Good morning. This is Shades of the Day, bringing you different shades of perspective in news and culture so that you can see the big picture quickly.

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It’s Monday, May 6 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s newsletter:

• Columbia’s altered graduation plans

• The potential ban of decaf coffee

• 4 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

🎓 Columbia cancels main graduation

🎓 In the wake of pro-Palestinian campus protests and safety concerns, AP News reports Columbia University opts out of its main commencement. It will hold smaller, school-based ceremonies instead.

🎓 @mattizcoop on X argues that the decision means letting “thugs win”.

🎓 A week before the decision, a Redditor and senior at Columbia had begged the protestors not to sacrifice graduation.

🎓 Rep. Elise Stefanik on X: What a failure in leadership, Columbia.

🎓 For its part, Columbia says smaller, school-based ceremonies will be the highlight for Columbia grads.

☕ Ban decaf?

☕ The Street: The US might ban decaf coffee due to health concerns over chemical solvents used in its production — the main culprit is methylene chloride, an alleged carcinogen.

☕ New Republic says it's messed up. The chemical was banned from paint stripper years ago — but somehow it's okay for coffee?? Shame on the companies that are fighting this.

☕ But the National Coffee association thinks the health risks are overblown — some studies show no negative effects from decaf. It might even reduce your risk of cancer!

☕ CNN notes that in any case, a ban is unlikely in the near future. But if you want to avoid methylene chloride, look for coffee with labels like “solvent-free”, “Swiss Water processed”, or “certified organic”.

4️⃣ Quick hits

🎤 Kendrick Lamar’s and Drake's decade-long rivalry explodes with new tracks full of personal attacks.

☢️ Russia announces tactical nuclear weapon drills following heightened tensions with Western officials over Ukraine.

🔬 CRISPR-based gene-editing treatment shows promise in restoring vision for patients with inherited retinal disorders.

🌏 Chinese President Xi's European tour focuses on strengthening ties with Serbia and Hungary, showcasing economic investments.