UK Opposition to Offer Alternative ‘Soft’ Brexit in Policy Shift

Britain’s main opposition Labour Party is announcing a policy shift which opens the possibility of the country remaining in the European Union’s single market and customs union for several years as part of a “soft” Brexit, a spokesman said on Saturday. The party would propose the same “basic terms” as Britain’s current relationship with the …

Venezuela Shuts 2 Radio Stations, Holds Military Exercises

Authorities have shut down two radio stations that aired critical coverage of President Nicolas Maduro’s government by refusing to renew their licenses, a broadcast executive announced, as the country staged military exercises in defiance of Washington and new U.S. sanctions. Enza Carbone, president of the country’s Radio Chamber, said late Friday in a statement that …

Taylor Swift Sets Records for Spotify Streams, YouTube Views

Spotify says Taylor Swift has set a new global first day streaming record. The music delivery site said Saturday it had logged more than 8 million same-day streams for her new single, “Look What You Made Me Do.” The 27-year-old singer dropped the much-anticipated song late Thursday to streaming platforms and iTunes. She wrote and …

Nanotechnology Asphalt Could Last Twice as Long

In spite of many attempts to replace it with a more suitable material, asphalt concrete remains the best and cheapest material for paving roads. Vulnerable to heat, ice, ultraviolet light and mechanical stress, it has a relatively short lifespan and has to be repaired or replaced at regular intervals. Swiss engineers say they may have …

French President Macron’s Makeup Costs Prompt Criticism

President Emmanuel Macron’s office has confirmed a report that the French leader spent 26,000 euros ($30,695) on makeup during his first three months in power, and says it’s trying to find a cheaper alternative. The report in Le Point news magazine prompted harsh criticism of the president from French social media users. It said the …

Angolan Ruling Party Wins National Election

Angola’s MPLA party has won the country’s general election, extending its hold on power and ensuring that Defense Minister Joao Lourenco will be the country’s next president. The National Electoral Commission said Friday that MPLA received just over 61 percent of the vote in Wednesday’s election The main opposition UNITA party came in second with …

Massachusetts Hospital Worker Claims Record $758.7M Lottery Jackpot

A 53-year-old Massachusetts hospital worker stepped forward Thursday to claim the biggest undivided lottery jackpot in U.S. history — $758.7 million — after breaking the news to her employer the way the rest of us only dream of: “I called and told them I will not be coming back.” “The first thing I want to …