#ourCOG Daily Brief [November 2, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for November 2, 2025.

In U.S. news today, the political landscape is active as former President Trump’s decision to stall funding for New Jersey’s massive Gateway tunnel project is now a significant factor in the state’s closely contested governor’s race. The ongoing government shutdown, while not yet widely disruptive, could soon test public patience with potential impacts on everything from airports to SNAP benefits. The U.S. is also flexing its military might with the USS Gerald R. Ford deploying to the Caribbean, a move that suggests a broader strategy beyond counternarcotics operations, particularly concerning Venezuela. Domestically, Chicago residents are grappling with ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ an aggressive federal immigration enforcement campaign, which recently saw a major apartment raid in the South Shore neighborhood sparking both empathy and lingering resentment. And in California, a new congressional redistricting plan is heading to voters, aiming to counteract Texas’s efforts to gain Republican seats in the U.S. House. On the world stage, France has updated its rape laws, finally incorporating the crucial element of consent, a long-awaited change largely thanks to the Gisèle Pelicot case. Looking ahead, the COP30 climate conference, set to kick off in Belém, Brazil, on November 10th, is already facing calls for an overhaul amid concerns about its scale and effectiveness. And in a lighter note, the World Series is offering Toronto Blue Jays fans and Canada a chance to rewrite the script after nearly a year of U.S.-Canadian diplomatic tensions, though ultimately, it’s just a game.

For our video segment, recent uploads include a ‘One-Night Revival with Gabe Swaggart @ Free Chapel With Pastor Jentezen Franklin,’ the ‘Sunday Service | Sundays at 9:30AM & 11:30AM EST | citylife church,’ and the ‘Dallas Church of God Livestream.’

From the FaithNews RSS feed, we find headlines like ‘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.’

Turning to prophecy news, there’s significant concern in the UK as Christian leaders push back against government policies, including a proposed ban on ‘conversion therapy,’ which they fear could silence biblical truth. Meanwhile, a growing ‘ideological virus’ is reportedly spreading among young Evangelicals, manifesting as anti-Zionism and challenging Israel’s role in God’s plan. In a show of support, a group of U.S. lawmakers and pro-Israel activists recently toured Israel’s biblical heartland, visiting sites in Judea and Samaria. And on the geopolitical front, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are actively seeking closer ties, signaling a major play for the future of the Middle East.

And finally, a look at some key moments in Jewish history for November 3rd. In 166 BCE, we mark the passing of Mattathias ben Yochanan. Centuries later, in 361 CE, Roman Emperor Constantius II died; he was a ruler who significantly enhanced anti-Jewish policies, making conversion to Judaism a capital offense and prohibiting intermarriage with Christian women. And in 644 CE, Umar, the second Caliph, passed away. He is notable for his visit to Jerusalem in 637, where he famously reversed Byzantine policy and encouraged Jews to return to the city.