#ourCOG Daily Brief [April 14, 2026]

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 of accountability on Capitol Hill, possibly fueled by the Epstein scandal and a changing media landscape. The ongoing redistricting battles in states like Virginia and Florida might not shift the partisan balance, but they could lead to an even more polarized U.S. House. Looking back at history, President Abraham Lincoln’s legacy on immigration is being re-evaluated, showing a mixed record but a clear championing of newcomers’ “right to rise.” Internationally, U.S.-Iran talks have collapsed over Tehran’s nuclear program, leading President Trump to order a Navy blockade to pressure Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. On the global stage, research on how different countries rank their citizens’ morality and ethics is offering insights into rebuilding trust, highlighting a significant difference between the U.S. and Canada. In Taiwan, an opposition leader’s recent trip to mainland China, aimed at cross-strait dialogue, appears to have backfired amidst a growing sense of local identity. And in the ongoing Iran conflict, the “enemy of my enemy” principle isn’t bringing Gulf Arabs closer to Israel; distrust has only deepened due to Israel’s conduct of the war and concerns over its expanding power, even before the conflict began against their advice.

Turning our attention to recent video content, we’ve had a look back at some inspiring moments from the past. You can now view “Alabama Church of God Camp Meeting, June 16, 1989, Carl Richardson,” as well as “Alabama Church of God Camp Meeting, June 14, 1989, Carl Richardson,” and “Alabama Church of God Camp Meeting, June 16, 1988, Paul Henson.”

In FaithNews, we’re sharing several important updates. We’ve learned of the passing of Robert White, our former General Overseer. Also, a Church Planting Intensive is currently in session, equipping future leaders. Additionally, a new ‘Jesus Wells’ Campaign is actively focusing on the ‘World’s Thirstiest Communities,’ aiming to provide essential resources. And finally, a Ministry recently celebrated a win, taking home ‘Best Children’s Feature’ at the Movieguide® Awards.

For the latest prophecy news, Vice President JD Vance weighed in yesterday, suggesting the Vatican should “stick to morality” amidst a growing rift between the Trump administration and the Holy See, fueled by the Iran war. Meteorologists are sounding the alarm about the potential for the “worst El Niño in 140 years” for California, with signs that the phenomenon is already in motion. Over the weekend, U.S. and Iranian officials met face-to-face in Islamabad for ceasefire talks, following a fragile two-week ceasefire in a war that has shaken global markets. And finally, the U.S. fertility rate has hit a record low, with experts attributing it partly to decades of efforts discouraging early childbearing.

And finally, a look back at Jewish history for April 15th. This day in 1191 saw the coronation of Henry VI as Holy Roman Emperor, a period regrettably marked by widespread anti-Semitic riots across Europe, even as the leading Talmudist Ephraim Ben Jacob of Bonn was active. Later, in 1250, Pope Innocent III denied the Jews of Cordova permission to build a synagogue. However, a brighter moment came in 1402 when Pope Boniface IX granted “liberal privileges” to the Jews of Rome, offering protections and recognizing them as Roman citizens. And interestingly, April 15th also marks the birthdate of Leonardo Di Vinci, the artist behind what some consider the most famous Seder painting.