#ourCOG Daily Brief [January 28, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for January 28, 2026.

Today, in U.S. news, a government shutdown looms as Senate Democrats demand immigration enforcement reforms before they’ll vote on a funding bill, with the deadline fast approaching on Friday. Meanwhile, tensions are high in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of lawful gun owner Alex Pretti by federal agents. Witness videos have emerged, contradicting the administration’s initial account and sparking protests. This incident, along with a second fatal shooting and ongoing immigration enforcement efforts, has Twin City residents on edge. The events underscore what many are calling an unusual populist moment for America, one that challenges the status quo but also risks unraveling key institutions. On the world stage, President Trump is pushing for a U.S.-backed security deal between Israel and Syria, though Israeli suspicions and concerns for the Druze and Kurds remain complications. Venezuela is navigating an uncertain future after the seizure of Nicolás Maduro, marking a new chapter for a country accustomed to revolution. And finally, a heartwarming note from the Republic of Congo, where the Children’s Symphony Orchestra of Brazzaville continues to be an inspiring ode to both joy and discipline through classical music.

Turning to our latest videos, we have “You’re Not Broken You Are Built For This,” followed by “Sacred Seasons 2026 Wednesday Night Revivals FINALE | Pastor Jamall McCloud,” and a powerful reminder that “Prayer changes everything.”

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

In prophecy news, today’s discussions from Rapture Ready ask a profound question: “Could Another Holocaust Happen?” as anxiety over antisemitism and the distinction between hostility to Jews and the Jewish State continues to grow in the West. We also heard that “The people of Israel are moved to tears” as the nation rejoices at the return of hero Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage in Gaza, after 843 days. From Iran, reports suggest Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordered a “shoot to kill” crackdown on protests, with opposition groups claiming a staggering 30,000 lives lost in just two days. Finally, there’s an interesting analysis titled “Is China Falling Behind in the Chip Wars?”

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at January 29th, we find some fascinating events. In 906, during Pope Sergius III’s papacy, Jews first began settling in Mayence, Germany. Fast forward to 1258, when the Mongol siege of Baghdad led to a significant shift, abolishing the inequality of dhimmis and declaring all religions, including Judaism, equal. And in 1421, a remarkable story from Saragossa, Spain, where Jews were spared from slaughter thanks to prophetic dreams shared by synagogue beadles, leading to the joyous celebration of “Purim Saragossa.”