#ourCOG Daily Brief [July 30, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for July 30, 2026.

In today’s U.S. news, Ukraine’s outgoing Ambassador, Olga Stefanishyna, discussed her nation’s revived ties with the U.S., the war, and corruption challenges. The Space Force is seeking a significant budget increase, preparing for the next frontier of warfare. Politically, Michigan’s open Senate seat primary is acting as a proxy battle for the Democratic Party’s future, potentially shaping the 2028 presidential race. We also heard how a group of pastors in Colorado is using faith to prompt reflection on America’s founding ideals as the nation approaches its 250th birthday. Interestingly, information about a U.S. government AI tool for vetting immigrant children’s sponsors vanished from an agency’s registry following a Monitor inquiry. Turning to world news, an all-female cooperative in Rwanda is stitching together livelihoods for 21 women, helping them recover from the 1994 genocide. Tensions are escalating once again in the Middle East, with the United States and Iran exchanging direct fire, raising stakes for the region. And in Japan, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, the nation’s first woman leader, is navigating a challenging first year marked by economic pressures and geopolitical strains with China and the U.S.-Japan security partnership.

Looking at our video lineup, our latest offerings include “This Week On Jentezen Franklin TV #blessed,” a “Christine Caine Reel,” and a “Mass Choir iPhone” production.

From the FaithNews RSS feed, we bring you updates on the “Council of Eighteen Chosen by General Council,” the nominations of “Ramirez, Charles for World Missions Posts,” the “International Educators Lunch Set for General Assembly,” and news that “AFFIRM Films’ ‘A Music City Story’ Begins Production in Nashville.”

In prophecy news, the nascent Sanhedrin has formally issued a ruling this week, petitioning Heaven for the revelation of the Mashiach and the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, asking the Holy One to remove hostile forces from the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. This comes amidst reports of a disturbing study finding abortion pill contamination in the water supplies of three major U.S. cities, contributing to already skyrocketing infertility rates. On the geopolitical front, after a brief pause, the Iran situation remains volatile. Reports indicate President Trump had ordered a reduction in attacks to open the door for new talks with Iran, who also paused their attacks. However, Trump has warned of “very powerful military action” if diplomatic efforts fail to move quickly. Additionally, the Trump Administration is targeting “equity”-based discrimination in schools with a new Department of Education ruling.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at July 30th events, we remember the founding of Baghdad in 762 AD, a city where wealthy Jewish merchants later played the role of “court bankers,” reportedly lending funds to the caliphs. We also recall Saladin’s forces successfully storming the walls of Jaffa in 1192, compelling the remaining Crusaders to seek refuge in the town’s citadel. And in 1286, we note the passing of Gregory Bar Hebraeus, a prominent bishop of the Syriac Orthodox Church.