Tag: Lisbon

Authorities examine possible connection between Brown shooting, MIT professor’s slaying

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Police have identified a person they believe is connected to the mass shooting at Brown University and the killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor in Brookline, Massachusetts, earlier this week, sources tell Boston sister station WCVB.Multiple media outlets, including CNN, ABC News, and CBS News, have reported that a search warrant for an individual has been signed and that investigators are actively seeking that person. The Associated Press and the New York Times also report that police are actively seeking an individual.No name has been released. Hundreds of investigators are involved in the region-wide search for the person. Sources tell WCVB the search for the suspect now includes New Hampshire.Related video below: Former FBI Assistant Director details agencies’ work in identifying person of interest in MIT professor, Brown shootingsNuno F.G. Loureiro, 47, was shot Monday night at his home on Gibbs Street at about 9 p.m. He was taken to an area hospital with apparent gunshot wounds and died the next morning, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.Loureiro was an MIT faculty member in the departments of Nuclear Science & Engineering and Physics, as well as the Director of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center. On Saturday, two Brown University students were killed and nine others were wounded when a gunman opened fire in the Barus & Holley engineering building, where exams were scheduled. “We don’t know the motive of either one of these shootings, but from an investigative standpoint, what could possibly match? Shell casings from the scene, he left those at MIT, it could also be from surveillance cameras in and around the professor’s house or on the campus,” former FBI agent Brad Garrett said.The two students killed in the shooting shooting at Brown were identified as Ella Cook, a Birmingham, Alabama, native and leader of the College Republicans at Brown, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a freshman who was studying to become a doctor. The gunman in both slayings remains unidentified and at large. In the days since the Brown shooting, investigators have released a series of images from area security cameras of a person of interest. They describe the person as wearing a two-tone coat and about 5 feet 8 inches tall. In all the images, however, the person’s face is partially covered by a mask and hair is covered by a winter hat. The person spent hours in the neighborhood around the university on Saturday.Video below: Former Rhode Island AG on FBI investigation into Brown, MIT shootingsIn Brookline, Loureiro’s neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots Monday night. “We heard a really loud noise. I thought it sounded like a crashing noise, but my husband heard it, and he said it sounded like gunshots,” neighbor Anne Greenwald said.No images of a suspected gunman or vehicle in that case have been released to the public. Loureiro, who grew up in Portugal and joined MIT in 2016, was named last year to lead MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, where he aimed to advance clean energy technology and other research. Brookline is about 50 miles north of Providence.Anyone with information about the case is asked to submit tips to investigators through the FBI’s website or by calling 401-272-3121. A reward of up to $50,000 is offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

BROOKLINE, Mass. —

Police have identified a person they believe is connected to the mass shooting at Brown University and the killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor in Brookline, Massachusetts, earlier this week, sources tell Boston sister station WCVB.

Multiple media outlets, including CNN, ABC News, and CBS News, have reported that a search warrant for an individual has been signed and that investigators are actively seeking that person. The Associated Press and the New York Times also report that police are actively seeking an individual.

No name has been released. Hundreds of investigators are involved in the region-wide search for the person. Sources tell WCVB the search for the suspect now includes New Hampshire.

Related video below: Former FBI Assistant Director details agencies’ work in identifying person of interest in MIT professor, Brown shootings

Nuno F.G. Loureiro, 47, was shot Monday night at his home on Gibbs Street at about 9 p.m. He was taken to an area hospital with apparent gunshot wounds and died the next morning, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Loureiro was an MIT faculty member in the departments of Nuclear Science & Engineering and Physics, as well as the Director of MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center.

On Saturday, two Brown University students were killed and nine others were wounded when a gunman opened fire in the Barus & Holley engineering building, where exams were scheduled.

“We don’t know the motive of either one of these shootings, but from an investigative standpoint, what could possibly match? Shell casings from the scene, he left those at MIT, it could also be from surveillance cameras in and around the professor’s house or on the campus,” former FBI agent Brad Garrett said.

The two students killed in the shooting shooting at Brown were identified as Ella Cook, a Birmingham, Alabama, native and leader of the College Republicans at Brown, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a freshman who was studying to become a doctor.

The gunman in both slayings remains unidentified and at large.

In the days since the Brown shooting, investigators have released a series of images from area security cameras of a person of interest. They describe the person as wearing a two-tone coat and about 5 feet 8 inches tall. In all the images, however, the person’s face is partially covered by a mask and hair is covered by a winter hat. The person spent hours in the neighborhood around the university on Saturday.

Video below: Former Rhode Island AG on FBI investigation into Brown, MIT shootings

In Brookline, Loureiro’s neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots Monday night.

“We heard a really loud noise. I thought it sounded like a crashing noise, but my husband heard it, and he said it sounded like gunshots,” neighbor Anne Greenwald said.

No images of a suspected gunman or vehicle in that case have been released to the public.

Loureiro, who grew up in Portugal and joined MIT in 2016, was named last year to lead MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, where he aimed to advance clean energy technology and other research.

