#ourCOG Daily Brief [October 20, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for October 20, 2025.

In today’s top stories, a government shutdown continues to grip the nation, with Republicans and Democrats entrenched in their positions as the effects begin to be felt. Meanwhile, “No Kings” protests against President Trump have swept across cities nationwide, challenging the balance of power. The Trump administration is also ramping up its military presence near Venezuela without congressional approval, amidst increased “drug boat” strikes, raising questions about potential land operations. On the legal front, “Lawfare” appears to be escalating, with the indictment of former national security adviser John Bolton marking the latest example of the Trump Justice Department pursuing those the President claims wronged him. Internationally, President Trump, having brokered a ceasefire in Gaza, is now reportedly applying similar heavy-handed tactics to mediate an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Across the globe, Ukraine braces for a third winter at war as Russia intensifies strikes on its energy grid, aiming to break morale, though Ukrainians are adept at keeping the lights on. Europe continues to grapple with migration challenges, as Denmark and Sweden specifically wrestle with how to accommodate or manage the influx of war-weary immigrants from Muslim nations. Finally, the Gaza ceasefire is under severe strain, with Israel halting aid and launching new strikes following an alleged Hamas violation, which Hamas denies.

Turning to our video updates, you can catch up on recent releases including “Masterpiece,” “Prayer Weapons,” “Part Two,” and “Surrender Your Little.”

In FaithNews, we’re seeing stories about a “Ministry to Israel ‘Lone Soldier Program’” looking to welcome one of the hostages, a new book that “Examines Generational Shift in Leadership and Discipleship,” VPN.com honoring “TPUSA Founder Charlie Kirk,” and “Intercultural Ministries” hosting a “‘Seat at the Table’ Conference.”

Meanwhile, in prophecy news, recent headlines have focused on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s statement that an early end to the Gaza war would have meant Israel’s ‘days were numbered.’ We also saw Poland’s president sign a new zero income tax law for parents with two children, aiming to support families. Concerns were raised about New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who some view as an “enemy of the Jews” and a “warning for America” despite his attempts at rebranding. And looking ahead, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly plan to meet in Budapest to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking at October 21st, we recall several significant events. In 1553 BCE, the matriarch Rachel, wife of Jacob, tragically passed away at the age of 36 during the childbirth of Benjamin, and is buried in Beit Lechem. Much later, in 336 BCE, Ezra and Nechemia convened the Jewish community in Jerusalem. The year 681 saw the implementation of revised laws from the Twelfth Council of Toledo, which included 28 anti-Jewish measures, notably forbidding converts to Christianity from reverting to Judaism. Just five years later, in 686, Pope Conon was consecrated during a period of severe persecution for the Jews of Toledo. And in 1096, during the First Crusade, another chapter in Jewish history unfolded.