#ourCOG Daily Brief [December 16, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 16, 2025.

In today’s top stories, U.S. news sees California setting a precedent with public involvement in fire-recovery policymaking, while in Wisconsin, a “fake elector” scheme from 2020 might finally head to trial. President Trump is facing challenges with his approval ratings as inflation weighs on voters, a problem that previously dogged Joe Biden. Texas politics is heating up with a Senate race that promises distinct choices in both party primaries, and nationally, a new report highlights the concerning statistic that only 2% of U.S. students studying abroad are Black men, emphasizing the need to expand these life-changing opportunities. Globally, China is launching an ambitious experiment in Hainan, hoping to pioneer new levels of openness despite rising protectionism. In the Middle East, an attack on U.S. forces in Syria is testing both the anti-ISIS mission and warming ties with President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government. Meanwhile, in Senegal, many young people are braving dangerous seas to reach Europe, prompting local leaders and parents to seek solutions to encourage them to stay.

For spiritual encouragement, our featured videos include “A Different Way to Live #prayer #blessings #shorts,” a powerful message to “Stand Firm In The Faith” from Jentezen Franklin, and a challenging thought: “If you’re part of a church, you need to hear this #faith #challenge #shorts.”

Regarding our FaithNews RSS feed, we currently have no recent faith-based news to report.

Turning to prophecy news, the latest from December 16th details White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt breaking down President Trump’s midterm message to seniors, focusing on no Social Security tax, increased refunds, and a targeted agenda to lower the cost of living. Just yesterday, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya asserted a “legitimate right” to possess weapons as a condition for Gaza ceasefire proposals. Earlier in the week, there was news of a global squeeze on parents, particularly with the UK Parliament advancing a bill for unprecedented oversight of homeschooling. And on December 13th, Elon Musk and California Governor Gavin Newsom engaged in a heated debate on X regarding “trans kids” and the “evil woke mind virus.”

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at December 17th, we recall significant events: 520 BCE saw the laying of the foundation stone for the Second Temple. In 630 CE, Modestus of Jerusalem, who replaced Zacharias as Greek Orthodox Patriarch, passed away. Fast forward to 1141, when Jehuda Halevi arrived at the port of Damietta after leaving Cairo, receiving a warm welcome from his old friend Abu Said Chalfon. And in 1261, Pope Clement IV began his papacy, later renewing the prohibition of the Talmud and ordering its public burning in France and Italy.

That’s your #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 16, 2025. Have a blessed evening.