Brookline is about 50 miles north of Providence.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to submit tips to investigators through the FBI’s website or by calling 401-272-3121. A reward of up to $50,000 is offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

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December 18, 2025
Lisbon funicular crash victims’ nationalities slowly emerge after Portugal streetcar disaster that killed 16

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Lisbon — Two days after Portugal’s worst-ever electric streetcar crash killed 16 people and left more than 20 others from across the globe injured, forensics teams in Lisbon said Friday that they had identified nearly all of the victims, many of whom were crushed to death when the famed Elevador da Gloria funicular hurtled out of control down a steep hill, derailed and careened into a building.

While names have not yet been disclosed, Portugal’s attorney-general said Friday morning that the death toll includes two South Koreans, two Swiss nationals, one French national and five Portuguese citizens.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed to CBS News on Thursday that one American was also among the 16 people killed, but they did not identify the victim.

“Our staff in Lisbon and here in the United States are working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to the victim and their family. We extend our condolences to the victims and families of all those affected,” the official said. “The Embassy is working closely with local authorities to assist U.S. citizens in the affected area, and continues to monitor the situation closely. Due to privacy considerations, we have no additional details at this time.”

People work at the site of the derailment and crash of the Gloria funicular railway car, a popular tourist attraction, which resulted in multiple casualties, in Lisbon, Portugal, Sept. 4, 2025. Wreckage of the upper carriage can be seen behind the still-intact lower carriage in the foreground.

Pedro Nunes/REUTERS

There is also “a high possibility,” based on recovered documents and other evidence, that the victims include two Canadians, one German and one Ukrainian, according to the head of the national investigative police, Luís Neves. CBS News’ partner network BBC News said Friday that Portuguese police believed three British nationals were also among those killed.

At least 21 other passengers were injured, including people from Portugal, Spain, Israel, Brazil, Italy and France, according to the head of Portugal’s National Health Service.

Millions of people ride Lisbon’s iconic yellow-and-white funicular cars each year. It’s a popular experience for foreign tourists, and the Elevador da Gloria, at almost 140 years old, has long been a big attraction. In 2024, an estimated 29 million foreigners visited Portugal, many passing through the capital and its quiet, cobblestone streets and hills.

But the electric street cars and hillside funiculars are also part of everyday life for many locals.

A Portuguese charity based on the hill near the top of the Elevador da Gloria funicular confirmed Friday that four of its employees were killed in the accident. They were believed to have been commuting from work.

“We have lost colleagues, friends and the people who we shared our daily lives as well as our mission”, the Santa Casa da Misericordia said in a statement. “We’re in a state of shock.”

A police officer walks past the wrecked Elevador da Gloria funicular at the scene where it derailed, Sept, 3, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Horacio Villalobos/Getty

Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas attended a Mass in the early evening on Thursday near the site of the crash. Speaking to reporters outside the church, Rebelo de Sousa said: “This is a time of mourning. It’s the moment to mourn the dead… pray and think of the dead, and to support their friends and family.”

The president also called for a clarification of the causes of the accident “as quickly as possible.”

After midnight on Friday, and with few onlookers, workers lifted the mangled wreckage of the Elevador da Gloria car that crashed.

As with most funiculars, two carriages linked by a steel cable operate in tandem: One carriage climbs up the hill as the other trundles slowly down. Early Wednesday evening, many people believe that cable snapped, causing the tragedy.

Portuguese media showed officials inspecting the frayed ends of the cable that had connected the cars, which they had pulled up from underground, on Friday. According to a fire brigade official, the car coming down from the top of the hill was not able to slow down, entered a curve in the hill too fast, derailed, and then plowed into the cobblestone pavement and crashed.

Cable and brake failures are two of the most common causes of streetcar accidents.

The president of the Portuguese Order of the Engineers, Almeis Santos, told CBS News the accident appeared to have been caused by the rupture of the cable.

“It’s very strange… for this kind of cable. It’s not normal and it’s almost impossible to have [a] sudden rupture,” he said.

Tourists wait to board the Elevador da Gloria funicular, one of the funiculars operated by Carris in Lisbon, Portugal, in a May 24, 2024 file photo.

Horacio Villalobos/Corbis/via Getty

Santos said if the cable did snap suddenly, neither the manual nor automatic brakes on the funicular would have been sufficient to hold back the streetcars, which, when loaded with passengers weigh around 20 tons each.

Carris, the company that operates the Elevador da Gloria, has said regular inspections — including daily checks — had been carried out as required.

Portugal’s Air and Rail Accident Investigation Unit was expected to release a preliminary report on the technical cause of the funicular crash later Friday. In 45 days, Portugal’s national police will then issue their report on any potential criminality involved in the crash.

The mayor said Lisbon and its three million residents would observe three days of mourning following the disaster.

More from CBS News

Ramy Inocencio

Ramy Inocencio is a CBS News foreign correspondent based in London, covering Europe and the Middle East. He joined the Network in 2019 as CBS News’ Asia correspondent, based in Beijing and reporting across the Asia-Pacific, bringing two decades of experience working and traveling between Asia and the United States.

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September 5, 2025
Landmark Streetcar In Lisbon Derails, Killing 15 – KXL

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Firefighters carrying the body of a person on a stretcher at the site of a derailed electric streetcar in Lisbon, Portugal, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portuguese emergency services say an electric streetcar that is one of Lisbon’s landmarks and a big draw for tourists has derailed, killing 15 people and injuring 18 others.

