Canadian courts vacate convictions against a faithful pastor targeted for defying COVID worship bans, exposing government overreach that spared secular spots but crushed church services. Pastor Koopman’s Defiance Amid Lockdown Bans Rev. John Koopman of Chilliwack Free Reformed Church in British Columbia held in-person worship services from 2020 to 2021 despite Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s orders banning them. The church complied with masking and distancing but prioritized religious duty over total shutdowns. Health authorities ignored the church’s accommodation request for weeks, while synagogues received swift approvals. This selective enforcement fueled charges exceeding 20, targeting faithful Christians who refused to abandon their God-given right to worship. Court Vacates Convictions on Technical Grounds In early 2026, reported January 8, a Canadian court vacated two of Koopman’s COVID-related convictions. Crown prosecutors acknowledged errors in court records, leading to the overturn without reviewing the bans’ constitutionality. This relieved $460 in fines from convictions, including one from February 2025. Koopman urged government review of “many errors” in worship restrictions. The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms hailed it as a step forward but noted core issues of religious discrimination remain unaddressed. Pattern of Persecution Against Canadian Pastors Koopman’s case fits a broader assault on religious liberty during COVID lockdowns. In Alberta, Pastor Artur Pawlowski faced multiple arrests, 51 days in jail for a Coutts blockade sermon, and a 2023 mischief conviction later mitigated by time served. Pastor Tim Stephens saw charges dropped in August 2023 after repeated defiance. Other pastors endured jail time before releases. These incidents reveal government preference for secular venues over churches, eroding Charter-protected freedoms in ways that alarm defenders of faith and family. Provincial powers wielded fines up to $40,000, yet courts exposed prosecutorial weaknesses through concessions. JCCF’s legal challenges underscore motivations rooted in protecting worship as essential, not optional. Health officials like Henry justified bans for virus control, but unequal accommodations bred justified outrage among conservative communities valuing individual liberty over state mandates. Implications for Religious Freedom and Government Overreach Short-term, the vacating sets precedent for technical challenges, offering potential relief in remaining Koopman cases and similar disputes. Long-term, it spotlights enforcement flaws without endorsing full defiance or policy reversals. Religious communities see partial vindication, bolstering narratives of anti-Christian bias. Politically, it amplifies criticism of COVID-era overreach, echoing unfulfilled amnesty promises in Alberta. As President Trump restores American sovereignty in 2026, this Canadian saga warns against globalist-style intrusions on core values like faith and family. Socially, it strengthens resolve among patriots frustrated by past leftist policies that prioritized control over freedoms. Economic impacts stay minor, but the fight influences broader reviews of pandemic prosecutions. Pro-defiance voices see systemic errors; enforcement supporters cling to health order merits, though technical losses undermine them. Sources: Two Covid convictions against Pastor Koopman vacated Jailed Canadian pastor blasts Alberta Premier Danielle Smith COVID-19 pandemic charges dropped against Pastor Tim Stephens and others B.C. pastor’s fines set aside for violating in-person gathering rules during COVID lockdown Canadian pastor jailed over COVID rules released from prison

The View’s Joy Behar sparked nationwide outrage with her shocking prediction that Trump would exploit Minneapolis ICE protests to declare martial law and cancel midterm elections. The Explosive Prediction That Backfired Joy Behar’s inflammatory comments about Trump using civil unrest to seize power represent a stunning miscalculation of her audience’s tolerance for extreme rhetoric. The veteran View co-host suggested that protests following an ICE shooting in Minneapolis would justify Trump to suspend democratic processes. Her conspiracy theory reflects the deepest fears of progressive commentators who view every Trump policy through the lens of authoritarian overreach. The backlash was immediate and unprecedented. Live audience members, who typically remain respectfully silent during tapings, openly booed the hosts and refused post-show meet-and-greets. Security personnel had to escort vocal protesters from the studio, marking one of the show’s most dramatic confrontations. When Anti-ICE Rhetoric Met Reality The controversy stems from an ICE agent’s fatal shooting of an American citizen in Minneapolis, which The View hosts used as ammunition against Trump’s immigration policies. Sunny Hostin escalated