On Monday night, Brookline police responded to a report of a man shot in his home, where Nuno F.G. Loureiro, 47, was found and later pronounced dead on Tuesday morning. Loureiro was a prominent figure at MIT, serving as the director of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center and a professor in nuclear science, engineering, and physics. Originally from Portugal, his death was announced by the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs. Loureiro was recently recognized for his contributions in January with a Presidential Early Career Award. The investigation into the homicide is currently ongoing, with no further information released.
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Ioan Pintaru has been indefinitely detained after repeatedly stabbing an 11-year-old girl in a random attack in Leicester Square. The attack occurred on August 12, 2024, after the girl and her mother left the Lego store. Pintaru, who pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a knife, was sentenced to a hospital order and a restriction order under the Mental Health Act. While the victim has recovered physically, the psychological impact remains significant, as she was terrified and believed she was going to die.
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Yale historian Greg Grandin posits that President Trump’s foreign policy is destabilizing the international order established after World War II. Grandin highlights the administration’s embrace of the Monroe Doctrine, suggesting a return to a world divided into spheres of influence, particularly in Latin America. Evidence includes military actions and political interference in the region, including military build-up in the Caribbean. Grandin warns that this shift toward a more aggressive, sphere-of-influence approach increases the risk of global conflict and “brinkmanship” similar to what was seen leading up to World War II.
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Regarding the BBC, the article highlights a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump in Miami, alleging the broadcaster maliciously spliced his comments to falsely portray him encouraging violence. Despite an apology from the BBC, the lawsuit proceeds, sparking controversy and prompting calls for action from British political figures. Internal concerns about the editing were raised, leading to the resignations of key BBC officials. Notably, the BBC’s funding comes from a mandatory license fee in the UK, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
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Zelenskiy says Russia must be held responsible for the “crime of aggression,” and frankly, it’s about time. He’s absolutely right. This isn’t just about the immediate atrocities, the documented war crimes – terrible as they are. This goes to the very core of the problem, the initiating act that spawned all the subsequent horrors. The “crime of aggression” – the unprovoked invasion – is the root of the evil. Everything else branches out from there. Justice really does have to start at the beginning.
It’s easy to see the clarity of the situation, the undeniable truth that something fundamental needs to change.… Continue reading
Zelenskyy’s focus right now is crystal clear: Russia’s frozen assets, estimated at a staggering $240 billion, represent a crucial lifeline for Ukraine. He’s essentially saying that this money isn’t just a potential windfall; it’s a strategic necessity, covering an estimated one-third of the total war damages inflicted on Ukraine. He views these assets not just as financial resources, but as tools that will either help Ukraine survive or lead to its demise. This funding is critical for Ukraine.
The crux of the matter, according to Zelenskyy, is that these frozen funds offer a unique opportunity. He believes that without them, Ukraine’s ability to withstand the ongoing aggression would be severely compromised.… Continue reading
The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the shooter responsible for the deaths of two students at Brown University, as the investigation enters its fourth day. The suspect, described as having a stocky build, remains at large, and the lack of a clear image of their face has raised concerns. Community frustration is growing as investigators canvass local businesses for video footage and appeal to students for interviews. Despite the university’s surveillance systems, questions have arisen regarding the effectiveness of security measures.
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Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC, alleging defamation and violations of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act due to the editing of his speech before the January 6th Capitol attack. The BBC responded with a statement asserting it would defend itself against the lawsuit. The UK government and political figures have expressed support for the BBC, with some calling on them to stand firm against Trump’s legal claims. Despite previously acknowledging the editing as an “error of judgment” and issuing an apology, the BBC maintains there is no legal basis for Trump’s claims, while the episode never aired in the US.
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According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, Russia is uninterested in a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine, including a proposed Christmas truce. Moscow’s position is that a pause would allow Kyiv to regroup and prepare for further conflict, instead of achieving Russia’s goals and securing its interests. Peskov stated Russia seeks peace on its own terms and is not prepared to substitute broader peace settlement negotiations with short-term measures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had not yet received an official response from the United States regarding Ukraine’s peace plan proposals, though discussions were planned.
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House GOP will not allow amendment vote to extend ObamaCare subsidies, and honestly, the reaction is a mix of frustration and, frankly, not surprise. Over and over, we’ve seen Republicans operate in a way that suggests they’re more interested in obstruction than actually governing. The core sentiment is that they cannot be trusted, especially when it comes to promises. Their priorities seem to lie elsewhere – focused on money, ideology, and, yes, certain cultural issues, while issues like healthcare take a backseat. The idea that they would block a vote to extend these subsidies feels like a predictable move, a move that will likely impact a lot of people.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood