#ourCOG Daily Brief [May 15, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for May 15, 2026.

In U.S. news today, the political landscape is buzzing with several key developments. We’re seeing intense GOP primaries where President Trump’s influence is being tested, with figures like Thomas Massie in Kentucky and Senator Bill Cassidy in Louisiana facing challenges. Meanwhile, America’s public libraries are actively reimagining their roles as vital community hubs amidst budget cuts. Immigration policy is also in focus as an enforcement insider takes the helm at ICE, potentially signaling a pivot towards quieter, more targeted enforcement. And despite predictions, states are still redrawing electoral maps, with gerrymandering continuing to be a hot topic after the Louisiana v. Callais decision. On the world stage, a highly anticipated summit in Beijing saw Xi Jinping sending a clear message to Donald Trump, showcasing China’s increasing willingness to directly challenge the United States. Even energy-rich Norway is now facing its own energy crunch, searching for solutions that could set a global example. And in the UK, political instability continues as Prime Minister Keir Starmer appears to be on his way out amidst a looming challenge, raising questions about Britain’s governability.

Turning to our video lineup, today we highlighted “The Danger of Just ONE Wrong Turn,” an insightful episode with Perry Stone, along with “The Presence of the Lord Part 2” featuring Jentezen Franklin, and a special update for May 15, 2026.

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we learned that Pentecost Sunday has been designated ‘Evangelism Sunday,’ while Bibles For The World is set to distribute an impressive 1.4 million copies of John’s Gospel. We also saw the launch of Moms.Gov on Mothers Day, and heard about hundreds attending the Smoky Mountain Gathering.

In prophecy news, tensions are high in Cuba as the country reports its oil reserves have “run out,” sparking protests due to worsening blackouts and fuel shortages under a tightened U.S. embargo. This comes amidst discussions of biblical prophecies such as the Sixth Seal Judgment, with some experts drawing parallels to a coming nuclear apocalypse. In Israel, a new special court has been established to try Palestinians accused in the 2023 Hamas attack, with the possibility of the death penalty. And on the geopolitical front, fears are growing that senior figures within Iran’s regime might flee to Russia should U.S.-Iran negotiations continue to falter.

Finally, in Jewish history, we look back to May 16, 0942, marking the passing of Saadia Gaon. Born in 882, Saadia Gaon was a towering intellectual figure, heading the Talmudic Academy of Sura in Babylonia. He was not only a renowned authority on the Talmud but also a profound student of philosophy and philology. Saadia Gaon famously addressed the challenge of assimilation among upper-class Babylonian Jews drawn to Greek philosophy by writing “The Book of Beliefs and Opinions.” In this magnificent work, he skillfully defended the rational underpinnings of Judaism, demonstrating how a rational Jew could embrace both the Torah and the philosophies of Aristotle and Plato. He also pioneered the first Hebrew grammar book, explaining the intricacies of the holy language.