#ourCOG Daily Brief [October 19, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for October 19, 2025.

In today’s top stories, a daring heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris saw thieves make off with nine pieces from Napoleon’s jewel collection in just seven minutes, leading to the museum’s closure. Domestically, ‘No Kings’ protests against President Donald Trump’s perceived overreach drew crowds in cities nationwide, as demonstrators voiced concerns over the nation’s balance of power. The Trump administration is also drawing attention for its military buildup near Venezuela, which is proceeding without congressional approval and hints at a potential land operation. Meanwhile, the political arena is heating up with increased ‘lawfare,’ as exemplified by the indictment of former national security adviser John Bolton. President Trump, fresh from strong-arming a ceasefire in Gaza, appears to be applying a similar strategy to the conflict in Ukraine. Internationally, that Gaza ceasefire is facing a major test as Israel has halted aid to the territory following alleged Hamas violations, which Hamas denies. And in Bolivia, a recent runoff election showcased a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, demonstrating that the concept of a singular ‘Indigenous vote’ is evolving.

On our video channels, you can catch up on ‘Masterpiece,’ ‘Sunday Service,’ ‘Sundays at 9:30AM & 11:30AM EST,’ a stream from ‘citylife church,’ and the ‘Princeton Church Live Stream 10-19-25.’

From our FaithNews RSS feed, the latest headlines include a look at the Ministry to Israel’s ‘Lone Soldier Program’ as it prepares to welcome one of the hostages, news of a new book examining generational shifts in leadership and discipleship, VPN.com honoring TPUSA Founder Charlie Kirk, and an update on Intercultural Ministries hosting their ‘Seat at the Table’ Conference.

In prophecy news, Poland’s president has signed a new zero income tax law for parents with two or more children, aiming to support families and boost the economy. We’re also following the ongoing discussion around New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, whose attempts to rebrand himself as a ‘friend of the Jewish people’ are being contrasted with his past record on Hamas and antisemitic propaganda. On the geopolitical front, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are planning a meeting in Budapest to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine, following what the White House called a ‘productive’ phone call. Finally, students of Bible prophecy are actively examining the implications of Israel’s victory over Hamas, with discussions clarifying that the current peace deal does not fulfill the seven-year covenant mentioned in Daniel 9:27.

And finally, looking back at Jewish history for October 20th, significant events include the traditional date of the passing of Gad, one of Jacob’s sons, back in 1409 BCE. The year 460 saw the death of Aeilia Eudocia, the Byzantine Empress notable for allowing Jews to return to Jerusalem in 438. Fast forward to 1314, Louis IV began his reign as ‘King of the Romans’ – he would later authorize protections for Jews in his duchy. That same year, Rabbenu Asher and his sons established a trust to distribute funds to the poor. And in 1614, we note the life of Franciscus Mercurius van Helmont, a prominent Christian Kabbalist.