Mexico Seizes Olympic Medals in Raids Linked to Fugitive

Mexican authorities conducted multiple raids on properties this week, seizing a wide range of items including Olympic medals.

The raids occurred in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, targeting properties linked to a manhunt for a Canadian fugitive.

Authorities Target Homes in Major Operation

Mexico’s Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection said federal agents carried out four coordinated raids.

The Navy, National Guard, Attorney General’s Office, and other security forces participated in the searches.

While the government did not name a suspect, media reports link the raids to Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder now wanted by U.S. authorities.

Wedding, originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, competed for Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics but did not win a medal.

What Authorities Seized

Officials said the items seized during the raids included:

• 62 high-end motorcycles
• Two vehicles
• Two Olympic medals
• Methamphetamine and marijuana
• Artwork and ammunition
• Documents and other materials

It is unclear who the Olympic medals belong to, as the former athlete linked to the raids did not win medals during his Olympic career.

Fugitive Allegations and Law Enforcement Efforts

U.S. authorities describe the former Olympian turned fugitive as one of the FBI’s 10 most wanted.

They allege he leads a large international drug trafficking network that moves cocaine from Mexico into the United States and Canada.

The U.S. government is offering a multimillion-dollar reward for information leading to his capture.

Legal Links and Ongoing Investigation

The raids occurred shortly after an Ontario lawyer linked to the case was granted bail ahead of potential extradition proceedings.

That lawyer faces allegations related to advising murders connected to the organization under investigation.

Mexican officials said the investigation continues and that bilateral cooperation with U.S. law enforcement remains active to locate and arrest the fugitive.

20-Year-Old Indian Doctoral Student Killed in Toronto Campus Shooting

A 20-year-old Indian student, Shivank Avasthi, was tragically shot dead near the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus on December 23, 2025.

Toronto police said they responded to a call around 3:34 p.m. for a person in distress near Highland Creek Trail and Old Kingston Road.

When officers arrived, they found Avasthi with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Investigate as Homicide

Police have classified the case as a homicide investigation.

Authorities said the suspect fled the area before police arrived.

No arrest has been made so far. Police have urged the public to provide any information.

The police described the incident as isolated with no ongoing threat to the campus community.

Who Was Shivank Avasthi

Shivank was a doctoral student at UTSC, reportedly in his third year of advanced studies in life sciences.

He was also a member of the UTSC cheerleading team, where teammates remembered him for his friendliness and support.

His cheer team said he brought energy and smiles to everyone at practice.

Campus Response

The University of Toronto Scarborough issued a shelter-in-place alert after the shooting.

Students were told to stay indoors or avoid the Highland Creek valley until police cleared the area.

Although the lockdown was lifted later, the community remains shaken by the incident.

India Expresses Condolences

India’s Consulate General in Toronto expressed “deep anguish” over the tragic shooting.

The consulate said it is in close contact with Avasthi’s family and providing assistance.

Safety Concerns and Reactions

The shooting has raised concerns about student safety, especially near campus trails used by many students.

Students and campus groups are calling for better security measures for off-campus areas.

The tragic death has also sparked discussion on safety for international students in Canada.

Shivank Avasthi’s untimely death has left family, friends, and the campus community devastated and seeking justice.

Indian-Origin Man Dies After 8-Hour Emergency Room Wait in Canada

A 44-year-old Indian-origin man, Prashant Sreekumar, tragically died after waiting over eight hours in a Canadian emergency room.

He was rushed to Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton on December 22, 2025, complaining of severe chest pain at work.

Family Speaks About Ordeal

Prashant’s wife, Niharika Sreekumar, recounted the harrowing experience in a viral video.

She said her husband waited in the emergency room from 12:20 pm to 8:50 pm, suffering sharp chest pain throughout.

Hospital staff, she claimed, did not treat his condition as urgent.

Severe Symptoms Ignored

Prashant reportedly told staff his pain was a “15 out of 10.”

Doctors performed an ECG, but told the family it showed no serious problem.

He was only given Tylenol and asked to wait. During this time, his blood pressure rose dangerously.

Collapse and Death

After eight hours, Prashant was finally called into the treatment area.

He collapsed after standing briefly and could not be revived despite resuscitation attempts. Officials cited cardiac arrest as the cause of death.

Hospital Response

The hospital, run by Covenant Health, said it cannot disclose patient care details due to privacy regulations.

The case is now under review by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Family Left Grieving

Prashant leaves behind his wife and three children, aged three, 10, and 14.

His family urges authorities to investigate the hospital procedures and improve emergency care protocols.

Toronto — Police are actively investigating a woman accused of repeatedly vandalizing TTC stations with anti-Indian messages over several months. The incidents have alarmed commuters and local communities.

