#ourCOG Daily Brief [October 23, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for October 23, 2025.

Today in U.S. news, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, lauded for modernizing the NYPD, may face challenges with mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani due to their differing views on combating crime. In Washington, President Trump’s project to replace the East Wing with a $250 million ballroom is seen as a display of his merging public and private personas. On the education front, public schools are finding success combatting chronic absenteeism by offering engaging electives like esports and architecture, improving student attitudes. And in a display of bipartisan cooperation, residents of Three Rivers, Michigan, are working together to accelerate action on a vital water quality issue. However, the government shutdown continues, with Republicans and Democrats entrenched in their positions. Turning to world news, as Ivory Coast’s presidential election nears, many young people express cynicism about political change, though this isn’t necessarily a rejection of democracy. Paris is abuzz with the dramatic story of a daylight jewel heist at the Louvre, captivating both residents and tourists. Finally, the U.S. has sanctioned Russia’s largest oil companies, adding pressure on President Putin, but President Trump’s frequently shifting positions mean his ultimate plan for ending the war in Ukraine remains unclear.

From our video section, today’s highlights include ‘Let God Rewrite Your Story’ by Jentezen Franklin, the Missions Week Chapel with Kyle Philippi, and ‘Masterpiece.’

Looking at our FaithNews RSS feed, recent headlines include ‘Ministry to Israel ‘Lone Soldier Program’ Looks to Welcome One of the Hostages,’ ‘New Book Examines Generational Shift in Leadership and Discipleship,’ ‘VPN.com Honors TPUSA Founder Charlie Kirk,’ and ‘Intercultural Ministries Hosts ‘Seat at the Table’ Conference.’

In prophecy news, tensions remain high in the Middle East as Hamas is reportedly not disarming and continues violence against rival militias and political opponents, despite President Trump’s Gaza peace plan and a declared ceasefire, actively reasserting its power in vacated territories. This comes as the Israeli cabinet has recently renamed the Iron Swords War to the ‘War of Redemption,’ with Prime Minister Netanyahu stating that ending the conflict early would have meant Israel’s ‘days were numbered.’ Stateside, former CIA director John Brennan has been hit with a criminal referral over alleged false statements concerning the Steele dossier.

Finally, in Jewish history, we look back to October 24th. We mark the birthdate of Flavius Domitianus, who would become the Roman Emperor Domitian. Domitian, along with his father Vespasian and brother Titus, played a pivotal role in the destruction of Jerusalem, which became a cornerstone of the Flavian dynasty’s power. He was notably more hostile to the Jewish people than his predecessors, aggressively enforcing bans on Romans converting to Judaism and rigorously collecting special taxes. His passing in 96 AD was certainly not mourned by the Children of Israel. Also on this day in 69 AD, at the Second Battle of Bedriacum, forces loyal to Vespasian defeated Emperor Vitellius.