#ourCOG Daily Brief [January 12, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for January 12, 2026.

Today’s headlines bring a focus to federal-state relations and international shifts. In the U.S., Minnesota is a flashpoint for immigration debates, with rising state opposition to federal enforcement amidst a Trump administration crackdown, tragically highlighted by an ICE agent’s fatal shooting during an immigration raid. The Supreme Court is poised to weigh in on states banning transgender athletes from school sports, while President Trump’s “America First” policy sees him withdraw from numerous global organizations, creating a vacuum that China is increasingly filling. Adding to this, the Senate offered a rare, albeit symbolic, rebuke to the administration’s war powers on Venezuela, hinting at growing congressional pushback. Globally, Malians find themselves caught between Islamist insurgents and their own military government, expressing deep distrust for both. In Central America, authoritarian regimes gain public support through crime crackdowns, often at the expense of democratic freedoms. Meanwhile, Iran’s leaders are engaging in a harsh crackdown on widespread anti-government protests, viewing them as an “existential” threat to the regime, fueled by years of economic struggles and failed state policies.

Shifting to our media updates, our latest videos include “Fasting changes everything,” “Living What We Believe | Change | Part 2,” and “A Bloody Shirt Attracted An Evil Spirit | Perry Stone.”

From the FaithNews RSS feed, we have these updates: the General Assembly Website has launched at GA26.org, Infinity Concepts has acquired InChrist Communications, Prison Fellowship International celebrates graduating its one millionth prisoner, and Smith has been honored with the Spirit of Azusa Award.

In the latest prophecy news, the situation in Iran remains critical as estimates suggest between 1.5 to 2 million protesters are now in the streets, with some calling it a revolution and the regime appearing on the brink of collapse. Khamenei has reportedly blamed Trump for the unrest, which has been exacerbated by a nationwide internet blackout. Israel, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, is closely monitoring these protests, expressing awe at the Iranians’ bravery, while the IDF prepares for potential fallout, concerned that the regime might unleash a large-scale attack on Israel if its survival is threatened. Separately, International Planned Parenthood has cut nearly 1,000 jobs after being defunded by the Trump administration.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back to January 13th, we find several significant events. In 519 BCE, Darius had a gold crown made for Zerubbabel, sent by Jews in Babylon. The year 915 marked the birth of Al-Hakam II, the second Caliph of Cordoba, whose reign saw figures like Hasdai ibn Shaprut and Enoch Ben Moses leading the Jewish community in Andalusia. Then, in 1151, Abbot Suger of Saint-Denis, who had been granted five houses belonging to Jews by King Louis VI, passed away; during Louis’s reign, jurisdiction over Jews and their revenues gradually shifted from royal control to the Church. Later, in 1334, King Henry II of Castile was born, a ruler who notably utilized opposition to Jewish activities as part of his policy.