The National Institute for Medical Emergencies said in a statement that five of the injured are in serious condition, and a child is among the injured.

It said an unknown number of the injured are foreigners.

Authorities called it an accident, the worst in the city’s recent history.

The yellow-and-white streetcar, which goes up and down a steep downtown hill in tandem with one going the opposite way, was lying on its side on the narrow road that it travels along.

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Grant McHill

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September 3, 2025
The Best Art Galleries (and One Museum) in Lisbon, Portugal

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Work by Miriam Cahn at MAAT. Artwork: Miriam Cahn / © Pedro Pina

Lisbon has a reputation for being one of the most artistic cities in Europe, yet that reputation has long been tied to architecture—the pastel-toned Alfama buildings, the intricate blue-and-white azulejo tiles, the patterned Portuguese pavement—and to the soulful strains of fado music. For years, the city’s visual art scene, though lively and distinct in a way that’s endemic to locales at cultural crossroads, seemed to play a quieter role. That perception, however, has shifted dramatically in recent years.

Over the past decade, Lisbon’s art scene has surged into the spotlight, transforming the city into a magnet for art lovers from around the globe. Since the mid-2010s, it has steadily climbed the ranks as a must-visit destination for those seeking cutting-edge creativity. New art galleries have flourished in once-industrial neighborhoods, while established cultural institutions like the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, the Museu Coleção Berardo and the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea have revitalized their programming to engage local audiences and international visitors. Street art, meanwhile, has exploded onto Lisbon’s walls, with large-scale murals and hidden interventions, turning the city itself into an open-air gallery that rivals other European destinations.

Lisbon’s art scene today is bold, inquisitive and remarkably diverse, reflecting the city’s layered history and its global outlook. Whether you’re drawn to experimental collectives pushing the boundaries of contemporary practice, exhibitions highlighting Portugal’s rich cultural traditions, or the sheer dynamism of urban art woven into daily life, Lisbon offers an experience that feels both authentic and forward-looking. If your time in the city is limited, here are the art galleries to check out first.

FOCO. © Photodocumenta

FOCO

French architect Benjamin Gonthier founded FOCO in 2017 with the aim of creating a space where emerging artists—both Portuguese and international—could present their most genuine, honest and experimental work, the kind of art that might otherwise be excluded for breaking the mold. Nearly a decade later, FOCO is all that and more: it has become one of Lisbon’s most recognizable names for innovative expression. The gallery does not limit itself by format; FOCO has hosted exhibitions across a wide range of disciplines, from painting and photography to sculpture and performance. The space itself reflects FOCO’s bold and experimental spirit. Housed in a 300 m2 former car dealership designed by noted Portuguese architect Alberto Pessoa, the venue spreads across two floors connected by what was once a car lift. Among the most notable names on the gallery’s roster are Rudolfo Quintas, Mia Dudek and Pauline Guerrier.

Madragoa

Madragoa is the brainchild of Italian director Matteo Consonni and Portuguese biologist Gonçalo Jesus. The gallery first opened in 2016 in the historic Lisbon district that shares its name and, in 2023, relocated to a larger space near Basílica da Estrela. The new venue features soaring 4.8-meter ceilings and double-aspect windows that flood the galleries with natural light—a crucial element for the kind of work Madragoa is best known for. While the gallery does not restrict itself by medium, it has built its reputation on bold, unconventional and often experimental installations, including those of Belen Uriel and Sara Chang Yan. Madragoa also earned early distinction as the first to organize Portuguese exhibitions for Adrián Balseca, an Ecuadorian mixed-media artist, and Joanna Piotrowska, a Polish artist recognized for her construction of “social landscapes.”

Galeria Pedro Cera. Artwork: Berlinde De Bruyckere / © Galeria Pedro Cera

Galeria Pedro Cera

Pedro Cera has been a mainstay of Lisbon’s art scene for more than 25 years and has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the city’s most eclectic yet sophisticated galleries. If there is one defining quality about Pedro Cera, it is that the team behind it is unafraid of ambitious, challenging ideas—indeed, the more experimental and unconventional the concept, the more likely it is to find a home here. The gallery’s roster is among the most diverse in Lisbon, representing around 30 artists from Europe, Latin America and the United States. Its mission is not only to foster cross-cultural dialogue but also to encourage intergenerational exchange between artists and the public. From Lisbon-native Vitor Pomar, celebrated for his bold, colorful paintings, to American artist Adam Pendleton, whose work merges painting, silkscreen, collage and video, to Italian Arte Povera pioneer Gilberto Zorio, Galeria Pedro Cera consistently curates exhibitions that are both visually compelling and intellectually rigorous.

