#ourCOG Daily Brief [January 31, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for January 31, 2026.

Today, in U.S. news, a new batch of Jeffrey Epstein files has been released, detailing his communications with powerful contacts, though they may not satisfy all questions. A brief partial government shutdown is expected, setting the stage for significant debates on immigration enforcement policies. Minneapolis continues to inspire protest songs, with artists like Billy Bragg discussing their impact. President Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh to head the Federal Reserve has calmed markets, potentially charting a new course for the central bank. And Governor Josh Shapiro’s book tour is seen as groundwork for a potential presidential run, where he’s also showcasing his Pennsylvania roots. On the world stage, Myanmar’s junta-backed party secured an overwhelming victory in elections widely denounced as a sham, yet some hope for a step toward democratic norms. The U.S. immigration crackdown, particularly in Minnesota, is hastening the erosion of Europeans’ esteem for America under President Trump. Finally, in China, the toppling of General Zhang is being called a “Shakespearean moment,” with leader Xi Jinping possibly sacrificing military readiness to bolster his own power in an ongoing anti-corruption drive.

Our latest video offerings include “The Power of Real Fellowship | Change | Part 5,” a message from Jonathan Vorce titled “God’s Anchor When Everything Shakes,” and a short piece on “What You Need to Grow in the Lord.”

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we’re tracking stories about a multi-million dollar gift launching a new era for SMCH, a new fundraising model championing change as nonprofits face a ‘donor exodus’, IFCJ expanding support in Syria by delivering ambulances, and a Black History Celebration set for February 4th.

In prophecy news, the discussion today focuses on the assertion that Democrats have become “useful idiots” for globalist and Marxist forces aiming to dismantle Western Civilization, evidenced by the “Woke-Marxist-Jacobin delirium” seen in places like Minneapolis, suggesting a sponsored revolution is underway. This comes as Minnesota Democrats are reportedly ready to cooperate with ICE, allowing for a reduction in federal agents. We also look back at the EU and India reaching a significant free-trade deal in response to Trump tariffs, and a poignant question being asked: Could another Holocaust happen today, amidst rising anxieties about antisemitism in the West?

Finally, turning to Jewish history on this day, January 31st, we recall Sylvester, a Roman Pope whose papacy began in 314. The “Saint” Sylvester, whose name is associated with New Year’s Eve celebrations in Israel, is remembered for convincing Constantine to prohibit Jews from living in Jerusalem and for arranging the passage of deeply anti-Semitic legislation at the Council of Nicaea in 325 C.E. It’s a sobering reminder that many Catholic “Saints” have days of celebration, and December 31st is dedicated to Sylvester’s memory.