Europe – Page 389 – Prologue Journal

Hundreds Sentenced to Prison in Italian Mob Trial

New York Times The outcome on Monday marked a blow to the criminal syndicate ‘Ndrangheta and some of its top-ranking mobsters with ties to international drug syndicates. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/world/europe/mafia-trial-italy-mobsters.html

‘No Need to Worry,’ Says ‘Wallace and Gromit’ Film Studio, After Clay Supplier Shuts Down

New York Times Rumors that Aardman Animations, the makers of stop-motion films, had lost their supplier worried fans. But fear not, the studio reassured, there is plenty of clay. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/movies/clay-shortage-movie-animation-aardman.html

U.S. Defense Secretary Visits Ukraine in Show of Support

New York Times Lloyd J. Austin III’s trip was a gesture of solidarity when progress in the war against Russia has stalled and there are concerns about U.S. military aid. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/world/europe/lloyd-austin-ukraine-visit.html

Russia Puts Jamala, Popular Ukrainian Singer, on Wanted List

New York Times Jamala, the song contest’s 2016 champion, had been a prominent advocate for Crimea’s Tatar population. The region was annexed from Ukraine by Russia in 2014. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/world/europe/russia-ukraine-jamala-wanted-list.html

Shakira Reaches Deal in Spanish Tax Fraud Trial

New York Times Prosecutors had charged the pop star with failing to pay 14.5 million euros in income taxes. Her trial had been set to begin on Monday. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/world/europe/shakira-tax-fraud-spain.html

Ukraine Soldiers on the Front Line

New York Times Ukraine is facing continual eastern assaults from Russian forces at a bloody cost for both sides, even as the lines on the map barely move. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/20/world/europe/ukrainian-soldiers-stalemate-avdiivka.html

Monday Briefing

New York Times The latest from the war in Gaza. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/19/briefing/gaza-war-hospital-argentina-ukraine.html

Russell Brand Questioned by Police About Sex Offense Allegations

New York Times The British news media reported on Sunday that he was questioned in connection with three sex offenses. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/19/arts/russell-brand-questioned-london.html

Swedish Soccer Prioritized Fans Over Finances. Now, Business Is Booming.

New York Times While most of Europe’s leagues engage in a Sisyphean quest to source as much money as possible, Sweden has chosen a different model. But its rewards come with risk. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/19/world/europe/sweden-soccer.html

In Hitler’s Birthplace, Soul-Searching Over a Poisonous Past

New York Times The Austrian government is turning the house where Hitler was born into a police station. But many think it should be used instead to teach essential lessons about history. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/19/world/europe/austria-germany-hitler-birthplace.html