Galeria São Mamede

Galeria São Mamede has been a fixture of Lisbon’s art world since the 1960s. Over more than six decades, it has earned a distinctive reputation thanks to its meticulous curatorial approach. Every exhibition staged at São Mamede is tailored specifically to the artist: lighting, framing and display design are carefully considered and painstakingly adjusted before the public ever steps inside. The gallery regards this process as central to shaping the individual identity of each artist it represents. Among the most notable names on its roster are Antonio Areal, Armada Passos, Carlos Botelho and Fernando Gaspar. For many years, São Mamede’s main exhibition hall was located in a historic building in the Príncipe Real neighborhood, a distinctive venue with narrow rooms, low ceilings, brick archways and stone floors. In 2018, the gallery expanded into a new space just a short walk away. The modern venue spans 500 m2 and offers all the hallmarks of a contemporary art gallery, from soaring ceilings and stark illumination to the clean simplicity of white walls.

Cristina Guerra Contemporary Art. VASCO VILHENA

Cristina Guerra Contemporary Art

Cristina Guerra Contemporary Art opened in 2001 and, after more than two decades on Lisbon’s art scene, has established itself as one of the country’s most influential promoters of conceptual contemporary art. When it first launched, the mission was simple: to place Portuguese contemporary artists in dialogue with prominent international figures. Over time, however, the gallery’s approach has evolved and expanded. That does not mean it has abandoned its original goal. Today, Cristina Guerra Contemporary Art represents 27 artists—a balance of Portuguese and international talent—and works actively to present their art on the global stage. The gallery’s portfolio includes celebrated names such as Lawrence Weiner, John Baldessari, Erwin Wurm and Julião Sarmento. Visitors should not be surprised, though, to encounter work by other artists as well. The gallery frequently collaborates with outside voices, often inviting guest curators to stage exhibitions that introduce fresh perspectives and novel approaches. This willingness to experiment and to mix established practices with newer ideas has given Cristina Guerra Contemporary Art one of the most eclectic and distinctive voices in Portugal today.

Galeria Vera Cortes. Artwork: Vhils / © Bruno Lopes

Galeria Vera Cortês

Vera Cortês did not begin as a gallery at all—it started as an agency focused exclusively on supporting specific projects by emerging artists. After three years of working in that format, Vera herself recognized that a more strategic, long-term approach was needed to foster successful collaborations. In 2006, she took the leap, expanding the program and transforming it into a full-scale gallery. Nearly two decades later, Vera Cortês stands as one of the most supportive galleries for new artists in Lisbon. The team’s central mission is to nurture talent and allow it to develop at its own pace. In today’s fast-moving art market, that philosophy is far from conventional, yet it has become the foundation of the gallery’s long-term success. By prioritizing thoughtfulness over immediacy, Vera Cortês has built enduring collaborations with some of Portugal’s most distinctive voices, including Vhils, the renowned street artist; Carlos Bunga, known for his monumental cardboard installations; and photographer Daniel Blaufuks.

Underdogs Gallery

Underdogs Gallery began in 2010 as a group exhibition initiative. Conceived by the artist Vhils (real name Alexandre Manuel Dias Farto), the project was designed to promote graffiti and urban art—then still a fringe movement—by bringing together some of its most prominent figures. After two successful exhibitions in 2010 and 2011, Vhils, with the support of curator Pauline Foessel, established a permanent gallery space in 2013. Today, Underdogs functions as part art gallery, part public art program and part print store, offering exclusive artist editions. Its home in Lisbon’s Marvila district is a converted warehouse whose design plays on the boundary between public and private space: a large circular window separates the expansive exhibition area from the gallery’s operational side. Within this industrial setting, Underdogs has showcased a true who’s who of urban-inspired contemporary art, from international names such as Shepard Fairey and Futura to celebrated Portuguese artists including Vhils and Wasted Rita.

This is Not a White Cube. Artwork: Ibrahim Bemba Kébé / © This is Not a White Cube

This Is Not a White Cube

This Is Not a White Cube is the only gallery on this list that is not strictly homegrown. Founded by Sónia Ribeiro in Luanda, Angola, in 2016, the gallery opened a Lisbon outpost in Chiado three years later. Its name reflects its mission. The artists represented by This Is Not a White Cube engage with urgent, complex themes such as identity, memory and globalization. By foregrounding perspectives that are often overlooked, the gallery fosters dialogue between Europe and the Global South and expands the scope of Lisbon’s contemporary art conversation.

Galeria 111. © Galeria 111

Galeria 111

Galeria 111 is very likely the oldest privately operated art gallery in Lisbon—and it is certainly among the oldest. Founded by Manuel de Brito in 1964, it marked its 60th anniversary last year. While it was initially devoted entirely to Portuguese art, the gallery broadened its vision to include international artists whose work aligned with its curatorial ethos. Today, under the direction of Rui Brito, the program maintains a carefully balanced mix of local and international voices. Its roster is as impressive as ever, featuring artists such as Lourdes Castro, Dame Paula Rego and Mauro Pinto. In 2020, Galeria 111 moved into a new, larger space in Lisbon’s Alvalade neighborhood. The updated venue offers a more contemporary look, yet it retains some of the qualities that have long distinguished the gallery from other institutions. The lighting, for example, is often warmer than what one finds in typical contemporary art galleries, lending exhibitions a more intimate and inviting atmosphere.

