#ourCOG Daily Brief [March 19, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for March 19, 2026.

Today in U.S. news, Transportation Security Administration employees are once again working without pay, marking the third such instance since last fall amidst a government shutdown, leaving many seeking relief. Meanwhile, Senator Markwayne Mullin faced sharp criticism during his confirmation hearing for Homeland Security secretary, particularly from a fellow Republican, though he adopted a notably more conciliatory tone on immigration enforcement than his predecessor. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was pressed on intelligence warnings, deflecting questions about whether the Trump administration had been forewarned about Iran’s potential attacks on Gulf neighbors and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran are having wide-reaching impacts across the Middle East and have significantly drawn down U.S. weapons stockpiles. On Capitol Hill, Senate Republicans remain divided over using a “talking filibuster” for the SAVE America Act, with Majority Leader John Thune stating he will not employ the strategy. Internationally, Iraq’s newfound peace and prosperity are now threatened by the conflict with Iran, as well as attacks from the U.S. and homegrown militias, pulling at old divides. The ‘asymmetric’ nature of the war with Iran means victory looks different for each side: while the U.S. and Israel aim for a decisive win, the Iranian regime merely needs to survive. In Haiti, despite widespread internal displacement and unrest, ‘Resistance Artists’ in Port-au-Prince continue to create, holding onto a belief in new beginnings.

Our latest videos include “Power Unlimited, Program 32 — Forecast for the Future,” followed by “Power Unlimited, Program 17 — When the Fire Begins to Fie,” and “Power Unlimited, Program 24 — The Party’s Over.”

From FaithNews, we have headlines like “Church Planting Intensive In Session” and the “‘Jesus Wells’ Campaign Focuses on ‘World’s Thirstiest Communities’.” Also featured are “Ministry Wins ‘Best Children’s Feature’ at Movieguide® Awards” and “Church Planting Intensive Set for March 11-13.”

In prophecy news, tensions in the Middle East remain high following the killing of top security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli strike, prompting Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, to vow that his “criminal murderers” must “pay for it.” This comes as Iranian missile shrapnel recently fell in Jerusalem’s Old City, including near the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa compound and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and across central Israel, with minor injuries reported. Experts suggest Iran’s escalating aggression across the Middle East is a strategic move to project power and divert attention from its own internal vulnerabilities, such as economic crises and domestic unrest. Looking closer to home, 2026 is a monumental year, as both the Ark Encounter and the United States celebrate significant anniversaries, with both born from leaders who acted on a divine call.

Finally, in Jewish history, we look back at some intriguing moments. On March 20th in 43 BCE, the Roman poet Ovid was born. He apparently had some knowledge of Jewish customs, even referencing Jewish rites in “The Art of Love,” suggesting he thought well of them! Fast forward to 1191, the papacy of Clement III concluded; he notably reissued the bull *Sicut Judaeis*, offering protection to Jews during the time of the Third Crusade. And in 1413, we mark the end of King Henry IV of England’s reign. Interestingly, in 1410, he issued a safe conduct for Elias Sabot, a highly praised Jewish doctor, granting him royal protection for two years, perhaps highlighting the importance of protecting the monarch’s health.

That’s your #ourCOG Daily Brief for March 19, 2026. Have a good evening.