#ourCOG Daily Brief [January 13, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for January 13, 2026.

In today’s headlines, we’re tracking a significant deadline facing the Smithsonian Institution as it navigates a White House demand to address “improper ideology.” Meanwhile, U.S. immigration policy is creating visible fissures, particularly in Minnesota, where state-federal tensions are rising amid a Trump administration crackdown, intensified by a recent ICE agent shooting during an immigration raid. The Supreme Court is poised to weigh in on whether states can bar transgender athletes from school sports, a move that could have widespread implications. Globally, President Trump’s “America First” withdrawals from various international bodies, particularly those focused on climate and human rights, continue to be criticized by allies, with China often stepping into the leadership void. On the world stage, the race for rare earth minerals is shaping Myanmar’s civil war, drawing new attention to the resource-rich, war-torn nation. European travelers from Moscow are finding the road to Europe longer and more frustrating than ever since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine. And in Mali, many displaced citizens in Mauritanian refugee camps report fleeing both Islamist insurgents and their own military government, highlighting a deep distrust of rulers.

Turning our attention to our video updates, we’ve had a diverse range of content. You might be interested in whether you Can YOU minister after remarriage? #shorts #marriage #relationship, or find inspiration in Hidden Blessings In Hard Seasons with Jentezen Franklin. And from our Chapel service, we heard from Phil Cook on January 13, 2026.

In FaithNews, we’re seeing some exciting developments. The General Assembly Website has officially launched GA26.org, and Infinity Concepts has announced its acquisition of InChrist Communications. We also celebrate the incredible milestone of Prison Fellowship International, which has graduated its one millionth prisoner, and learn about Smith being honored with the Spirit of Azusa Award.

From the world of prophecy news, a sense of sudden and profound change seems to be sweeping the globe. Many are asking if we’re witnessing “Suddenly, a New World?” as long-held geopolitical assumptions appear to be rapidly altering, with speculation on whether this is a permanent shift or simply the temporary influence of President Trump’s foreign policies. Closely related, events in Iran are drawing significant attention, with reports of widespread protests escalating into what’s being called a revolution, threatening the regime’s collapse. Israel’s Netanyahu is monitoring the situation closely, expressing awe at the bravery of Iranians, even as the IDF prepares for potential fallout. Interestingly, International Planned Parenthood is reporting significant job cuts, nearly 1,000 positions, attributed directly to Trump’s defunding policies.

Finally, in Jewish history for this day, January 13th, we look back through the centuries. In 519 BCE, Darius commissioned a crown of gold for Zerubbabel, sent by Jews in Babylon. Later, in 915, the birthdate of Al-Hakam II, the second Caliph of Cordoba, whose reign saw prominent Jewish leaders like Hasdai ibn Shaprut and Enoch Ben Moses among his subjects. Moving forward to 1151, Abbot Suger of Saint-Denis, known for gradually shifting jurisdiction over Jews and their revenues from royal control to the Church, passed away. And in 1334, we mark the birthdate of King Henry II of Castile, who notably used opposition to Jewish activities as a key part of his policy.