Graffiti Reported Across Multiple Stations

Authorities say the suspect has defaced walls, pillars, and transit property at several subway stations. The messages reportedly carried discriminatory and offensive content. Commuters first noticed the graffiti in mid-2025, and reports have steadily increased since then.

Toronto Police released a photo of the woman and asked residents to come forward with any information. “We take bias-motivated vandalism very seriously,” a spokesperson said. They emphasized that public safety and respect for all communities remain a top priority.

Investigation Ongoing

Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from affected stations and gathering witness statements. Meanwhile, transit staff are working quickly to remove the graffiti. Officials said they have increased patrols in high-risk areas to prevent further incidents.

The police urged anyone with information about the suspect to contact them immediately. “Community cooperation is crucial,” they noted. They also reminded residents that reporting suspicious activity can help stop bias-motivated crimes before they escalate.

Community Reaction

Local organizations expressed concern over the repeated incidents, highlighting the impact on Toronto’s diverse communities. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any similar acts.

The TTC confirmed that cleaning crews are removing graffiti as soon as it is discovered. Additionally, authorities plan to increase awareness campaigns to discourage hate-motivated vandalism.

Toronto Police continue to treat the investigation as ongoing. They hope that, with public support, they can identify the suspect and prevent future incidents.

Person Fatally Shot Near University of Toronto Scarborough Campus

Scarborough, Ont. — A person has died following a shooting near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus.
Toronto police confirmed the incident happened Tuesday afternoon in the Highland Creek Valley area.

Emergency crews responded shortly after 3:30 p.m.
Police received reports of a person suffering from serious gunshot injuries on a wooded trail.

Paramedics arrived quickly but pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Police have not released the victim’s identity or age at this time.

Police Investigation Underway

Toronto Police Service confirmed the Homicide Squad is leading the investigation.
Officers secured the area and closed nearby trails while collecting evidence.

Investigators are working to determine what led to the shooting.
They have not confirmed any suspect details or possible motive.

Police say they are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby areas.
They are also speaking with witnesses who were in the area at the time.

Campus Issues Emergency Alert

The University of Toronto issued a critical alert shortly after the shooting.
Students and staff received instructions to shelter in place.

Those outdoors near the area were advised to leave immediately.
The alert aimed to ensure safety while police assessed the situation.

Several hours later, police lifted the shelter-in-place order.
University officials confirmed there was no ongoing threat to campus safety.

Police Say No Active Threat

Police stated they do not believe there is an active shooter.
They emphasized that public safety remains their top priority.

Officials confirmed the victim appears to be an adult.
They added that next of kin notification is still pending.

Authorities urged the public to avoid the Highland Creek Valley area.
The area remains part of an active crime scene.

Community Reaction and Next Steps

The incident has deeply affected students and staff at UTSC.
Many expressed concern about safety near campus trails.

University officials said they will continue supporting the campus community.
Additional security measures may be reviewed if needed.

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
Investigators say even small details could help the case.

Updates will be shared as the investigation continues.

Ontario Considers Longer Teacher Practicum and Shorter College Programs

Ontario — The provincial government is reviewing changes to how new teachers receive training.
Officials want to strengthen classroom experience while reducing time spent in formal coursework.

The proposal comes as Ontario faces ongoing teacher shortages.
Shortages affect French immersion, technology, and specialized subject areas.

Education leaders believe practical experience can better prepare new teachers.
They say classroom exposure improves confidence and long-term retention.

Why the Province Is Reviewing Teacher Education

Ontario currently requires teacher candidates to complete a two-year education program.
The program includes academic coursework and limited practicum placements.

Research suggests extended practicum periods improve teaching readiness.
New teachers with longer placements report stronger classroom skills.

Ontario’s practicum length remains shorter than several other provinces.
Some provinces require more than twenty weeks of supervised classroom teaching.

Officials believe increasing practicum time could improve outcomes.
They also hope it will reduce early career burnout.

What the Proposed Changes Could Include

Under the review, Ontario may shorten the academic portion of teacher training.
At the same time, candidates could spend more time teaching in schools.

Education officials say real classroom experience matters most.
They want graduates ready to manage classrooms from day one.

School boards support stronger practicum requirements.
They say new teachers often need more practical exposure.

Concerns From Educators and Institutions

Some educators worry shorter coursework could reduce theoretical learning.
They stress the importance of child development and inclusive education studies.

Teacher colleges may need curriculum adjustments.
Universities say they will need time to adapt programs.

Officials have not announced a timeline.
They continue consulting with unions and education partners.

Addressing Teacher Shortages

Ontario faces rising demand for qualified educators.
Population growth and retirements increase staffing pressure.

Officials hope training reforms will attract new candidates.
They also aim to keep teachers in classrooms longer.

The province says any changes will protect education quality.
Public feedback will shape final decisions.