#ourCOG Daily Brief [January 26, 2026]

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

We begin with escalating tensions in the U.S., particularly in Minneapolis, where a second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal agents has sparked widespread protests and calls for investigation. The latest incident involved the killing of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers, prompting Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara to urge for peace amid what many Twin City residents describe as a difficult and unsettling environment due to ongoing immigration enforcement. This situation is even testing core GOP positions, raising uncomfortable questions about gun ownership and federal power. Meanwhile, former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel appears to be laying the groundwork for a presidential run, sharing strategies to rebuild the Democratic Party’s image. In other U.S. news, the Trump administration is facing scrutiny for exerting influence over the independent military newspaper, Stars and Stripes. Globally, China is grappling with an accelerating population decline despite a decade-long effort to boost birth rates after lifting the one-child policy. In the Middle East, Iran is attempting to control the narrative following a crackdown that reportedly killed thousands, blaming outside “agents” amid an internet blackout. Syria’s army has made a lightning advance, dimming the Kurdish dreams of autonomy as Damascus demands the U.S.-backed SDF integrate into the national army, with the United States supporting a unified Syria.

And now, a look at some of the latest messages and insights from our video feed. Recent titles include: “Your Survival Is Not Random You Were Built For This,” followed by “The One Choice That Matters #shorts #faith #jesus,” and “They Will Die Bitter Old People | Perry Stone.”

From our FaithNews RSS feed, here are the latest headlines: “Black History Celebration Set for February 4,” “‘Religious Freedom Day’ Commemorated,” “Leaders React to Storming of Church in Minnesota by ICE Protestors,” and “General Assembly Website Launches: GA26.org.”

In prophecy news today, a New York Times report indicates Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reportedly ordered a ‘shoot to kill’ crackdown on January 9th, with opposition groups claiming 30,000 killed in just two days. On the technological front, China appears to be lagging in the global chip wars, with U.S. AI chips currently five times more powerful, an advantage projected to widen significantly by 2027. Domestically, discussions around immigration enforcement continue, with reports suggesting that despite media portrayals, Americans largely support the administration’s efforts to crack down on illegal immigration. We also hear that a House panel, with bipartisan support, has approved contempt of Congress resolutions against former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for their refusal to appear for depositions related to an investigation into a sex offender.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at January 27th, we remember the passing of Roman Emperor Nerva in 98 CE. Nerva was known for his efforts to court popularity by altering the way the special tax on Jews, the fiscus Judaicus, was exacted. Following his death, Trajan became Roman Emperor. It was at the end of Trajan’s reign, specifically between 115 and 117 CE, that the second of the three major Jewish revolts against Roman authority occurred, primarily in the Diaspora, beginning in Egypt and spreading to other parts of North Africa and the island of Cyprus.