News

Emma Mackarel (née McClean) of Latgallan, Clones, Co Monaghan, has died following a road traffic accident on Thursday, December 18th. She is remembered as a cherished daughter, wife, and mother.

A Community Mourns

The loss of Ms. Mackarel is deeply felt by her family, including her husband Andrew, daughter Eva, and son Alec. She is also survived by her parents, John and Linda McClean, sister Donna (Rodney), and brother David (Hayley). Her grandfather, Thomas McClean, and in-laws Eric and Betty Mackarel also mourn her passing.

Family and Friends Remembered

Ms. Mackarel’s extended family, neighbors, and many friends share in this grief. She was predeceased by her grandmother, Jean McClean. The family has requested privacy at their home during this time.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 21st at 2pm at Stonebridge Presbyterian Church, Gransha More, Clones, Co Monaghan (H23N524). Following the service, Ms. Mackarel will be interred in the adjoining graveyard.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation or Lauralynn Children’s charity, through George Hall Funeral Director or a family member.

The family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support, messages, and prayers received during this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the location of the funeral service?

The funeral service will take place at Stonebridge Presbyterian Church, Gransha More, Clones, Co Monaghan (H23N524).

What has the family requested in lieu of flowers?

The family has requested donations to the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation or Lauralynn Children’s charity.

Is the family receiving visitors at their home?

The family has requested that their home remain strictly private at all times.

How will the community best support the family as they navigate this loss?

Authorities have confirmed the suspect in a shooting at Brown University, which resulted in two fatalities and multiple injuries, was found dead Thursday in a New Hampshire warehouse. Providence Police Chief Colonel Oscar Pérez announced the development during a press conference Thursday evening.

Details of the Incident

The suspect has been identified as Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old former Brown University student and a Portuguese national whose last known residence was in Miami, Florida. According to Chief Pérez, Valente “took his own life” Thursday night. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha stated that Valente was discovered with a wallet and two firearms at the scene.

Investigators have also linked Valente to the fatal shooting of an MIT professor at his home in Brookline, Massachusetts, on Monday.

The Investigation

The identification of the suspect was aided by security camera footage that captured a vehicle linked to Valente. “In this specific incident, there was video that provided a description of a vehicle, which matched a tip received at the information center,” explained Chief Pérez. License plate reader technology traced the vehicle to a rental agency in Massachusetts, and detectives were able to obtain a rental agreement bearing Valente’s name.

The FBI had offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification and capture.

Impact on the Brown University Community

The Brown University community remains deeply shaken following the shooting on Saturday, December 13th, in the Barus & Holley engineering building. Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov were killed, and nine others were injured. Classes and exams have been suspended as a safety precaution, and approximately 2,000 students were temporarily relocated.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley stated, “Tonight, our neighbors in Providence can finally breathe a little easier.” Brown University President Christina H. Paxson described the day as “profoundly tragic” and affirmed the university’s commitment to supporting the victims’ families, according to BBC News.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the suspect in the Brown University shooting?

The suspect was identified as Claudio Neves Valente, a 48-year-old former Brown University student and a Portuguese national.

Where was the suspect found?

The suspect was found deceased in a warehouse in New Hampshire.

Was the suspect connected to any other crimes?

Authorities have linked the suspect to the fatal shooting of a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Brookline, Massachusetts, on Monday.

As the investigation concludes, the Brown University community will likely begin the process of healing and grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. It remains to be seen what long-term impacts this will have on campus safety protocols and the overall sense of security within the university.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange publicly criticized the Democratic Party on Sunday, asserting that its leadership is driving the party toward failure by prioritizing centrism. He outlined his views in a post on TwitLonger.

Assange’s Critique

Assange contends that the Democratic establishment has focused excessively on what he describes as “hysteria about Russia,” a nation with a GDP lower than that of South Korea. He suggests this focus has prevented the rise of more progressive voices, such as those associated with Bernie Sanders, within the party. According to Assange, without the narrative of Russian interference, the party’s leadership would face internal challenges for what he terms “electoral incompetence and ideological passé.”

Assange’s analysis points to a broader trend of Democratic losses, including all four congressional special elections held since January. Reports indicate that low Democratic turnout contributed to these outcomes, with one analysis noting that Republican turnout was also low.

Questions of Transparency

Assange questioned whether it is problematic that the public learned of statements made by Hillary Clinton to Goldman Sachs and discussions among party elites regarding the Democratic National Committee primaries. He argued that a party leadership that views public awareness of its actions as a “crime of the century” risks alienating its base.

While acknowledging WikiLeaks’ potential role in the election outcome through the release of hacked Democratic Party emails, Assange maintains that the questions he raises are valid. He concluded by calling for the formation of a new political party, arguing that the current Democratic leadership is unlikely to relinquish power.

A possible next step could involve increased internal debate within the Democratic Party regarding its strategic direction and messaging. Alternatively, the party could maintain its current course, potentially leading to further losses in future elections. It is also possible that a new political party could emerge, though its success would depend on attracting sufficient support from disaffected voters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Assange say about the Russia narrative?

Assange wrote that the Democratic establishment has focused too much on “hysteria about Russia,” which he believes has overshadowed other potential narratives and prevented the rise of more progressive voices within the party.

What losses did Assange cite?

Assange pointed to the loss of roughly 1,000 legislative seats over the past nine years, as well as the Democratic Party’s failure to win any of the four congressional special elections since January.

What did Assange suggest as a solution?

Assange called for the formation of a new party, arguing that the Democratic base should move to start one since the current party elite shows no signs of giving up power.

Given these criticisms, how might the Democratic Party respond to calls for a reassessment of its core strategies and messaging?

Since 2023, Pakistan has been grappling with severe annual heatwaves that have repeatedly caused the national energy grid to collapse. Combined with rising electricity costs and frequent outages, this has driven households and businesses to seek a more reliable power source: the sun.

Pakistan’s Rapid Solar Expansion

Pakistan’s solar sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. In the 2024 fiscal year, the country imported 16 gigawatts of solar panels from China – more than triple the 4.9 GW imported the previous year. By mid-2025, cumulative imports reached approximately 36 GW, representing roughly three-quarters of Pakistan’s total installed power-generation capacity. This surge has made rooftop and small-scale solar one of the fastest-growing electricity sources in the country.

While hailed by some as a leap toward a renewable future, this rapid expansion is a complex story intertwined with climate vulnerability, financial fragility, and geopolitical ambition.

“Green CPEC” and Pakistan’s Energy Landscape

Under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing has been instrumental in developing Pakistan’s energy infrastructure, including the Karot Hydropower Project, the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, and the Dawood Wind Farm. However, eight of the 21 CPEC energy projects, including those still under development, are coal-fired plants, reflecting Pakistan’s historical reliance on coal to address energy shortages.

The role of coal remains contentious. While environmental groups warn of increased carbon dependence and pollution, proponents argue that Pakistan’s substantial lignite reserves offer a domestic alternative to costly fuel imports. This debate highlights Pakistan’s “energy trilemma” – balancing security, affordability, and sustainability.

Chinese Solar: A Double-Edged Sword

The influx of inexpensive Chinese solar panels has been transformative, bringing power to villages previously plagued by blackouts and enabling households to cope with extreme heat. Solar has become both a necessity and a symbol of status.

However, this dependence on imports raises concerns about affordability, currency fluctuations, and potential revenue losses for the national grid as more consumers generate their own power. Analysts warn that widespread self-generation could significantly reduce utility revenue, while officials maintain that current revenue losses have not yet fully materialized.

The Rise of Solar-Battery Systems and Future Challenges

A growing trend is the adoption of affordable Chinese lithium batteries, with imports increasing by 68 percent in the first six months of 2025 compared to all of 2024. These batteries allow households to store solar energy for nighttime use, providing uninterrupted power for the first time for many families. This grassroots electrification is reshaping the social meaning of energy in Pakistan.

Despite this progress, significant challenges remain. Pakistan lacks national standards for battery installation, storage, and safety, and there is no comprehensive plan for managing the coming wave of e-waste from discarded solar panels and batteries. This rapid transition is largely improvised, lacking the regulatory framework needed to ensure its long-term sustainability.

China’s Broader Geopolitical Strategy

Beyond Pakistan, China aims to set the technical standards for energy systems across the Global South. Establishing Chinese technologies as the norm for grids, meters, and storage systems could create long-term dependencies and limit alternatives.

China now faces a choice: continue its current approach of prioritizing exports and project-by-project financing, or shift toward a model that aligns with climate justice principles, including restructuring coal contracts, supporting local manufacturing, and designing regionally integrated grids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPEC?

CPEC, or the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, is a series of infrastructure projects being developed by China in Pakistan. It includes a broad mix of energy projects, eight of which are coal-fired plants.

How much has Pakistan’s solar capacity increased?

Pakistan imported 16 gigawatts of solar panels from China in the 2024 fiscal year, more than triple the 4.9 GW imported the year before. Cumulative imports reached roughly 36 GW by mid-2025, representing about three-quarters of the country’s total installed power-generation capacity.

What are the potential downsides of Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese solar technology?

Pakistan’s dependence on Chinese imports creates a risk of technological dependency, vulnerability to currency fluctuations, and potential revenue losses for the national grid as more consumers generate their own power. There is also a lack of regulatory standards for battery safety and e-waste management.

As Pakistan navigates this energy transition, will China prioritize a model of sustainable development that empowers local industries and promotes long-term energy independence?

