Quoted from Pintucky:1. Is it possible to attach this red wire back to that same location where it was attached to the thermister? And HOW?
It is not.
Quoted from Pintucky:2. By coming apart like that, does it mean the thing 'popped' and is now fried and no longer working, and attaching the red wire would be a futile effort and I need to buy a new one.
Yes, it's done for, you need to buy a new one. http://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/5016-12978-00