Balcony Gallery

Pedro Magalhães opened Balcony Contemporary Art Gallery in 2017, and in just a few years, it has grown into one of the most prominent spaces associated with emerging contemporary artists, both local and international. The Balcony team is especially interested in work that is experimental and audacious, with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary expression. Encouraging artists to explore new creative languages is one of the gallery’s central missions. The exhibition space reflects this ethos. Set within a renovated historic building that once housed a store, the gallery spans 220 m2 across two floors. It offers all the features of a modern, high-end gallery—soaring ceilings, white walls and open floor plans suited to large-scale installations—while often incorporating quirkier touches, such as boldly painted walls or floors, to heighten the impact of the works on display. Among the most notable artists on Balcony’s roster are Carolina Serrano, Hugo Brazão and Pedro Henriques, each of whom contributes to the gallery’s reputation for fostering inventive and distinctive voices.

MAAT. © Francisco Nogueira / www.fran

MAAT

Not a gallery but a museum, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology still belongs on the itinerary of any contemporary art lover visiting Lisbon. While the works on display are not for sale, MAAT is one of Portugal’s most ambitious centers for contemporary art and remains a must-visit destination, if only for the reference point it provides. Exhibitions often bring together both established figures and emerging artists. MAAT has hosted the first-ever solo shows in Portugal for major names such as photographer Jeff Wall and painter Miriam Cahn. The EDP Foundation also supports younger voices through its New Artists Award, which has helped launch the careers of many Portuguese talents—Joana Vasconcelos, now internationally renowned for her monumental installations, received the prize in 2000. Each edition culminates in a group exhibition at the museum. The architecture is as striking as the art inside. MAAT spans 3.8 hectares (38,000 square meters) on the banks of the River Tagus and integrates both historic and contemporary design. Exhibition spaces are split between two primary structures: the Tejo Power Station, a red-brick industrial landmark from 1908 repurposed for innovative displays, and a sleek riverside building completed in 2016 by British architect Amanda Levete. Together, they create one of Lisbon’s most distinctive cultural environments, where past and present meet in dialogue.

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August 23, 2025
First Black woman pilot for the U.S. Air Force retires with final flight to New Jersey

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NEWARK, New Jersey — A groundbreaking airline pilot is flying off into the sunset.

Theresa Claiborne retired from United Airlines on Thursday.

She reached heights never seen before as the first Black woman pilot in the history of the United States Air Force, commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1981

Clairborn was also the first Black woman to serve as a command pilot and instructor for the Boeing KC-135Stratotanker during her 7 years on active duty in the Military and 13 years in the Reserves.

For many years she’s also served as a mentor to other women of color who want to follow the same path.

“Oh, I guess maybe I did make an impact and that’s important because when you put your heart and soul into something and it turns out that people appreciated it and people listened and got something out of it, it makes it all the better,” Claiborne said.

Her final flight after 34 years with United was from Lisbon, Portugal to Newark Liberty International Airport.

She logged 23,000 flight hours over her career.

Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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May 25, 2024
WTF Fun Fact 13723 – The World’s Oldest Bookstore

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Livraria Bertrand holds the record as the world’s oldest operating bookstore. Located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal, it opened its doors in 1732. The bookstore has become a significant cultural landmark, reflecting the rich literary tradition of Portugal. Bertrand has survived many historical events, including the devastating earthquake of 1755 that reshaped Lisbon.

History of the World’s Oldest Bookstore

The original founder, Pedro Faure, had a vision to create a hub for Lisbon’s literati. This vision has endured through centuries, as the shop continues to host literary events and discussions. Bertrand’s historic atmosphere draws both locals and tourists. The store boasts a series of rooms, each dedicated to different literary genres. This layout encourages browsing and discovery, making every visit unique.

The bookstore’s resilience is notable. Over the centuries, it has adapted to various political and economic shifts. During the Napoleonic wars, the bookstore even shifted locations temporarily. Its ability to maintain relevance in a changing world is remarkable. Today, Bertrand serves as both a bookstore and a tourist attraction. It features an impressive range of books, including rare first editions and popular new releases. The staff are well-informed and often provide recommendations.

Cultural Impact and Modern Relevance

Bertrand’s impact on Lisbon’s cultural scene is profound. It has been a meeting place for famous Portuguese writers and intellectuals. Names such as Fernando Pessoa and José Saramago have been associated with the bookstore. Bertrand not only sells books but also fosters a community of readers. It often holds events that are pivotal in promoting Portuguese literature and culture.

In recent years, Bertrand has embraced modern retail practices while maintaining its historic charm. It now offers online sales and hosts virtual events. This adaptation has helped it remain a vital part of Lisbon’s cultural landscape, even as digital platforms change how people read and buy books.

The store also plays a crucial role in promoting Portuguese literature globally. It features a vast collection of books translated into various languages. This accessibility helps spread Portuguese culture and literature around the world. Bertrand’s efforts ensure that Portuguese authors gain international recognition.

— WTF fun facts

Source: Livraria Bertrand – Lisbon, Portugal — Atlas Obscura

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April 18, 2024
Kate & Gerry McCann finally get apology for being treated as suspects

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PORTUGUESE police have apologised to the parents of Madeleine McCann for the way they handled their daughter’s disappearance.

Three-year-old Madeleine went missing during a family holiday on the Algarve in May 2007.

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Portuguese police have apologised to Gerry and Kate McCann over how they treated them while investigating the disappearance of their daughter MadeleineCredit: Getty – Contributor

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Disgraced former Portuguese cop Goncalo Amaral previously branded suspect Christian B a ‘scapegoat’ on Portuguese TVCredit: The Sun

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Madeleine went missing in May 2007 during a family holiday in the AlgarveCredit: Rex

The cops have told BBC’s Panorama that a delegation of senior officers travelled from Lisbon to London earlier this year.

They met Gerry McCann, Madeleine’s father, and apologised for the way detectives investigated the case and treated the family.

In September 2007, Kate and Gerry McCann were made arguidos – or suspects – in the investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance.

Both were questioned by Portuguese detectives, who believed they had staged an abduction and concealed their daughter’s body.

Read More on Maddie McCann

Kate McCann has said she was offered a deal to admit covering up her daughter’s death in exchange for a shorter sentence.

The couple’s arguido status was lifted in 2008, but they remained under suspicion in Portugal for years.

Much of the damage was caused by one man – the original lead detective, Goncalo Amaral.

He was sacked from the investigation but went on to write a book and present a TV documentary accusing the McCanns of being involved in their daughter’s disappearance.

As well as apologising, the Portuguese police have told Panorama that they also briefed the McCann family on the ongoing investigation.

They gave their support to German prosecutors who believe 46-year-old Christian B killed Madeleine McCann.

Portuguese detectives now also think he’s the prime suspect.

Christian B is currently serving a seven-year prison term in Germany for rape and drug trafficking.

The German denies killing Madeleine.

For the past five years, the German authorities have been investigating him in connection with Madeleine McCann’s disappearance.

But Christian B hasn’t been charged.

Hans Christian Wolters, one of the German prosecutors on the case, said they hoped to complete their investigation next year.

“It’s a big puzzle and we have some important pieces but some pieces are missed.

“So, we hope to find as many pieces as we could get, so the picture will be a complete one.

“We think that he was involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and we think that he murdered Madeleine McCann.”

Mr Wolters also welcomed the Portuguese apology to the McCann family.

He said: “It’s a good sign and it shows that in Portugal there’s development in the McCann case.

I think it’s a good and right decision.”

Christian B has already been charged with a further three rapes, sexual assault, and sexual assault of a child.

The five offences are alleged to have been committed on the Portuguese Algarve.

Mr Wolters confirmed that they would go to trial in February.

Christian B’s lawyer, Friedrich Fulscher, said his client was exercising his right to silence.

He said: “We know the contents of the files, and I think the charges are all based on very, very shaky foundations.”

The McCann family have not commented on the apology.

The Panorama programme Prime Suspect: Who Took Madeleine McCann? airs tonight at 8pm on BBC1.

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The investigation into what happened to Madeleine continuesCredit: PA

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Madeleine’s parents were made arguidos – or suspects – in September 2007Credit: AFP – Getty

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October 29, 2023
‘This is a social emergency’: Thousands protest in Portugal over housing crisis | CNN

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Lisbon
Reuters
—

Thousands of people took to the streets of Lisbon and other cities across Portugal on Saturday in protest against soaring rents and house prices at a time when high inflation is making it even tougher for people to make ends meet.

“There is a huge housing crisis today,” Rita Silva, from the Habita housing group, said at the Lisbon protest. “This is a social emergency.”

Portugal is one of Western Europe’s poorest countries, with government data showing more than 50% of workers earned less than 1,000 euros ($1,084) per month last year. The monthly minimum wage is 760 euros ($826).

Rents in Lisbon, a tourist hotspot, have jumped 65% since 2015 and sale prices have sky-rocketed 137% in that period, figures from Confidencial Imobiliario, which collects data on housing, show. Rents increased 37% last year alone, more than in Barcelona or Paris, according to another real estate data company, Casafari.

The situation is particularly hard on the young.

The average rent for a one-bedroom flat in Lisbon is around 1,350 euros, a study by housing portal Imovirtual showed.

The Socialist government announced last month a housing package that, among other measures, ended the controversial “Golden Visa” scheme and banned new licenses for Airbnb properties but critics say it is not enough to lower prices in the short term.

At the protest, which was organised by the movement “Home to Live” and other groups, 35-year-old illustrator Diogo Guerra said he hears stories about people struggling to access housing every day.

“People who… work and are homeless, people are evicted because their house is turned into short-term accommodations (for tourists),” he said.

Low wages and high rents make Lisbon the world’s third-least viable city to live in, according to a study by insurance brokers CIA Landlords. Portugal’s current 8.2% inflation rate has exacerbated the problem.

“With my salary, which is higher than the average salary in Lisbon, I cannot afford renting a flat because it’s too expensive,” said Nuncio Renzi, a sales executive from Italy living in the capital.

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April 2, 2023
In low-wage Portugal, Europe’s housing crisis bites deep

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LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Like a growing number of people in Portugal, Georgina Simoes no longer earns enough money to afford a place to live.