TikTok has reached an agreement to spin off its U.S. operations to a group of investors led by software giant Oracle and billionaire Larry Ellison, a prominent ally of former President Trump.

A Complex Deal with Lingering Ties

The deal, finalized on December 18, aims to address national security concerns surrounding the app’s Chinese ownership. TikTok’s algorithm, known for its highly engaging content, and the vast amount of user data it collects will be overseen by the new U.S.-based firm. According to the agreement, the U.S. algorithm will be retrained using data solely from American users, and content moderation policies will be set by the investor-controlled entity.

However, the underlying algorithm will remain the property of ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, with oversight from American auditors, according to an internal memo and sources familiar with the deal.

Anupam Chander, a professor of law and technology at Georgetown University, noted that while an American majority controlling content moderation may alleviate concerns about foreign propaganda, it could also lead to censorship of content permissible on the global TikTok platform.

Ownership Breakdown

The new U.S. TikTok entity will be 45% owned by a consortium including Oracle, private equity firm Silver Lake, and the United Arab Emirates’ MGX. Existing ByteDance investors will hold approximately one-third of the operation, while ByteDance itself will retain around 20%. A seven-member board, with a majority of American members, will govern the new entity.

The agreement follows years of pressure from Washington and the passage of a 2024 law that threatened to ban TikTok unless it was sold. The Supreme Court upheld the law in January, and while TikTok technically operated in violation of it for months, former President Trump issued several executive actions delaying enforcement.

What’s Next?

Jim Secreto, a former Treasury official involved in TikTok policy, believes the deal doesn’t fully address the original concerns outlined in the congressional legislation. It could be challenged as a “franchise deal” rather than a true divestment, leaving core technology in China.

The outcome of David Ellison’s hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, and Netflix’s competing offer, could further reshape the media landscape, potentially influencing the strategic positioning of the new U.S. TikTok entity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of this deal?

The primary goal is to address U.S. national security concerns related to TikTok’s Chinese ownership by transferring control of U.S. operations to American investors.

Will ByteDance have any control over TikTok in the U.S. after the deal?

Yes, ByteDance will retain ownership of the underlying algorithm and approximately 20% ownership of the new U.S. TikTok entity.

Who are the key investors in the new U.S. TikTok entity?

The key investors include Oracle, private equity firm Silver Lake, the United Arab Emirates’ MGX, and existing ByteDance investors.

As TikTok navigates this new chapter, will the balance between data security, content moderation, and algorithmic influence ultimately satisfy regulators and users alike?

Authorities confirmed Thursday night the suspect in Saturday’s shooting at Brown University, which left two students dead and nine injured, was found deceased in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire. The suspect has been identified as Claudio Neves Valente, 48, a former Brown student and Portuguese national.

Investigation Leads to New Hampshire

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez announced the discovery at a news conference, stating Valente was last known to reside in Miami. Investigators tracked Valente through video surveillance and ultimately to a car rental agency in Massachusetts. Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed Valente attended the university in the early 2000s, studying physics.

The discovery brings a measure of relief to the Providence community and the Brown University campus, which had been gripped by five days of fear and uncertainty. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley stated, “Tonight our Providence neighbors can finally breathe a little easier.”

The Shooting and its Aftermath

The shooting occurred at approximately 4 p.m. Saturday at Barus and Holley Hall, during an economics class review session. Students reported a man wearing a face mask entered the classroom and began firing. Ref Bari, a physics graduate student, described the chaos, recounting how he and other students sheltered in a bathroom for hours while rumors circulated about the shooter’s location.

The victims have been identified as Brown students Ella Cook, 19, of Birmingham, Alabama, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, a naturalized citizen who immigrated from Uzbekistan in 2011. Cook was remembered as a student with a “heart as big as the sun” and a “silent leadership” quality. Umurzokov was described by a classmate as someone who “seemed to be friends with every single person” on campus and aspired to become a neurosurgeon.

Looking Ahead

Brown University canceled all remaining in-person exams for the fall semester to prioritize the well-being of its community. It is likely the university will offer expanded mental health resources to students and faculty in the coming weeks. Further investigation could focus on establishing a motive for the shooting, though authorities have not yet released any information on that front. The community may also grapple with questions about campus security and preventative measures in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the suspect in the Brown University shooting?

The suspect was identified as Claudio Neves Valente, 48, a former Brown University student and Portuguese national who was last known to live in Miami.

Where was the suspect found?

The suspect was found deceased in a storage unit in Salem, New Hampshire, according to Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez.

What happened to the remaining exams at Brown University?

Brown University canceled all remaining in-person exams for the fall semester to focus on providing care and support to the community.

As the Brown University community begins to process this tragedy, what role will remembrance and support play in the long-term healing process?