Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan will become the acting secretary on January 1, President Trump tweeted on Sunday.
Why it matters: This is two months earlier than Secretary James Mattis announced last week, a delay meant to ensure a smooth transition. While Trump initially praised Mattis after announcing his exit, the secretary's stark letter seems to have turned Trump, who has since publicly criticized Mattis.
Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
A closed-down pub in Dublin on Oct. 19. Under Ireland's new six-week-longh measures, taking effect at midnight on Oct. 21, most must stores close, home visits will be banned and a three-mile travel limit will be imposed for exercise.
The Republic of Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced Monday evening the country would this week return to its highest level of lockdown restrictions.
The big picture: Restrictions are returning across Europe as the continent faces a second coronavirus wave. Several countries have imposed regional lockdowns, but Ireland is the first to return to a full nationwide lockdown. Take a look at what's happening, in photos.
Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios
Online retail and e-commerce have been chipping away at brick-and-mortar businesses over the years but the combination of the coronavirus pandemic and the 2020 holiday season may prove to be a knockout blow.
State of play: Anxious consumers say financial concerns and health worries will push them to spend less money this year and to do more of their limited spending online.