#ourCOG Daily Brief [April 30, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for April 30, 2026.

Today in U.S. news, Congress ended the Department of Homeland Security shutdown and took a one-week recess, while high gas prices continue to squeeze voters, deepening Republican midterm challenges. A new voting rights ruling is amplifying redistricting contests across states, and Congress is pressing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for justification on Iran war spending and conduct. On a lighter note, iconic Route 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary, exploring what it still tells us about ourselves. Globally, displaced Lebanese families face anguished uncertainty about returning home despite an extended ceasefire, as fighting in the south persists. A Ukrainian canine unit is finding war victims and offering team members a way through hardship, and the United Arab Emirates, hard-hit by Iran, is pivoting from cooperation to confrontation, pushing the U.S. for greater concessions from Tehran and urging military cooperation among neighbors.

Turning to our video offerings, our latest titles include ‘Learned Responses,’ ‘Praise and Worship – April 19. 2026,’ and an announcement for the ‘International Praise Church Men’s Health Awareness June 5-6, 2026’ event at 5071 Percival Rd. in Elgin, SC.

From our FaithNews RSS feed, the latest headlines report that ‘Hundreds Attend Smoky Mountain Gathering,’ the ‘ECFA Applauds House Vote on Clergy Act,’ the ‘Executive Council Completes April Session,’ and that the ‘First Christian Startup School Now Open.’

In prophecy news, a senior COVID advisor to Anthony Fauci, David Morens, has been charged with conspiracy against the United States for allegedly evading Freedom of Information Act requests related to COVID research grants. Adding to recent developments, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced an LGBT festival near the Dead Sea, in an area traditionally associated with Sodom and Gomorrah. Meanwhile, Senator Rubio has firmly stated the U.S. will not tolerate any deal that positions Iran as a gatekeeper over the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran offers a ceasefire in exchange for an end to the war and lifted U.S. sanctions. And marking what some see as a new stage of redemption, over 250 members of the lost Tribe of Menashe have arrived in Israel from northeast India.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back to May 1st, 305, we note the resignation of Roman Emperor Diocletian due to age and ill health. Interestingly, Diocletian’s reign was largely positive for the Jewish people. He was primarily focused on curbing the influence of Christians, whom he viewed as a major source of instability for the Empire due to their disregard for Roman state religion and zealous proselytizing. Since the Jews posed no such threat, Diocletian granted them an exemption from the requirement to include national sacrifices in their services, with his decrees even being recorded in the Talmud.