The 57-year-old nursing home carer earns less than 800 euros ($845) a month, as do about a fourth of the country’s workforce. For the last decade, she got by because she’s been paying just 300 euros a month for her one-bedroom apartment in an undistinguished Lisbon neighborhood.

Now, with rents soaring in the capital, her landlord is evicting her. She says she’s not budging because finding another place near work will be too expensive.

“You live in this state of anxiety,” she says in her apartment with its partial view of the River Tagus. “Every day you wake up thinking, ’Am I staying here or do I have to leave?”

Simoes and many others, increasingly including the middle class, are being priced out of Portugal’s property market by rising rents, surging home prices and climbing mortgage rates, fueled by factors including the growing influx of foreign investors and tourists seeking short-term rentals. Deepening fears in recent days about the health of financial institutions, as well as the prospect of continuing high inflation, have added more uncertainty.

Portugal’s center-left Socialist government last month unveiled a package of measures to address the problem, and some of them are set to be approved by the Cabinet on Thursday.

Between 2020 and 2021, house prices in Portugal shot up by 157%. From 2015 to 2021, rents jumped by 112%, according the European Union’s statistics agency Eurostat.

But the rising cost of real estate tells only part of the story.

Portugal is one of Western Europe’s poorest countries and has long pursued investment on the back of a low-wage economy. Just over half of Portuguese workers earned less than 1,000 euros ($1,054) a month last year, according to Labor Ministry statistics.

Across the EU, the recent spike in inflation, especially rising food and energy prices, and the lingering economic and labor consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have aggravated the housing dilemma in the 27-nation bloc.

More than 82 million households in the EU have difficulty paying their rent, 17% of people live in overcrowded accommodations and just over 10% spend more than 40% of their income on rent, the the bloc says.

Hit hardest by unequal access to decent, affordable housing are young people, families with children, the elderly, those with disabilities and migrants.

In Portugal, the problem has been magnified by tourism, whose robust growth before the pandemic has come roaring back, as well as an influx of foreign investors who found relatively low real estate prices in Lisbon and have been driving up prices that force local people out of their neighborhoods.

After attracting a record 25 million foreign tourists in 2019, Portugal drew 15.3 million last year — a 158% rise after the previous year of pandemic restrictions. Analysts expect a 33% rise this year.

For some people, that long-awaited national success with foreign vacationers is a case of being careful what you wish for.

Rosa Santos, a 59-year-old born and raised close to Lisbon’s 14th-century St. George’s Castle overlooking the port city, says most homes in her neighborhood are occupied by short-term vacation rentals, largely for foreign tourists. It’s common to see and hear visitors dragging suitcases over the cobblestones.

The locals’ rich traditions are gone, and there’s not even a bakery or grocery store there now, Santos says.

“It’s not a neighborhood anymore,” she said. “This isn’t a city, it’s an amusement park.”

Activists are fighting back against the trend that is robbing the capital of its charm. Santos is part of a growing movement that is calling for a referendum to stop short-term vacation rentals in Lisbon. They gather every weekend in one of the city’s neighborhoods to collect signatures supporting their goal. They need at least 5,000 signatures to start the referendum process at city hall.

On a recent rainy day, police helped municipal workers using backhoes demolish several illegal makeshift dwellings on Lisbon’s outskirts with no power or running water. The families forced by necessity to live in them pleaded for them to stop.

The shacks stood just a few kilometers (miles) from luxury condominiums being built on the Lisbon waterfront, where a four-bedroom apartment sells for 2.4 million euros.

Not far away, in the Camarate low-income district close to Lisbon airport, missionary worker Jose Manuel helps needy families, some of whom can’t afford to pay for a room, let alone a house, and are consequently being pushed out of the city.

“We are talking already of a room in Camarate for 400 euros, a house for 600 or 700 euros,” he said. “Those who are on a minimum wage cannot afford a house.”

Grassroot housing rights groups have sprung up and are helping people struggling to keep a roof over their head. One of them, Habita, is pushing authorities to stop encouraging premium developments that are by, and for, wealthy foreigners.

For Habita’s Rita Silva, the government must also introduce tighter rents controls and “stop evictions if there are no suitable housing alternatives.”

Prime Minister Antonio Costa says cities that lose their inhabitants forfeit their “authenticity” and become “a Disneyland” for tourists.

Among the measures that his government hopes will bring about a market correction:

— Forcing the owners of unoccupied properties to rent them out, granting priority to renters under 35, single-parent families or families whose income has dropped by more than 20%.

— Capping increases in new rental contracts to 2% above the previous contract.

— Ending the government’s “golden visa” program, which grants residence permits to wealthy foreign investors who buy property in Portugal.

— Halting new licenses, except in rural areas, for short-term vacation rentals through tourist accommodation platforms.

— Switching commercial property to housing use.

The proposals have stirred controversy: Some see them as heavy-handed and misguided, others say they lack detail on how they will work. And some are angry.

Hugo Ferreira Santos of the Portuguese Association of Real Estate Developers and Investors said foreign investment has ground to a halt as people wait to see how the golden visa changes shape up.

“What I have been hearing from international investors is that Portugal is not a credible country,” he said. “It is a country that changes the rules of the game halfway through and a country where foreign investment is not welcome.”

