#ourCOG Daily Brief [July 29, 2026]

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

First, stateside, the Democratic Party’s future is seeing a proxy battle in Michigan’s Senate primary, testing the surging left wing against older Black voters, a dynamic that could influence the 2028 presidential race. Meanwhile, a Colorado pastor group is exploring faith’s role in America’s founding as the nation approaches its 250th birthday, prompting reflection on national ideals. Concerns are also being raised after details of a U.S. government AI tool, designed for vetting immigrant children’s sponsors, vanished from an agency’s registry post-inquiry. On the fiscal front, America’s skyrocketing national debt remains largely unaddressed by Congress, even as spending continues at a breathtaking pace. And in the Carolinas, loose regulations have fostered a ‘Wild West’ for hemp-derived THC products, though restrictions are now on the horizon. Globally, the Middle East sees escalating tensions as the U.S. and Iran are once again exchanging direct fire, raising the stakes in the region. Japan’s first woman Prime Minister, Takaichi Sanae, is navigating a challenging first year, facing economic pressures, security partnership issues with the U.S., and tensions with China. Finally, a Manchester election is testing the new British prime minister’s ambitious plan to empower cities and restore faith in democracy among disillusioned voters.

From our media channels, our latest video offerings include discussions on “Generosity, Giving Without Expectation or Recognition,” an insightful look into “How my Trouble Has Always Been a Divine Setup” with Perry Stone, and a powerful session with Christine Caine from “GA2026 – Music Ministers’ Mass Choir.”

Turning to our FaithNews RSS feed, recent headlines include the “Council of Eighteen Chosen by General Council,” “Ramirez, Charles Nominated for World Missions Posts,” details about the “International Educators Lunch Set for General Assembly,” and news that “AFFIRM Films’ ‘A Music City Story’ Begins Production in Nashville.”

In prophecy news, a significant development this week sees the nascent Sanhedrin issuing a formal ruling, petitioning Heaven to reveal the Mashiach, rebuild the Holy Temple, and remove hostile forces. This follows a troubling report from July 29th, revealing that the abortion drug mifepristone has tainted water supplies in three major U.S. cities, raising concerns amidst skyrocketing infertility rates. Earlier in the week, on July 28th, President Trump issued a strong warning to Iran of “Very Powerful Military Action” if talks fail, while also targeting “Equity”-Based Discrimination in schools with a new Department of Education ruling. These developments came shortly after July 27th, when both the U.S. and Iran had paused attacks as President Trump reportedly opened the door to new talks.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at July 30th, in 762 CE, Caliph Al Mansur founded the city of Baghdad, a place where wealthy Jewish merchants would later serve as “court bankers” to the caliphs. Moving to 1192, Saladin’s forces successfully stormed the walls of Jaffa, forcing the remaining Crusaders to take 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.

That’s your #ourCOG Daily Brief for July 30, 2026. Have a good evening.