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 Wednesday, January 8 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

• Possible tension between Trump and Musk

• The debate over banning masks

• Pandas in the snow

• 6 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

Trump-Musk tension?

Yahoo: Rumor has it that Trump is annoyed with Musk behind closed doors. Trump's allegedly annoyed by Elon's frequent presence and influence in politics.

The Sun dishes out more details: Trump's calling Musk “clingy” and blames him for awkward controversies, like his wild political remarks and disruptions in Trump's foreign policy plans.

The Independent says Elon's not showing signs of letting up, though: Trump's inner circle has described Elon's interactions with Trump's team as “aggressive”.

On the other hand, Tag24 says Melania Trump doesn't seem to mind Elon hanging around -- reports say that she appreciates Elon's presence as a “babysitter” for Donald.

Ban masks?

The Free Press says we must ban masking to protect the public: As seen in recent violent crimes on the NYC subway, public masking allows criminal to conceal their identities.

Jewish leaders in the New York Post also emphasize the public safety benefits of mask bans: They deter hate crimes by exposing individuals spreading hate.

But a Teen Vogue Op argues against mask bans: They endanger public safety and the rights of protestors. What about disabled and immunocompromised people who rely on face masks to go in public?

An ACLU action page also criticized mask bans: They endanger protestors by exposing them to heightened surveillance and targeting.

For better or for worse, the Guardian says Nassau County in New York has already implemented a mask ban: There are exceptions for health and religious reasons, but violators of the ban could face a $1,000 fine.

Pandas in the snow

Bao Li and Qing Bao, two new pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo, experienced their first D.C. snowfall. Northern Virginia Mag says the pair was seen frolicking and playing with bamboo and toys.

You can watch a video of the pandas playing the snow here.

NBC Washington says five inches of snow blanketed the pandas' outdoor habitat, where they tumbled and somersaulted with flakes stuck on their fur.

By the way, KCCI says Bao Li and Qing Bao relished the snowy space all to themselves. The zoo was closed due to the wintry weather!

1) North Carolina Supreme Court temporarily halts certifying election results for a judicial seat amid a Republican candidate's challenge to 60k ballots.

2) In South Korea, red hats resembling Trump's campaign caps have become symbols at rallies supporting President Yoon Suk-yeol against an "unlawful" impeachment.

3) Obamacare signups soar to nearly 24 million for 2025, an increase of 11.6 million since 2021.

4) Panama insists the canal remains under its control, despite Trump's interest.

5) Judge Aileen Cannon halted the DOJ from releasing Special Counsel Jack Smith's report on Trump's federal charges, now under appeal.

6) The Palisades Fire, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds, forces evacuations as homes burn; Governor Newsom declares a state of emergency.