#ourCOG Daily Brief [April 20, 2026]

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 pressures facing many small liberal arts institutions. Politically, Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger is finding it difficult to govern from the center in a polarized Virginia, especially with her own party controlling the legislature. On the international stage, President Trump’s handling of the Iran war is raising questions among allies about the state of U.S. strategic thinking, particularly after an adversary used asymmetric warfare effectively. Domestically, a new documentary explores the debate around “sheltered workshops” for individuals with intellectual disabilities, examining charges of exploitation versus the purpose and community they can offer. Turning to world news, a ceasefire in Lebanon has allowed some civilians to attempt returning home, though a new Israeli occupation zone and lingering fighting present significant obstacles. In Hungary, Péter Magyar is set to take power with a supermajority, aiming to reform Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule. And in Iran, a new, more hard-line generation has taken the reins following U.S.-Israeli “decapitation” strikes, showing less willingness to compromise.

For those interested in our digital content, today’s video highlights include “Focus on today,” “Revival Night-04/19/2026,” and the “Dallas Church of God Livestream.”

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

In prophecy news, the U.S. Navy reportedly seized an Iranian ship in the Gulf of Oman after warning shots, as confirmed by President Trump and a French shipping company. Pope Leo XIV clarified he’s not interested in debating Donald Trump, emphasizing his statements about “tyrants” were not directed at the U.S. president. On a different note, the sheer number of Starlink satellites, now over 10,000, is starting to interfere with astronomical observations, as evidenced by a recent picture of Comet PanSTARRS. Finally, legislative efforts to implement age verification for parts of the internet are gaining traction, raising red flags about compliance, data security, and the broader implications for online freedom.

Finally, in Jewish history, we look back to April 21. Tradition holds that on this day in 753 BCE, Romulus and Remus founded Rome, a date particularly noteworthy given the immense impact the Roman Empire would later have on the Jewish people. Much later, in 586 CE, Ricard I became the Visigoth King of Hispania. His conversion from Arianism to Catholicism dramatically altered life in Iberia, leading to decrees that included the forced baptism of children from Jewish-Christian marriages and prohibitions against Jews holding public office, having relations with Christian women, or circumcising slaves and Christians.