‘RETAIL APOCALYPSE’ CONTINUES ITS REIGN IN 2020

Due to an increasing popularity in online shopping, many stores are closing their physical doors while keeping their digital ones open. According to Business Insider, at least 2,200 stores are closing, less than 2017’s 8,000 closures and 2019’s 9,300. Pier 1 Imports and Gap are closing  450 and 230 stores, respectively. Papyrus will close all 254 American and Canadian stores after it filed for bankruptcy in January, and Macy will close 31 stores.

GLOBAL WARMING HEATS UP ANTARCTICA GLACIERS

Antarctica experienced its highest-ever temperature recording on Feb. 9 at 69.35 degrees Fahrenheit, an increase from Feb. 6’s 64.9. That same day, its Pine Island Glacier lost a chunk of ice almost the size of Atlanta, increasing scientists’ concerns of global warming.

DOCTOR WHO WARNED ABOUT VIRUS PASSES AWAY

Li Wenliang, a 34-year-old Chinese ophthalmologist among the first whistleblowers who spread the word about novel coronavirus, passed away from the disease on Feb. 7. He warned his colleagues about the SARS-like virus on WeChat in December and was reprimanded by local authorities for spreading false information before China announced the coronavirus outbreak.

DOJ OVERRULE RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT IMPARTIALITY

Four prosecutors, who recommended a 7-9 year prison sentence for Trump’s ally Roger Stone on Feb. 10, withdrew from the legal case the next day when the Department of Justice planned to reduce the sentence. This action raised questions about whether the independent law institution could be influenced by political decisions.