Investigation Stalls, Leaving Families Seeking Justice

A month has elapsed since the tragic murders of four students from the University of Idaho, and growing concerns suggest that the investigation may be losing momentum. In the small town of Moscow, no arrests have been made, no suspects identified, and the weapon used in the brutal stabbings remains missing.

The initial assurances from Moscow Police regarding community safety have been contradicted, sparking anxiety among residents. Recently, authorities advised locals and students to remain vigilant, leading many to secure their homes and some to consider leaving the area altogether.

Families of the victims are expressing their frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation. Steve Goncalves, father of victim Kaylee, has stated that they are contemplating legal action against the police, while also hiring a private investigator. Similarly, Xana Kernodle’s mother, Cara Northington, has voiced her discontent with law enforcement’s communication, revealing that she learns more from the media than from the police.

Despite these growing concerns, Moscow Police Chief James Fry insists that the investigation is still active. “This case is not going cold,” he reassured the public, stating that tips continue to come in and interviews are ongoing.

However, national trends indicate a worrying decline in homicide clearance rates. According to FBI statistics from 2020, only 54% of homicides resulted in arrests, marking a record low. Thomas Hargrove, the founder of the Murder Accountability Project, warns that the U.S. might soon face a situation where unsolved murders outnumber solved cases.

The longer investigations remain open, the less likely they are to yield results. This harsh reality is painfully familiar to families like that of Gloria Bobertz, who has spent decades seeking answers in her cousin’s cold case. The emotional impact on families dealing with unresolved murders often leads to despair and frustration.

Bobertz articulates the extensive emotional toll that unresolved cases impose, noting that as time passes, feelings of anger and hopelessness intensify. “It’s a feeling that this will never end,” she shares, underscoring the continuous struggle for justice that many families endure.

As the investigation into the murders of these four students progresses, there remains hope that their families will not have to endure a protracted wait for resolution. Bobertz empathises with the victims’ families, wishing them peace and closure in a case that has profoundly affected the community.

Bold Protest at FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Almaty

In a powerful act of defiance against Iran’s strict dress codes, two Iranian chess players participated in an international tournament without wearing hijabs. Sara Khadem and Atousa Pourkashiyan took part in the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, showcasing their protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in custody for allegedly violating Islamic dress regulations.

Photographs captured the players focused on their chess boards during the tournament, which has attracted top competitors, including world champion Magnus Carlsen. The event featured a grand 90-minute opening ceremony with performances from singers, dancers, and local pop groups.

The unrest in Iran was triggered by Amini’s death, leading to widespread protests and acts of defiance against the regime. Reports indicate that over 500 people, including many youths, have been killed by regime forces amid ongoing demonstrations.

Sara Khadem, also known as Sarasadat Khademalsharieh, is a prominent figure in Iran’s chess scene. She has had a tumultuous relationship with the national authorities, having quit the national team in 2020 before rejoining later that year. In Almaty, she has recorded four wins, three losses, and one draw thus far.

Atousa Pourkashiyan, a six-time Iranian champion, has also performed well in the tournament, winning five matches, losing once, and drawing twice in the initial days of competition.

Both players, hailing from Tehran, have achieved success in national and international chess events. Despite their bold actions, they have not publicly commented on their decision to forgo the hijab or shared images of their appearance on social media. Their protest has been reported by reformist media within Iran, although hardline outlets have largely ignored the story.

Numerous Iranian celebrities have previously appeared in public without hijabs, yet competing on an international stage while representing the Islamic Republic is particularly significant. Recently, Iranian authorities have intensified their crackdown on female athletes, as seen in the demolition of the home of Elnaz Rekabi, a climber who competed with her hair uncovered in South Korea.

Maryam Kazemipour, Iran’s deputy sports minister, acknowledged last month that some female athletes had violated “Islamic norms” but claimed they had subsequently apologised for their actions.

Death Toll from Christmas Storms Rises to 25 Amid Ongoing Flooding

A house has collapsed in the Philippines as torrential rains and flooding continue to wreak havoc, raising the death toll from the recent Christmas storms to 25.

