#ourCOG Daily Brief [May 26, 2026]

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

In today’s top stories, a key question on many minds globally is the effectiveness of sanctions, as nations like Russia and Iran continue to pursue their agendas despite Western pressure. Domestically, the U.S. is grappling with a severe affordable housing crisis, even in traditionally less expensive Southern states, as home prices outpace wage growth. President Donald Trump’s emerging proposal to end the war with Iran is drawing sharp criticism from some Republicans who advocate for a tougher stance against the Iranian government. Meanwhile, Southern California saw mass evacuations in Garden Grove due to a hazardous chemical leak from a storage tank, affecting thousands and closing schools. Tragically, a fatal shooting at a San Diego mosque has highlighted a rise in anti-Muslim incidents and renewed concerns about online radicalization among youth. Internationally, amidst mixed signals around the U.S.-Iran negotiations, a bloc of Mideast powers is actively pushing for a ceasefire, while the Trump administration’s proposed changes to Cuba’s future are stirring discussions among the island’s residents.

Turning to our digital content, we invite you to check out our latest videos, including “The hield of faith,” “Beverly Hoskins Memorial,” and “Powerful Moments | Times Square Revival 2026.”

From the FaithNews RSS feed, our recent headlines include “Korean Church Organization Partners with Church of God,” “Cuba Maintains Poor Religious Freedom Conditions,” “U.S. Army Hymn Unveiled for 250th Army Anniversary,” and “Pentecost Sunday Designated ‘Evangelism Sunday’.”

In prophecy news, the focus remains heavily on the Middle East. President Trump recently urged Arab nations like Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey to join the Abraham Accords en masse once a deal with Iran is sealed, indicating a broader regional peace effort. This comes as Iran has reportedly agreed in principle to a proposal that would involve disposing of highly enriched uranium, though officials note efforts to finalize the deal are still underway. The prospect of a nearing US-Iran agreement has, however, sparked concern in Israel and among Republican lawmakers, who fear it may not fully dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Adding to regional developments, the Director-General of the Board of Peace, Nickolay Mladenov, unveiled a 15-point Gaza roadmap designed to enforce strict disarmament and oversight, aligned with President Trump’s Gaza Comprehensive Peace Plan.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at May 26th, we remember the year 1096, the 1st of Sivan, when the Crusaders tragically massacred Jews in Neuss, Germany. Fast forward to 1135, when Alfonso VII of León and Castile was crowned “Emperor of all of Spain.” While he initially curtailed Jewish rights, he later adopted a more positive policy, restoring previous liberties and granting new ones, including a special charter to the Jews of Guadalajara in 1136, permitting them to outfit themselves like Christian Knights.