with the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program still central. We’re also seeing President Trump’s $500 million bailout of Spirit Airlines sparking […]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 22, 2026. Today in U.S. news, President Trump’s “Art of the Deal” approach in his conflict with Iran appears to be giving Tehran leverage, as an impasse over the Strait of Hormuz continues. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are creatively using “reconciliation” to try and end the […]

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 […]

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 […]