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 Saturday, November 23 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

• A planned 2026 Moon mission

• The expansion of tuition-free programs at US universities

• 4 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

Moon mission 2026

NASA and SpaceX aim for a historic moon landing in 2026 as part of the Artemis 3 mission. The plan uses a modified SpaceX Starship -- it'll serve as a Human Landing System.

Space.com says new artwork of the mission captures the Starship rocket's future maneuvers: The ship plans to dock with Orion in lunar orbit.

Gizmodo highlights Starship's awesome design -- it stands as tall as a 15-story building! It'll also feature two Raptor engines for its lunar landing.

Astronomy.com says there's still work to do before 2026, though: SpaceX is working to refine Starship's capabilities. The ship will have to be able to relight its engines in orbit. That's essential for landing people on the moon!

Tuition-free programs

NPR reports that a bold shift is underway in higher education: Texas, MIT, and others are offering free tuition to ease financial strains, starting with UT's $35 million endowment coverage for families earning up to $100,000.

In an unprecedented move, MIT expands its tuition-free program to include families earning under $200,000, with a complete cost-free experience for those under $100,000, reports MIT News.

ABC News highlights the University of Texas' initiative fully waiving tuition for students from families making up to $100,000, kicking off next fall.

NBC News adds that both UT and MIT’s expansions highlight a growing commitment to affordability, with UT set to launch by fall 2025.

The Hill discusses MIT's groundbreaking plan to make education cost-free for most American families, with funding from their endowment ensuring this new era of access.

1) Two men found guilty in smuggling deaths of family at US-Canada border.

2) Matt Gaetz says he’s not returning to Congress next year.

3) Over 72K pounds of meat, poultry recalled in deadly listeria outbreak.

4) Israeli missiles strike residential building in central Beirut, killing at least 11 people.