#ourCOG Daily Brief [January 27, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for January 27, 2026.

We begin with a look at today’s top stories. In the U.S., Minneapolis is reeling after the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents, an event where witness videos contradict the government’s initial account. This, coupled with a second deadly shooting and ongoing immigration enforcement, has Twin City residents on edge and has sparked protests, with Police Chief Brian O’Hara urging peace. The incident is also raising uncomfortable questions for the GOP regarding gun ownership, states’ rights, and trust in the federal government, with growing calls for investigations into ICE tactics. Nationally, America finds itself in an unusual populist moment, a phenomenon that can awaken overlooked concerns but also risks unraveling core institutions. On the global stage, many Pakistanis view their government’s decision to join Trump’s “Board of Peace” as a betrayal, believing relations with Washington are being prioritized over national values, particularly concerning Gaza. In Haiti, a decade after its devastating earthquake, waning foreign aid has prompted citizens to seek local solutions for pervasive issues like gangs and poverty. And in China, despite efforts to encourage larger families, the nation continues to struggle with a declining population, with new data showing an accelerating trend.

For our video content today, we’ve been watching: “You’ve Been Built For This,” followed by “A Message of Resilience,” then our “Sanctity of Life Sunday Discussion,” a “Chapel” service, and finally, a message from “Fijoy Johnson | January 27, 2026.”

Turning to our FaithNews RSS feed, the latest headlines include: “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, Israel is rejoicing today at the return of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage in Gaza, after 843 days in captivity. Meanwhile, a report from January 26th claims Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordered a “shoot to kill” crackdown on protestors, with opposition groups alleging 30,000 deaths in just two days. From January 25th, concerns are rising about China potentially falling behind in the global chip wars, with U.S. AI chips currently significantly more powerful. And lastly, a post from January 24th argues that despite media portrayals, Americans overwhelmingly support President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back to January 28th, we note that in 814, Charlemagne, a significant European ruler, passed away. He was known for his remarkably decent treatment of Jews in his realm, often going against canon law and papal wishes. However, in 1077, an event known as the “Walk to Canossa” saw Pope Gregory VII lift the excommunication of Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor. This apparent victory for Gregory over temporal rulers would likely have caused considerable unease among the Jewish community, given the Pope’s documented hostility towards Jewish interests.

That’s your #ourCOG Daily Brief for January 27, 2026. Have a good evening.