#ourCOG Daily Brief [December 17, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 17, 2025.

First, let’s look at today’s headlines from the U.S. and around the world. In U.S. news, President Trump’s shift towards more military action in Latin America is finding an anti-Castro soulmate for many in the Cuban diaspora, aligning with figures like Marco Rubio. Meanwhile, schools across the nation are grappling with artificial intelligence; while most remain wary, a pioneering charter school in Hawaii is embracing it, showcasing a paradigm shift in education. California is also making history, for the first time formalizing a public role in fire-recovery policymaking, with citizens prioritizing permitting, resilience, and financial support. On the political front, while criminal cases concerning the 2020 “fake electors” plan have mostly stalled, Wisconsin may be an exception, with a case involving three key figures potentially heading to trial. Economically, inflation continues to weigh on voters, and President Trump is feeling the pinch, with his economic approval ratings dropping, a problem that previously plagued Joe Biden. Shifting to world news, the Bondi Beach massacre has profoundly shaken Australia’s Jewish community, who for generations found a haven there, now hoping Australians recognize antisemitism as a broader societal issue. In India, a nonprofit called Wildlife SOS is making strides in combating elephant abuse by educating travel firms and tourists about the pain these majestic animals endure for rides. And finally, off China’s southern coast, the large tropical island of Hainan is set to gain independent customs status tomorrow, marking an ambitious experiment Chinese leaders hope will jump-start development and pioneer new levels of openness despite rising protectionism globally.

In our video lineup, we feature powerful messages from spiritual leaders. The latest videos include “Fight For Your Family” by Jentezen Franklin, “Dumb and Dumber!” from Perry Stone, and “This Week On Jentezen Franklin TV #blessed.”

Turning to our FaithNews RSS feed, recent headlines include “Smith Honored with Spirit of Azusa Award,” “More Americans Embrace ‘Animal Gifting’ This Christmas,” “Foundation Announces Partnership to Support Military Families in Need,” and “Church of God Publications Releases 75th Anniversary Edition “Red Back Hymnal.””

For the latest in prophecy news, there’s significant activity concerning global events. Today, ICEJ USA has launched a ‘Christian Declaration Against Antisemitism,’ a unified statement against the rising attacks on Jews and anti-Israel protests worldwide, recognizing antisemitism as incompatible with biblical values. Yesterday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt detailed President Trump’s midterm message to seniors, focusing on no Social Security tax, increased tax refunds, and a targeted agenda to lower the cost of living. On December 15th, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya asserted a “legitimate right” to possess weapons, insisting any future Gaza ceasefire proposals must uphold this, while Ukraine’s Zelensky reportedly offered to drop his country’s NATO bid. And earlier, on December 14th, the UK Parliament advanced the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, a sweeping piece of legislation giving the government unprecedented oversight of homeschooling, part of what’s being described as a global squeeze on parents.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at this day, December 17th: in 520 BCE, the foundation-stone of the Temple was laid. Fast forward to 630, and Modestus of Jerusalem, who served as the Greek Orthodox Patriarch after the destruction of Jerusalem by Chosroes II, passed away. In 1141, after leaving Cairo, Jehuda Halevi arrived at the port of Damietta, where he was warmly received by his old friend Abu Said Chalfon. And in 1261, we note Pope Clement IV, who would later renew the prohibition of the Talmud, which had been publicly burnt in France and Italy.

That’s your #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 17, 2025. Good evening.