DAILY PRAYER: Dear Lord, May You be on our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
AMERICAN HISTORY: On February 4, 1789, the first US Electoral College chose George Washington as President and John Adams as Vice President.
EVERYDAY HEROES: On Friday, January 30, 2026, while on a family holiday in Geographe Bay near Quindalup, Australia, Austin Appelbee (13), his mother Joanne Appelbee (47), his brother Beau (12), and sister Grace (8) were kayaking and paddle-boarding when strong winds and rough seas swept them about 2.5 miles offshore.
Austin attempted to paddle back to shore in a kayak to raise the alarm, but the kayak took on water. He then swam the remaining 2½ miles to shore over approximately four hours in choppy, fading-light conditions – ditching his life jacket partway through because he felt it was slowing him down.
Thankfully, he encountered no sharks in the area, which is known for shark sightings. Upon reaching the beach, he alerted authorities who mounted a rescue operation, locating his family 8½ miles offshore. Austin says that, despite what people keep telling him, he certainly doesn’t see himself as a hero. It was, he acknowledged, a “tough battle”, but his praise is reserved for the “lovely ambulance crew” and the “really quick response” from emergency services.
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-02/geographe-bay-rescue-boy-superhuman-swim/106296100
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly3ezj3rg3o
FAFO: Federal agents have begun photographing protesters who harass them and using facial recognition technology to identify and warn them. On January 10, 2026, a Border Patrol agent warned anti-ICE protester Nicole Cleland about potentially impeding operations. On January 13, 2026, she received an email from DHS revoking her Global Entry and TSA PreCheck privileges.
FYI: Travelers with “TSA PreCheck” can get through domestic airport security checks faster; with Global Entry, international travelers can bypass customs upon arrival in the USA. Both programs require an application and approval process, but Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
- https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/01/ice-protester-says-her-global-entry-was-revoked-after-agent-scanned-her-face/
- https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/what-difference-between-global-entry-tsa-precheckr-and-other
- https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
ICE: Yesterday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that body-worn cameras will be used by all federal law enforcement officers in the field in Minneapolis.
ILHAN OMAR: [14:56] – This should get interesting!
PRAYER for OUR NATION: Dear Lord, Bless President Trump and Vice President Vance with wisdom and patience. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
TRUMP-A-NOMICS: Apartment rents fell for the sixth consecutive month in a row, bringing the national median monthly rent at $20 less than a year ago. The White House statement said, “The progress reflects the early impacts of President Trump’s comprehensive approach to housing—increasing supply, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and empowering builders to meet demand.”
GRAMMY NOTES: Mama Buzz is getting home school ready for Lent.
polination.blog 