#ourCOG Daily Brief [July 12, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for July 12, 2026.

In today’s top stories, U.S. politics saw the passing of South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a figure who evolved from a critic to a key ally of President Trump, and was praised by the Senate Majority Leader for his commitment to freedom-loving countries. Meanwhile, international tensions remain high as mediators attempt to salvage the crumbling Iran nuclear deal, with Iran’s leader vowing revenge for his father’s death and President Trump threatening missile strikes in response to threats against him. Despite constant threats, Iran has yet to strike U.S. soil, possibly due to weak terror networks and strong U.S. surveillance. Domestically, the Colossus AI farm in Memphis is testing the city’s innovation spirit, and ahead of midterm elections, President Trump is pushing for the SAVE America Act focused on proof of citizenship, amidst other significant changes to voting procedures. On the world stage, Côte d’Ivoire’s large youth population continues to struggle for employment opportunities, while Israel’s far-right government is causing alarm by threatening to defy a Supreme Court ruling as national elections approach. Finally, we look to tiny Norway, whose remarkable athletic success is attributed to a youth sports philosophy that prioritizes process over wins and losses.

Turning our attention to recent video content, viewers can catch up on “Authority of Jesus,” a message from “Pastor Bryan,” and two sessions of “Bible With Dr. Bill,” dated December 10, 2024, and April 1st.

From the FaithNews RSS feed, recent updates include an “International Educators Lunch Set for General Assembly,” the start of production for “AFFIRM Films’ ‘A Music City Story’ in Nashville,” the nationwide launch of “ChristianPremaritalCounseling.com,” and the “Agenda for General Assembly Released.”

In prophecy news, this past week has seen significant developments: Today, July 12th, Pope Leo XIV made headlines for not only visiting Istanbul’s Blue Mosque but also *approving* of it, signaling a Vatican push for unity that some see as ignoring truth. Yesterday, July 11th, Iran threatened retaliation against Israel as President Trump declared a ceasefire over, yet also opened the door for potential talks. The day before, July 10th, Hamas announced its resignation from the Gaza “Emergency Committee,” a move met with widespread skepticism regarding its intentions to transfer authority. This followed fresh U.S. military strikes against Iran on July 9th, after President Trump declared an interim peace agreement “over.”

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at July 12th: In the year 70 CE, the armies of Titus attacked the walls of Jerusalem after a six-month siege, breaching them three days later to destroy the Second Temple. Fast forward to 1191, the Third Crusade, led by England’s King Richard the Lionhearted, captured the Syrian seaport of Acre, though the Crusade itself would ultimately fail for the Christian forces. And in 1216, Pope Innocent III, known for his 1199 letter prohibiting the forced conversion of Jews, passed away.