#ourCOG Daily Brief [October 23, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for October 23, 2026.

In today’s top stories, the upcoming midterm elections are poised as a pivotal moment for President Trump, potentially shifting congressional control to Democrats and focusing attention on 2028, though he’s not expected to leave the political stage. Amidst this, the President appears to be embracing big-power diplomacy with Vladimir Putin and Russia, especially as he faces possible adverse midterm outcomes. Domestically, America grapples with soaring childcare costs, debating universal care versus parental subsidies, with various state and international models offering potential solutions. Furthermore, concerns have been raised by experts over President Trump’s decision not to invite international election observers for the midterms. On a lighter note, Boston Common recently hosted a delightful community cookie swap, orchestrated by acclaimed baker Joanne Chang. Internationally, a church in Jordan was tragically attacked during a funeral in a region historically known for interfaith coexistence, prompting immediate measures to protect Christian houses of worship nationwide. In Serbia, student-led protests are culminating in this weekend’s elections, aiming to oust what’s widely seen as a corrupt, illiberal ruling party. And in the UK, young people are increasingly turning to “side hustles” to navigate dwindling job prospects, high property prices, and student debt, fundamentally changing their approach to work and careers.

Our latest video offerings explore profound topics, including “Private Battles Public Victories” with Jentezen Franklin, “The Mystery Of Near-Death Afterlife Encounters | Episode 1359” featuring Perry Stone, and another insightful message from Jentezen Franklin titled “What Happens When You Pray.”

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we’re tracking several announcements: Lee University is set to host Celebration 2026 and Homecoming from November 5th to 7th, Hillsong Worship is preparing to release new live songs today, October 23rd, Great American Media has launched Pure Flix Familia, and a new initiative is seeking to benefit Native American Ministries.

Turning to prophecy news, today, October 23rd, reports indicate Denmark is significantly bolstering its defense capabilities by acquiring new long-range missile systems from both the U.S. and Norway, including the Joint Strike Missile for its F-35 fleet and low-cost Anthem cruise systems. Just yesterday, October 22nd, remarkable economic news emerged from the U.S. with the poverty rate hitting its lowest level in history, alongside record real household income, a 126-year low in the murder rate, and a 99.9% reduction in illegal border crossings. Earlier in the week, on October 21st, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov stated that while Russia would consider U.S. proposals from the Oslo meeting, political concessions are off the table. Finally, on October 20th, President Trump expressed openness to meeting with Presidents Putin and Xi during the APEC summit in China this November.

And finally, a look back at Jewish history on this day, October 23rd. In 521 BCE, we see the first Babylonian record of Nebuchadnezzar III, a usurper who challenged the rule of Darius during the construction of the Second Temple. Later, in 42 BCE, the army of Marcus Junius Brutus was defeated at the Second Battle of Philippi, leading to Brutus’s suicide. This event was likely met with little mourning by most Jews, given their widespread admiration for Julius Caesar, whom Brutus had murdered. Historical accounts note that when Caesar died, “crowds of foreigners, lamenting in their own fashion, especially Jews, came flocking to the Forum for several nights in succession,” highlighting Caesar’s popularity among the Jewish community.