As Brexit Is Triggered, JK Rowling Has Wistful Tweet

On March 29, 2019, Britain will no longer be a member of the European Union. That's the schedule, at least, now that Prime Minister Theresa May has notified the EU of the United Kingdom's decision to exit and set in motion a two-year clock to negotiate the details. "This is an historic moment from which there can be no turning back," said May. A look at Brexit coverage:

• "We already miss you. Thank you and goodbye." That's what the president of the European Council said in response to May's letter, reports the Telegraph. It prompted JK Rowling (a Brexit opponent) to tweet, "When your ex is so noble about the break up you'd almost rather they threw a drink in your face."
• History buffs, here is the actual letter signed by May.
• Don't expect real negotiations to begin on the exit until fall 2017 because of pivotal elections in France and Germany. The Washington Post has a what's-next feature.
• If no deal on the particulars is reached, Britain will still leave, an outcome being called a "hard Brexit." Vox explains why that would be a "disaster."

• CNN has a 50-item list of issues that must be hammered out, including figuring out an immigration system that will allow British citizens to work and travel in the EU and vice versa.
• Time answers 42 questions, including whether the queen can step in and halt the process. The answer? Technically yes, but don't hold your breath.
• Politico looks at coverage in European papers, with perhaps the most striking front page being the Guardian's jigsaw puzzle. See it here. (The Irish, meanwhile, think the newspaper screwed up its map, as the Irish Independent explains.)
• Brexit means the EU's hope of being a superpower is done, per an analysis at MarketWatch. It's the US and China now.
• Meanwhile, Scotland wants out of the UK. Its parliament voted to hold another referendum on independence relatively quickly, though May, who must sign off, opposes the idea. The New York Times reports on the tussle.
• Nature talks to eight researchers whose work has been upended by Brexit.

(More Brexit stories.)