Small-time investors in apartments for short-term vacation rentals also are aggrieved.

“There are people that left their lives, set up their own businesses, generated jobs, have workers and suddenly one day they are knocked down without any prospect,” said Eduardo Miranda, head of a Portuguese association representing their interests.

Some measures will require parliament’s approval, and others could be sent to the Constitutional Court for vetting.

___

This story has been corrected to show that at least 5,000 signatures are needed for a referendum, not 7,500.

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March 19, 2023
This 52-year-old retiree left the U.S. for Portugal. Here’s how he spends his weekend—on less than $40
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In 2015, my family and I took a vacation to Lisbon, Portugal. We immediately fell in love with the beautiful weather, the rattle of cable cars, and the welcoming locals.

Just two days in, we decided to leave the U.S. and retire in Portugal — and it was one of the best decisions we’ve made. We spend far less money on necessities in Lisbon than we did in Washington, D.C. We’ve also found that fun leisure and food experiences are just as, if not more, affordable.

On weekends when I’m out and about, I spend less than $40 a day:

Start the day with coffee and breakfast

Price per person: $6.31

Lisbon is paradise for breakfast lovers. When my wife and I are in the mood for something light, our favorite spot is the Copenhagen Coffee Lab in Principé Real, a lively neighborhood in Lisbon.

For a bigger breakfast, we go to the nearby Seagull Method Café, where we order cottage cheese and fruit pancakes for $6.31 a plate.

Take a train to the seashore and rent bikes

Price per person: $11.34

A one-hour train ride from Lisbon’s historic Cais do Sodré station to the fishing village of Cascais costs $4.92 (round trip).

Cascais is picturesque, with tiled buildings and black and white cobblestone plazas. It’s a gorgeous place to spend the morning.

Downtown Cascais has plenty to look at, including beautiful tilework and architecture.

Photo: Alex Trias

Near the center of town is the Jardim dos Frangos (translated to the “chicken garden”) where peacocks, roosters and hens, followed by their chicks, wander freely through the pine and shaggy eucalyptus trees.

After walking around, my wife and I rent bicycles for $6.42 and ride alongside the ocean.

The bike path to Guincho Beach offers amazing views of the region’s cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.

Photo: Alex Trias

The bike path is relatively flat and takes us past the scenic cliffs of Boca do Inferno and a collection of shops and restaurants to the rough waters of Guincho Beach.

From there, we hike through the dunes and rocky cliffs, or sit and read a book. We might also pack food and have a picnic.

Explore Lisbon’s outdoor markets

Price per person: Free

Once an old industrial complex for textiles, LX Factory is now a collection of shops, restaurants and open-air kiosks. We like to stop by on weekends, and it is conveniently located on the train ride back from Cascais.

The LX factory is the perfect place to shop for Portuguese craftsmanship, or just to sit and have lunch.

Photo: Alex Trias

You won’t find brand name items at LX. From clothing to furniture, most things for sale are designed and produced in Portugal.

Our daughter loves bargain hunting at the Feira da Ladra, a popular flea market located within the Alfama district of Lisbon. The area is built on a steep hill filled with narrow, winding cobblestone streets, and it’s the perfect place to shop for antiques.

My favorite market in Principe Real is a cornucopia of antiques and art.

Photo: Alex Trias

I also enjoy the weekend flea market in Principé Real, where you’ll find plenty of delicious artisanal honey, cheese and cured sausages.

Prepare a gourmet meal for dinner

Price per person: $19.04

My wife and I love to cook. We find gourmet ingredients at the Comida Independente outdoor market, which is open on Saturdays, and the Time Out Mercado.

Both are located near Lisbon’s Cais Sodre train station.

Lisbon’s Time Out Market, the Mercado da Ribeira, is situated near the Cais Sodre train station and the banks of the Tagus river.

Photo: Alex Trias

For a quick and easy meal of gourmet mushrooms and eggs, I buy:

A quarter kilo of freshly picked chanterelle mushrooms: $7.49

Farm fresh organic eggs: $3.19

A spray of truffle oil: $3.19

Seaweed caviar: $4.28

I’ll serve the meal with a loaf of fresh bread from Gleba, a nearby bakery. Their loaves are made with home-grown heirloom strains of wheat for $5.29 per loaf.

For an interesting twist, I’ll create a special bread topping. I mix butter ($2.30) with white miso paste ($5.23) and seaweed crisps ($1.60).

And a bottle of Portuguese white wine for $4.80 goes well with virtually any meal.

End the day with dessert

Price per person: $3.21

Our favorite dessert spot, the Gelateria Nannarella, is a short walk from our apartment. It is well-known for its exceptional sorbets and gelatos. A small serving costs $3.21, with flavors like lemon and basil, stracciatella and, of course, chocolate.

In Lisbon, gelato is eaten throughout the day as a snack as well as a dessert, so there is almost always a line. But, like most good things in life, it’s well worth the wait.

Alex Trias is a retired attorney. He and his wife and daughter have been living in Portugal since 2015. He is the author of the “Investment Pancake” series on SeekingAlpha.com and has published nearly 500 articles about tax planning, investing, early retirement, and where to find the best meals in Lisbon.

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February 11, 2023