May’s speech suggests delay in Brexit timing

FLORENCE, Italy — Britain is prepared to abide by European Union rules and pay into the bloc’s coffers for two years after leaving the EU in March 2019, Prime Minister Theresa May said Friday in a conciliatory speech intended to revive foundering exit talks.

The proposal got a positive, if muted, reception from the EU’s chief negotiator. But it raised hackles among pro-Brexit U.K. politicians, who accused May of delaying a divorce that was sought by a majority of British voters.

May traveled to Florence, Italy, in hopes of rebooting negotiations with the EU that have stalled over issues including the price the U.K. must pay to leave and the rights of EU citizens in Britain. spacecraft swung by Earth on Friday on its way to a space rock.

Launched a year ago, OsirisRex passed within 10,711 miles of the home planet early Friday afternoon — above Antarctica. It used Earth’s gravity as a slingshot to put it on a path toward the asteroid Bennu.

Osiris-Rex should reach the small, roundish asteroid next year and, in 2020, collect some of its gravel for return to Earth. If all goes well, scientists should get the samples in 2023.

This is the first U.S. attempt to bring back samples from an asteroid. Japan has visited an asteroid and returned some specks. States will close this weekend to the more than 40,000 cars that pass through it daily to Mexico.

The closure of the San Ysidro crossing between San Diego and Tijuana for work on a $741 million expansion project presents a monumental headache for border businesses, workers and tourists.

The expansion is believed to be the largest renovation of a crossing along the nearly 2,000-mile-long U.S.-Mexico border. It has been in the works for years to ease congestion and boost cross-border commerce.

Jason M-B Wells, executive director of the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce, and other business leaders want people to cross on foot and are planning a festival with live music and food trucks to greet those who do. The crossing will also remain open on the Mexican side for U.S.-bound cars.