#ourCOG Daily Brief [January 29, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for January 29, 2026.

In today’s top stories, U.S. news is dominated by the political landscape, with an FBI raid in Georgia shaking the state as President Trump continues to weigh lawsuits over his 2020 election loss. On immigration, the Trump administration appears to be shifting tactics, signaling a drawdown of agents in Minnesota and an end to an enhanced enforcement campaign in Maine, reportedly in response to public outrage. Discussions also highlight Trump’s energy policy, which focuses on immediate needs by axing environmental regulations, raising questions about whether the U.S. is ceding the future of energy production to China. Amid calls to “abolish ICE,” there’s also a closer look at the roles of various federal agencies involved in immigration enforcement. Furthermore, the new U.S. defense strategy is making waves by pledging “more limited” support to allies, shifting focus to the Americas, and aiming to deter China through strength rather than confrontation. Globally, tensions remain high as the U.S. and Iran are locked in a staredown, with U.S. forces building in the Middle East and Trump stating “time is running out.” Efforts are also underway for a U.S.-backed security deal between Israel and Syria, though Israeli suspicions and concerns for the Druze and Kurds in Syria present complications. Lastly, a U.S. strike in Venezuela, leading to the seizure of Nicolás Maduro, has opened a new chapter for the nation, leaving citizens unsure about the future of democracy.

For our video content today, we feature “You Are An Overcomer Built for Spiritual Growth,” presented during the Sunday Morning Service at Chapel with Justin Walker on January 29, 2026.

Turning to our FaithNews headlines, we’re seeing news about a multi-million dollar gift launching a new era for SMCH, a new fundraising model emerging as nonprofits seek solutions to what’s being called a ‘Donor Exodus,’ the IFCJ expanding its support in Syria by delivering much-needed ambulances, and a Black History Celebration being set for February 4.

In prophecy news, recent reports indicate the EU and India have reached a significant free-trade agreement, a move seen by some as the world’s middle powers responding to Trump’s tariffs. Discussions are also focusing on the sobering question of whether another Holocaust could happen, with widespread anxiety about antisemitism. On a more hopeful note, the people of Israel are reportedly moved to tears as their last hostage, Ran Gvili, has returned home from Gaza. Meanwhile, concerning developments in Iran suggest Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reportedly ordered a ‘shoot to kill’ crackdown during recent protests.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at January 29th, we mark the beginning of Sergius III’s papacy in 904, a period during which Jews first began settling in Mayence, Germany. In 1258, 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, the Jews of Saragossa, Spain, were dramatically spared from slaughter at the hands of King Alfonso V, thanks to prophetic dreams shared by synagogue beadles. This salvation on the 17th of Shevat was celebrated by Saragossan Jews and dubbed “Purim Saragossa.”