#ourCOG Daily Brief [March 26, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for March 26, 2026.

Today in U.S. news, Opening Day for baseball reminds us of the sport’s power to unite across boundaries, while a concerning report reveals a rise in domestic terror threats coinciding with a drop in public notification. Social media giants Meta and YouTube are appealing jury verdicts in California and New Mexico that found their platforms harmful to teens. On a lighter note, parts of Boston Harbor are clean enough for recreational shellfishing for the first time in a century, sparking a look into the history of clam chowder. Globally, the U.S. continues to face significant challenges in Iran, needing to secure oil trade in the Strait of Hormuz and address the regime’s stability despite tactical military successes. In Israel, outrage is growing over increased settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, occurring under cover of the Iran conflict. Meanwhile, in Maine, a community group called Maine Needs, which started by helping immigrants, has expanded to assist tens of thousands with household goods, showcasing remarkable local generosity. Experts warn that even if peace is achieved in the Iran war, the conflict will leave a significant “opportunity cost” that the U.S. and its allies will need to grapple with in shaping the post-war Middle East.

Turning our attention to our video content, we invite you to watch “God Hears You,” “Chapel | Vanessa Hardaway | March 26, 2026,” and “Praise and Worship – March 22, 2026.”

From the FaithNews RSS feed, the latest updates include “Church Planting Intensive In Session,” news on the “‘Jesus Wells’ Campaign Focuses on ‘World’s Thirstiest Communities’,” “Ministry Wins ‘Best Children’s Feature’ at Movieguide® Awards,” and the announcement that the “Church Planting Intensive Set for March 11-13.”

In prophecy news, the scientific world is buzzing as Geneva’s CERN has hailed a delicate test transporting antimatter as a success. Geopolitically, we’re tracking developments in the Iran war, with the U.S. proposing a 15-point peace plan and Iran announcing it would allow ‘non-hostile’ oil vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a potential sign of de-escalation, after previously threatening to close the Strait entirely. These events follow earlier reports of Israel continuing strikes on Lebanon bridges.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking ahead to March 27, we mark several significant dates. In 347, the traditional birthdate of Jerome, known for the Vulgate Bible and frequent mentions of Jews in his correspondence. Then, in 538 BCE, Cyrus was crowned King of Babylonia, making it possible for Jews to return to Judea and ending the Babylonian exile. Fast forward to 196 BCE, Ptolemy V ascended to the throne of Egypt, one of the Greco-Egyptian rulers who battled Antiochus for control of Judea. And tragically, in 972, Robert II was born in Orleans, a figure who later conspired to destroy all Jews unwilling to accept baptism.

That’s your #ourCOG Daily Brief for March 26, 2026. Thank you for joining us.