#ourCOG Daily Brief [December 14, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 14, 2025.

Starting with our top stories today, in the U.S., the 2020 ‘fake electors’ scheme is back in the spotlight, with Wisconsin potentially seeing the first trial involving key figures in the effort to overturn the election results. Meanwhile, inflation continues to be a major concern, now impacting former President Trump’s economic approval ratings, a challenge similar to one that plagued President Biden. In Texas politics, a compelling Senate race is shaping up, highlighting the divide between moderates and more ardent ‘fighters’ within both parties. We also look at a significant disparity in study abroad opportunities, as only 2% of U.S. students who participate are Black men, raising questions about access and benefits. Finally, new details are emerging about the massive scale of COVID-19 pandemic aid fraud, with a high-profile Minnesota case underscoring a critical lack of safeguards. Shifting to global news, Lebanon’s community spirit is reportedly holding strong, a year after a shaky ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, as people continue to cross sectarian lines to support one another. In entertainment news, Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ is not only doing well stateside but is also shattering box-office records in China, one of the world’s most challenging movie markets. And in Senegal, young people are making waves, challenging their country to embrace and buy local, from cuisine to fashion, asserting independence from its former colonial ruler, France.

Looking at our recent video uploads, you can find our ‘Sunday morning worship,’ ‘Join us now for this morning’s worship experience! [11am EST Service],’ and ‘Sunday Service | Sundays at 9:30AM & 11:30AM EST | citylife church.’

In FaithNews, we hear that Smith has been honored with the Spirit of Azusa Award, and a growing number of Americans are embracing ‘animal gifting’ this Christmas season. A foundation has announced a new partnership aimed at supporting military families in need, while Church of God Publications has released a special 75th Anniversary Edition of the beloved ‘Red Back Hymnal.’

Moving to prophecy news, headlines are focusing on a ‘Global Squeeze on Parents,’ particularly in the United Kingdom where Parliament is advancing a bill that could grant the government unprecedented oversight of homeschooling families. Meanwhile, a heated debate has erupted between Elon Musk and California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding “trans kids” and what Musk terms an “evil woke mind virus.” This comes as Florida is taking legal action against top medical groups, citing their ‘reprehensible’ promotion of child ‘gender transitions.’ Also, pro-life leaders are calling for the firing of FDA chief Marty Makary amid accusations that he is intentionally delaying the review of abortion pill safety data until after next year’s midterm elections.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at December 14th, we find several significant events. In 164 BCE, Judah Maccabee famously restored service in the Temple in Jerusalem. Fast forward to 1243, when King Henry III notably transformed a confiscated synagogue into the chapel of St. Mary, a practice that sadly saw many other synagogues also converted into churches. We also mark the end of the reign of Al-Ashraf Khalil in 1293, the Mamluk Sultan who drove the Crusaders from Palestine, as he was attacked and murdered. And in 1503, Michel de Nostradame, better known as Nostradamus, was born; some sources indicate he was born Jewish before being baptized as part of a forced conversion.