Europe – Page 160 – Prologue Journal

Olympics Opening Ceremony Singer Redefines What It Means to Be French

New York Times Aya Nakamura, the French Malian singer, did more than open the Games. She redefined what it means to be French. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/29/world/europe/olympic-ceremony-france-singer-aya-nakamura.html

Man Detained in France After Breaking Into Railway Site Near Rouen

New York Times The man was picked up days after arsonists caused travel chaos by damaging train signaling cables around France, but he is not a suspect in that case, prosecutors say. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/29/world/europe/france-railway-attack.html

Sinead O’Connor Died of Pulmonary Disease and Asthma, Death Report Says

New York Times A death certificate filed last week revealed the natural causes behind the death last July of Ms. O’Connor, the Irish singer and activist. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/29/world/europe/sinead-oconnor-cause-of-death.html

A New Path in Tuscany Offers Rest, Beauty and an Escape from the Crowds

New York Times The Sentiero dell’Arte e dell’Anima, or Path of Art and Soul, in Pienza, is lined with 28 benches created by well-known artists where visitors can take in the countryside of the Val d’Orcia. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/29/travel/tuscany-pienza-benches.html

Monday Briefing

New York Times Here’s what you need to know. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/29/briefing/israel-lebanon-harris-trump.html

Germans Combat Climate Change With D.I.Y. Solar Panels

New York Times Plug-and-play solar panels are popping up in yards and on balcony railings across Germany, driven by bargain prices and looser regulations. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/29/business/germany-solar-panels-climate-change.html

Edna O’Brien, Writer Who Gave Voice to Women’s Passions, Dies at 93

New York Times Her novels and short stories often explored the lives of willful women who loved men who were crass, unfaithful or already married. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/28/obituaries/edna-o-brien-dead.html

Russia Punches Through Weakened Lines in Eastern Ukraine

New York Times Military analysts say Russian forces are increasingly investigating Ukrainian lines to identify weakened positions before attacking and breaking through. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/28/world/europe/ukraine-russia-battle-gains.html

Kamala Harris Is Known Abroad for a Personal Touch, and Tough Talk

New York Times Heads of state and diplomats who have interacted with the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee say she uses humor, and talk of food, to help leaven hard discussions. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/27/world/europe/kamala-harris-foreign-policy.html

More Trains, but Few Answers, After Railway Sabotage in France

New York Times France’s national railway company said traffic was gradually returning to normal a day after arsonists disrupted three high-speed rail lines. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/27/world/europe/france-trains-arson-olympics.html