#ourCOG Daily Brief [September 28, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for September 28, 2025.

Today’s U.S. news highlights significant domestic and international tensions. Russia’s continued flights over NATO territory are prompting a review of the alliance’s defensive capabilities against Moscow. Domestically, a year after Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina, regions are still awaiting federal aid despite marking some recovery. In a major legal development, former FBI director James Comey has been indicted on charges of making a false statement to Congress and obstruction, a move that comes after President Trump publicly urged his prosecution, raising concerns about the norms of the U.S. justice system and potential chilling effects across government. Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s immigration clampdown now includes offering cash incentives for unauthorized immigrants to “self-deport,” a policy seeing a growing number choosing to leave voluntarily. Globally, a Paris suburb is still healing two decades after two boys died fleeing police, an event that sparked weeks of riots and continues to inspire immigrant youth. In an interesting economic experiment, Buddhist Bhutan is exploring “mindful capitalism” to address job creation while maintaining its focus on happiness. And in urban innovation, Copenhagen’s “sponge-city” strategy is protecting against floods, while more U.S. cities are adopting social housing models for affordability.

For those looking for spiritual enrichment, today’s video offerings included “Hand of Hope 9/28/2025,” followed by “Sunday Service | Sundays at 9:30AM & 11:30AM EST | citylife church,” and “Princeton Church Live Stream 9-28-25.”

From the FaithNews RSS feed, we learned about the dedication of the International Offices Prayer Center, Upward Sports celebrating 30 years of ministry impact, a new AI Assistant being launched for Women’s Health Centers, and Cook casting his inaugural vision for Lee University.

In prophecy news today, discussions revolved around the intriguing possibility of Tony Blair running Gaza, a plan reportedly backed by powerful figures from Gulf leaders to Jared Kushner, and notably, with President Trump’s blessing. We also saw controversy around President Trump’s Tylenol advisory for pregnant women, drawing criticism from Big Pharma despite the advisory’s rationale. Closer to home, a government shutdown looms as Democrats and Republicans remain at an impasse over funding, with Democrats demanding reversals of legislative victories. Finally, a somber reflection on the quote “When The Tyrant Dies, His Reign Ends. But When The Martyr Dies, His Reign Begins,” linked to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Finally, in Jewish history, this September 28th marks a couple of significant events. Back in 48 BCE, Pompey the Great, notorious for desecrating the Holy of Holies and mocking Jewish prayers, was assassinated in Egypt. His rival, Julius Caesar, had comparatively positive relations with the Jewish people. Then, in 351 CE, the Eastern Roman army, led by Constantius II, defeated the western forces at the Battle of Mursa Major. Historically, the Jewish community might have fared better if the usurper Magnentius had won, as Constantius II’s vigorous Christian policies proved less favorable for them.