this is Shades of the Day — bringing you different shades of opinion in news & culture so that you can see the big picture quickly. We believe that seeing multiple POVs is the best way to stay informed.

It’s Monday, December 9 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

• Lesser charges for Daniel Penny

• An Alaskan pet tragedy

• 4 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

Lesser charges for Daniel Penny

Yahoo: Initially facing manslaughter, Daniel Penny is now being deliberated on a lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide in Neely's subway chokehold death.

AP News: The judge urged focus on evidence as jury now weighs if Penny's actions really created an unforeseen risk of death.

Boston Herald: At the prosecution’s request, the jury assesses the lesser charge, reflecting the case's complexity and the need for clarity on self-defense laws.

ABC News: Deliberations continue with Penny's defense claiming self-defense, while prosecutors call it excessive force.

My KXLG: With manslaughter off the table, the jury's decision will highlight public debate on crime, race, and mental health.

Alaskan pet tragedy

In Anchorage, Alaska, two brothers got into a heated argument over anime. The disagreement led to them throwing each other's pets -- a crocodile and an alligator -- into the snow. The police charged both brothers with animal cruelty.

KWCH concludes that it was a avoidable tragedy -- emphasizing that brotherly disputes should never jeopardize the lives of innocent animals. The crocodile died, although state troopers were able to rescue the alligator.

The NY Post says this was more than cruelty…it was pure negligence! The brothers' tragic and needless actions highlight irresponsible pet ownership. The disagreement ended with the crocodile's death.

SacBee explains that Alaska's cold weather was directly to blame for the croc's death: The harsh weather conditions in Alaska were unsuitable for the reptilian pets. The situation highlights the ethical and welfare concerns associated with exotic pet ownership.

1) Israel has conducted airstrikes on suspected chemical weapon sites in Syria, aiming to prevent these weapons from falling into the hands of extremist groups amid the chaos following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad.

2) New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that authorities are closing in on a suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, who was killed in a targeted attack.

3) Nominees were announced for the 82nd annual Golden Globes, which will take place on January 5th and will be hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser.

4) Judy Garland's ruby slippers From “The Wizard Of Oz” sold for $28 million at an auction in Dallas.