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 Tuesday, February 18 — here are today’s three featured stories:

1. Tesla’s declining sales

2. Aubrey Plaza’s SNL debut

Shades makes it fun to stay informed on today’s top stories — check out our latest app update here.

1) Delta jet flips upside down on a snowy Toronto runway and all 80 aboard survive.

2) U.S., Russia agree to "begin working on a path" to end Ukraine war, in meeting in Saudi Arabia with no Ukrainians.

3) Hamas says it will release bodies of four hostages, including Bibas children, on Thursday and six living hostages on Saturday.

4) Judge orders Mayor Eric Adams, DOJ lawyers to appear in court to explain case dismissal request.

5) Police arrest apparent leader of cultlike ‘Zizian’ group linked to multiple killings in the U.S.

6) "They have learned nothing": Trumpworld fumes over Tom Hanks' "SNL50" MAGA character.

Tesla’s declining sales

Tesla is experiencing a decline in sales. CNN says liberal “blue states” are seeing fewer repeat Tesla buyers, and surveys show consumers are avoiding the brand. . . are Musk's politics to blame?

Futurism argues Tesla's taken a reputation hit due to Musk's politics, contributing to its European sales decline.

Newsweek: For Musk, open political support for Trump alienates Tesla's liberal consumers, driving sales down further in Europe.

TheStar suggests Musk's political antics aren't the main reason behind Tesla's sales decline—it’s more about ending subsidies and rising prices.

This opinionated Twitter user insists Tesla's vehicle safety outshines any political drama around Musk.

Aubrey Plaza’s SNL debut

Aubrey Plaza appeared on “Saturday Night Live” during its 50th anniversary celebration. USA Today notes that Her SNL appearance is her first since her husband Jeff Baena's death

Watch Plaza's appearance for yourself here.

Yahoo says fans were quick to praise Plaza for her tenacity: Viewers cheered her appearance, noting her surprise cameo was uplifting and inspiring.

By the way, BuzzFeed says Plaza's SNL appearance featured a subtle nod to Baena: She wore a tie-dye shirt! Plaza has previously mentioned that tie-dye clothing plays a special role in her relationship with her late husband. The pair got married in tie-dye pajamas!