the rhetoric by comparing Trump to Hitler and describing ICE agents as “inhumane.” She blamed Trump supporters for encouraging violence and characterized the shooting as an “evil act” enabled by expanded enforcement powers. The hosts referenced the Department of Justice use-of-force policies, arguing the Minneapolis shooting violated standards since the agent could have moved aside rather than firing at a vehicle. Hostin cited statistics claiming ICE had fired on at least nine people in cars, killing seven, establishing what she called a pattern of excessive force under Trump’s policies. The Audience Rebellion That Changed Everything What makes this incident extraordinary is not just the content of the hosts’ comments. Still, the unprecedented audience revolt that followed. Conservative commentator Mike Zeroh described the confrontation as “woke Hollywood” hypocrisy being exposed in real time. The audience’s reaction suggests even The View’s traditionally liberal-leaning viewers have limits when it comes to extreme political rhetoric. The incident reveals a critical disconnect between progressive media personalities and ordinary Americans who support immigration enforcement. While the hosts framed ICE operations as targeting innocent people, many viewers understand these efforts focus on removing individuals who have violated immigration laws or committed fraud.

A rising star in Trump’s immigration enforcement apparatus abandons her federal post to challenge a decades-long Democratic stronghold, signaling a bold conservative offensive in swing districts nationwide. Young Conservative Takes on Establishment Democrat Madison Sheahan announced her resignation from ICE on January 15, 2026, launching an immediate congressional campaign against Rep. Marcy Kaptur in Ohio’s 9th District. The 29-year-old former deputy director brings nearly a year of high-profile immigration enforcement experience to challenge Kaptur, who has held the seat since 1983. Federal law enforcement sources confirmed the internal announcement occurred that morning, with Sheahan’s campaign website going live simultaneously. Her candidacy represents a direct challenge to entrenched Democratic power in a district that shifted toward Trump in 2024. NEW: ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan is resigning after less than a year in the role. The longtime ally of Kristi Noem is now planning a run for Congress in Ohio.https://t.co/t5o14ngGwq — Phillip Nieto (@nieto_phillip) January 15, 2026 Sheahan’s campaign emphasizes her role in what she calls ICE’s “historic transformation” under the Trump administration. Her website touts achievements in “border security, interior enforcement, and rule of law” with the slogan “No Excuses. Let’s Get It Done.” The Ohio native grew up on a horse farm in Curtice and graduated from Ohio State University in 2019 with degrees in public affairs and agri-business. Her rapid political ascent included roles as political director for South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and executive director of the South Dakota GOP before joining federal service. ICE Expansion Under Conservative Leadership During Sheahan’s tenure as deputy director, ICE underwent massive expansion that conservatives view as essential for protecting American communities. The agency grew from 20,000 employees with a $10 billion budget to over 30,000 employees with an $85 billion budget, according to campaign materials. This growth included hiring 12,000 officers in just 180 days, demonstrating the Trump administration’s commitment to interior enforcement. Sheahan oversaw major operations like “Operation Midway Blitz” on October 30, 2025, showcasing the agency’s enhanced capabilities under conservative leadership. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem appointed Sheahan to the deputy director position on March 9, 2025, recognizing her proven track record in state-level conservative politics. Her previous role as Louisiana Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries included forming a Special Operations Group and responding to the 2025 New Orleans truck attack. These experiences positioned her as a natural fit for federal law enforcement leadership during a critical period of immigration policy implementation. Her resignation creates a significant leadership gap at ICE during ongoing enforcement priorities. Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump and @Sec_Noem, for your leadership and steadfast commitment to Defend the Homeland. As I depart @ICEgov today, I am proud of the work we have done to protect American families and I am grateful for the brave men and women serving at ICE. pic.twitter.com/x9vgAe39Qf — ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan (@ICEDeputy) January 15, 2026 Strategic Challenge in Swing District Ohio’s 9th District presents a strategic opportunity for conservative gains, despite Kaptur’s long tenure and 2024 re-election victory. Trump won many counties within the district in 2024, indicating shifting voter preferences toward conservative policies on immigration and economic issues. Sheahan’s campaign focuses on “protecting American jobs, paychecks, and values,” directly appealing to voters concerned about illegal immigration’s impact on working families. Her law enforcement background provides credibility on border security issues that resonate with district voters frustrated by Democratic policies. The timing of Sheahan’s candidacy announcement signals confidence in conservative momentum heading into the 2026 midterms. Her youth and professional accomplishments contrast sharply with Kaptur’s decades-long Washington establishment presence, potentially appealing to voters seeking fresh conservative leadership. The campaign represents broader Republican efforts to recruit strong candidates with Trump administration experience for competitive districts nationwide. Her ICE credentials directly address voter concerns about immigration enforcement that Democrats have consistently failed to prioritize effectively. Sources: ICE Deputy Director Resigns from Agency to Run for Congress – Fox News ICE Deputy Director Resigns from Agency to Run for Congress – WRGA News ICE Deputy Director Resigns Agency Run Congress – WHMI Madison Sheahan – Wikipedia

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning that any breach of Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland would trigger “unprecedented” consequences, directly challenging President Trump’s renewed push to acquire the strategic Arctic territory. Macron Draws Red Line on Greenland Sovereignty During a January 14 cabinet meeting in Paris, President Macron delivered France’s strongest warning yet regarding Trump’s Greenland ambitions. “If the sovereignty of a European country and ally were to be affected, the knock-on effects would be unprecedented,” Macron declared, promising France would act in “full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty.” This represents an extraordinary escalation between NATO allies, with France positioning itself as the lead defender of European territorial integrity against American pressure. BREAKING: In a stunning repudiation of Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron just made clear Greenland must not be taken. Wow. pic.twitter.com/mUD2hTShzg — Democratic Wins Media (@DemocraticWins) January 13, 2026 Trump Escalates Pressure Campaign Against Allied Territory President Trump has dramatically intensified his rhetoric since returning to office, declaring the U.S. will “do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not.” Trump dismissed Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen’s rejection of U.S. control, suggesting it could become “a significant problem for him.” This coercive language toward a NATO ally’s autonomous territory represents a dangerous departure from traditional alliance diplomacy and respect for sovereignty principles that have underpinned Western security cooperation. The President argues that U.S. control of Greenland is vital to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, where melting ice has opened new shipping routes and access to resources. However, his approach of pressuring allies through threats undermines the very alliance solidarity needed to counter these competitors effectively. European Unity Forms Against U.S. Overreach The European response extends far beyond Macron’s warnings. France will open a consulate in Greenland on February 6, explicitly described by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot as a “political signal” of European presence. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly assured Greenlanders they can “rely on EU support,” while Germany’s foreign minister stressed that Greenland’s fate belongs to “Greenlanders and the Kingdom of Denmark” alone, citing UN principles on sovereignty. This coordinated European pushback demonstrates how Trump’s coercive approach is driving allies toward greater strategic autonomy rather than cooperation. Denmark has announced plans to strengthen its military presence in Greenland and push for increased NATO exercises, effectively militarizing the dispute within the alliance framework. Greenlandic Self-Determination Challenges U.S. Ambitions Greenland’s political leaders have issued a powerful joint statement rejecting U.S. acquisition attempts, declaring “We don’t want to be Americans, we don’t want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders.” This unified stance from the 56,000-person territory complicates any U.S. acquisition strategy, as Greenlandic autonomy and eventual self-determination aspirations align more closely with European support for indigenous rights than American territorial expansion. The Greenlandic position undermines Trump’s justification that acquisition serves regional security interests. If the goal is countering Russian and Chinese influence, alienating the very people whose territory America seeks to control while fracturing NATO solidarity achieves the opposite result. This approach hands adversaries a propaganda victory about American imperialism while weakening the alliance cooperation essential for Arctic security. Sources: Macron warns of consequences over any breach of Greenland France to open Greenland consulate amid Trump takeover threats France to open consulate in Greenland in a ‘political signal’ amid Trump threats Macron on Greenland: If the sovereignty of an ally is affected, knock-on effects would be unprecedented Greenland party leaders reject US calls for control of Greenland

