US captures Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro — Caracas, Venezuela   

Ella MacCormack, News Editor

Early January 3, explosions and low-flying planes were seen in Caracas — Venezuela’s capital — killing at least 40 civilians and military personnel. Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife were seized from his compound by the US military. They were brought to Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center prison under charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.

Later that day, President Trump said in a Mar-a-Lago press conference, “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” and, “We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure and start making money for the country.”

On the same day, Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X, “Canada has not recognized the illegitimate regime of Maduro since it stole the 2018 election,” but that Canada supports a democratic, peaceful, Venezuelan-led transition process. Carney added, “Canada calls on all parties to respect international law.”

In January 2019, Canada did not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president after the “fraudulent and anti-democratic elections held on May 20, 2018, the Maduro regime is now fully entrenched as a dictatorship.” Following the 2024 elections, Canada formally recognized opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia as the president-elect of Venezuela.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre wrote on X, “Congratulations to President Trump on successfully arresting narco-terrorist and socialist dictator Nicolas Maduro, who should live out his days in prison.” 

Professor Joseph Wong will continue as Vice-President, International until 2031 — Simcoe Hall

Ella MacCormack, News Editor

On December 11, Professor Joseph Wong was reappointed as Vice-President, International for a second term, extending his tenure to span from April 2021 to December 2031. He currently teaches courses in the Department of Political Science and the Munk School of Global Affairs. 

In the memorandum announcing his reappointment, Melanie Woodin wrote, “Professor Wong has earned a reputation as a collaborative, respectful leader, who leads with authenticity, personal warmth and scholarly rigour.” 

In 2017, Wong was appointed the first-ever associate vice-president and vice-provost, international student experience, and he was previously the director of the Munk School’s Asian Institute from 2005–2014.

Too late for late work after January 7 — Registrar Offices

Ella MacCormack, News Editor

After January 7, instructors cannot grant any further extensions for fall coursework without a term work extension petition. This Wednesday is also the last day to submit the petition, which requires a personal statement and supporting documentation explaining why the work could not be completed before the deadline.

While waiting for a decision on the petition, students are expected to continue working on the term work. If it is approved, the term work will be expected on short notice. 

Hinton Chair in AI established with $10 million funding from Google — Simcoe Hall

Ella MacCormack, News Editor

On December 3, 2025, U of T established the new Hinton Chair — named after Professor Emeritus and Nobel laureate Geoffrey Hinton — supported by a $10 million donation from Google, which was matched by the university for a total of $20 million.

Hinton said in the announcement, “I am encouraged that the Hinton Chair in Artificial Intelligence will support the next generation of AI research in the same vein, allowing ideas of great promise to germinate for the benefit of all humanity.” 

After years of delay, Line 6 of the TTC opens — Finch West Station

Ella MacCormack, News Editor

On December 7, Line 6 Finch West of the TTC opened after $3.5 billion worth of construction, beginning in 2019. The line connects to Line 1 at Finch West station, and now spans more than 10 kilometres and 18 stops to Humber Polytechnic’s north campus.

After public criticism of the LRT’s speed, the Toronto City Council approved a motion on December 16 to improve the traffic signals along the line.