Maduro Captured Caracas Raid, Trump Ban Home Investors, Gmail AI Assistant, Minneapolis ICE Shooting, Artemis II Launch, World Cup 2026, US 250th Anniversary

Support the ShowSummarized Transcript: Good morning, everyone. Today is Thursday, January 8, 2026. With only 8 days into the new year, so much is already happening.Here are the current events we’re praying about:1. U.S. Special Forces Raid Captures Venezuelan President MaduroU.S. special forces raided Caracas on January 3, 2026, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were transported to New York to face federal drug and terrorism charges. The U.S. announced it will control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely and direct the proceeds. The operation marks a dramatic escalation in U.S. efforts against the Maduro regime.2. Trump Proposes Ban on Institutional Investors Buying Single-Family HomesPresident Trump announced plans to ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, arguing corporations are driving up prices and forcing families into renting. The proposal aims to make homeownership more accessible for everyday buyers. Details on implementation remain forthcoming.3. Google Enhances Gmail with Advanced AI FeaturesGoogle is integrating more artificial intelligence into Gmail, transforming it into a personal assistant capable of improving writing, summarizing inbox information, and generating daily to-do lists. The updates aim to boost productivity for users. The enhancements build on existing AI tools in the world's most popular email service.4. ICE Agent Fatally Shoots Woman in Minneapolis, Sparking OutrageAn ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on January 7, claiming self-defense, a justification Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed as "BS." Frey demanded federal immigration forces withdraw from the city, affirming support for immigrant and refugee communities. The incident has heightened local tensions.5. Artemis II Moon Mission Targeted for February-April 2026 LaunchNASA's Artemis II mission, the next step in returning humans to the moon, is scheduled for launch between February and April 2026. The 10-day flight will send four astronauts around the moon to test the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft in deep space. The mission is critical for evaluating systems ahead of future lunar landings.6. 2026 FIFA World Cup Expands to 48 Teams Across North AmericaThe 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for this summer, will feature a record 48 teams competing across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—the first tri-nation hosting. The expanded format includes 104 matches over 39 days.7. U.S. Celebrates 250th Anniversary of Independence in 2026Lastly, the United States will mark its 250th birthday this year, 2026, commemorating the Declaration of Independence adopted on July 4, 1776. Nationwide events are planned to honor America's history and sovereignty.Thank you for listening to News on Knees, a community prayer podcast by Story King Media. If you want to join the movement, I’m calling all believers, anyone who wants to pray for the world, their country, their region, a specific societal issue. Using something as simple as the voice memo app on your phone, record a 1–2 minute prayer and email it to: [e-mail], Simply write the word ‘PRAYER’ in the subject line of the email. NOTE - Two Rules for Submitted Prayers:Please Keep Obvious Political Bias OutNo Personal Requests. Prayers should be about societal issues that are either global, country, state, or region-specific.Sources: Maduro Captured Caracas Raid US Control of Venezuelan OilTrump Ban Home InvestorsGmail AI AssistantMinneapolis ICE ShootingArtemis II Launch, World Cup 2026 and US 250th Anniversary