China just conducted its largest crackdown on Christians since the Mao era, deploying over 1,000 police officers to arrest hundreds of believers in what was once called “China’s Jerusalem.” The Christmas Eve Raids That Shook China’s Jerusalem Days before Christmas 2025, Chinese authorities unleashed an unprecedented assault on Christian worship in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province. The city earned its nickname “China’s Jerusalem” for its dense Christian population, making it a prime target for Xi Jinping’s campaign to bring all religion under Communist Party control. SWAT teams, riot police, and firefighters surrounded dozens of house churches, creating scenes reminiscent of military operations rather than religious enforcement. The scale shocked even seasoned observers of Chinese religious persecution. Lin Enzhao and Lin Enci, prominent leaders of Yayang Church who had previously protested Communist Party oppression, found themselves among the hundreds detained. Their arrest sent a clear message that no level of Christian leadership would be spared in this new escalation. Demolition and Devastation Follow Mass Arrests The Christmas raids were merely the opening act. On January 8, 2026, authorities demolished Yayang Church while simultaneously conducting coordinated arrests across the country. In Chengdu, police arrested yet another pastor from Early Rain Covenant Church, a congregation that has faced relentless persecution since 2018 when its senior pastor Wang Yi received a nine-year prison sentence. Li Yingqiang, who took over leadership of Early Rain after Wang Yi’s imprisonment, had warned church members of an approaching “storm.” His prophecy proved tragically accurate as five Early Rain members, including Li himself, now remain in custody. The church’s resilience in the face of repeated raids has made it a symbol of Christian resistance to state control. Xi Jinping’s Sinicization Campaign Reaches Peak Intensity These raids represent the aggressive implementation of Xi Jinping’s 2018 Sinicization campaign, designed to align Christianity with Communist Party ideology. Under this program, churches must display Chinese flags and portraits of Xi Jinping, incorporate “Xi Jinping Thought” into sermons, and sing patriotic hymns alongside traditional worship songs. The State Administration for Religious Affairs was strategically placed under the Communist Party’s United Front Work Department, effectively ending any pretense of religious independence. The campaign targets the estimated 60 to 100 million Christians who worship in unregistered “house churches” rather than submit to the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, the state-controlled Protestant organization. These believers refuse registration precisely because it requires accepting Communist Party oversight of their faith, creating an irreconcilable conflict between religious conviction and state demands. A Pattern of Escalating Religious Persecution The Wenzhou raids cap a year of intensifying persecution that began with targeted arrests and escalated to mass detentions. Throughout 2024, authorities conducted systematic raids across multiple provinces, from Beijing’s Zion Church in October to Grace Church locations in Changsha in November. Each operation refined tactics and tested public response, building toward the massive Wenzhou operation. Global Christian Rights released its 2026 Red List on January 8, confirming China leads the world with 709 arrests and detentions of Christians. This ranking reflects not just the raw numbers but the systematic nature of persecution, with authorities weaponizing registration laws to criminalize independent worship. The timing of the report’s release, coinciding with the church demolitions, underscores how rapidly the situation continues deteriorating. Sources: ChinaAid – Summary of Christian House Church Persecution Cases in China in November 2024 Foundation for Defense of Democracies – CCP Raids Churches, Arrests Hundreds of Christians in China’s Jerusalem Baptist Press – Red List 2026: Nigeria, China, Mexico Among Top Five Persecutors of Christians International Christian Concern – China Continues Efforts to Erase Christianity from Within