Video footage captured the moment a wooden home was swept away by the powerful floodwaters in Clarin town, located in Misamis Occidental province, on December 25.

Resident Juls Malandaya reported that local authorities had evacuated residents from the area due to concerns that water levels could rise even further.

The archipelago’s central and southern islands have been experiencing relentless rain and flooding throughout the Christmas weekend, prompting widespread concern and emergency measures.

Tampa Police Department Takes Action Following Disturbing Incident

A Tampa police officer has been terminated after a video surfaced showing him dragging a handcuffed woman from his patrol car into a jail facility. The incident occurred on November 17 and prompted an internal investigation by the Tampa Police Department.

The department announced on Tuesday that former officer Gregory Damon had breached departmental policies during the arrest, which was made for trespassing. Body camera footage captured the woman refusing to exit the vehicle while parked at the Orient Road Jail, insisting, “I want you to drag me.”

In the video, Damon forcibly removes the woman from the vehicle and pulls her by the arm across the concrete floor. He pauses to instruct her to stand up, but she does not comply. The footage shows him dragging her towards the jail entrance before he calls for additional officers to assist him, at which point the video ends.

Following this incident, the Tampa Police Department reiterated its policy enacted in 2013, which prohibits officers from dragging uncooperative suspects. Officers are instructed to seek assistance from jail booking personnel or other law enforcement officers in such situations.

TSSA Demands Job Security and Fair Wages Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis

Members of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) employed by CrossCountry are preparing to undertake a 24-hour strike starting from 9pm on Boxing Day. This action is a continuation of the widespread industrial unrest affecting the rail sector.

The union is advocating for critical assurances, including no compulsory redundancies, no unagreed modifications to terms and conditions, and a pay increase that addresses the rising cost of living. TSSA representatives believe that the strike will significantly impact services provided by CrossCountry, which spans extensive routes across the country, from Penzance to various locations in the Midlands, Wales, and northern England, reaching as far north as Aberdeen.

Roles affected include customer service managers, driver managers, trainers, and those involved in control, safety, and timetabling. TSSA members are based in key cities such as Edinburgh, Newcastle, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Bournemouth, and Plymouth.

Nadine Rae, TSSA’s organising director, expressed the frustration of the workers, stating, “Our members do not wish to strike, particularly during the Christmas period, but they are tired of being undervalued. They rightly expect a pay rise to help cope with the increasing cost of living and demand job security.”

Additionally, TSSA members at Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains plan to strike during similar time frames, further intensifying the situation. Rae urged the company and the government to respond with serious proposals to resolve the ongoing disputes, warning that further strikes will halt services unless significant steps are taken.

She emphasised, “Rail workers are simply seeking fair treatment: job security, a reasonable pay rise amidst the cost-of-living crisis, and a commitment to maintaining existing terms and conditions. Without action from rail management and the government, we will see further disruptions that affect those who rely on our rail network.”

NORAD Confident in Santa’s Christmas Eve Deliveries Amidst Weather Challenges

The U.S. military agency responsible for tracking Santa Claus, NORAD, has stated that neither COVID-19 nor the current “bomb cyclone” affecting North America will disrupt Santa’s Christmas Eve deliveries.

NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, not only safeguards the skies over North America but also operates the NORAD Tracks Santa service. This allows families to follow Santa’s journey through its website, social media, and mobile app.

This year, approximately 1,500 volunteers will be on hand on Christmas Eve to answer calls from children eager to learn about Santa’s location and delivery schedule. Lt. General David Nahom from NORAD, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, reassured that the pandemic has had no impact on Santa’s operations and expects no issues this weekend.

The harsh winter weather, including freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall disrupting holiday travel across the U.S., is unlikely to affect Santa, who is accustomed to Arctic conditions. “I think Santa will be right at home with the Arctic weather that’s hitting into the lower 48,” Nahom remarked.

NORAD’s tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955, following a mix-up when a child mistakenly called a Colorado military command to reach Santa. The influx of calls led the commander on duty to designate an officer to respond, establishing a beloved holiday custom.