#ourCOG Daily Brief [April 15, 2026]

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 decreased public trust in tax fairness, with many believing the wealthy aren’t paying their share. On Capitol Hill, the resignations of Swalwell and Gonzales suggest a new era of accountability might be dawning, fueled by the Epstein scandal and a changing media landscape. Politically, upcoming midcycle redistricting in states like Virginia and Florida is expected to be a partisan wash but could further polarize the next U.S. House. Globally, Gulf states are moving to “Iran-proof” their future through arms deals and workarounds to the Strait of Hormuz, following costly missile attacks and blockades. In Bangladesh, ancient handwoven rugs are creating new opportunities for women beyond Dhaka’s textile industry, while abroad, fired USAID staffers are creatively keeping critical projects alive through new donor partnerships despite a retreat in American foreign aid.

In our video section, we’re highlighting the latest: “Hell’s Spells CH. 6 | The Jezebel Spell | Bishop Jason Garner | IPCOG,” followed by “Today On Jentezen Franklin TV,” and “Master Conversations the Power of a Simple Pause. #power #simple #pause.”

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we’re tracking several significant updates: “City of Refuge to be Featured in New Documentary,” “Group Advocates for ‘Historical Accuracy’ of Role of Faith,” “New Devotional Helps Readers Break Free from Negative Thinking,” and news of the passing of “Robert White, Former General Overseer.”

Turning to prophecy news, the U.S. Department of State has offered a $10 million bounty for Ahmad al-Hamidawi, the leader of the Iran-backed Kata’ib Hezbollah. This comes as Vice President JD Vance advises the Vatican to “stick to morality” amidst rising tensions between the Trump administration and the Holy See, fueled by the ongoing Iran war. Meteorologists are also sounding alarms about what could be the “worst El Niño in 140 years” this year, with early signs already in motion. All of this unfolds after U.S. and Iranian officials reportedly met face-to-face in Islamabad for ceasefire talks, following seven weeks of conflict that have shaken global markets.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at April 16th, we remember 1457 BCE, when Egyptian forces under Thutmose III defeated rebellious Canaanite Vassal States at the Battle of Megiddo, a site that would later become famously associated with King Solomon and the mythic Battle of Armageddon. Exactly 537 BCE, on the first of Iyar, the foundation of the Second Temple was laid, a pivotal moment for the Jewish people. And in 69 CE, the short reign of Roman Emperor Otho ended as he committed suicide.