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 Thursday, February 13 — here are today’s three featured stories:

1. Trump’s call with Putin

2. The UnitedHealth CEO’s NYT op-ed is making the rounds after his assassination by Luigi Mangione.

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

1) Asteroid 2024 YR could collide with Earth in 2032, with odds increasing from 1.3% to 2.3%.

2) January Inflation report shows a 3% rise from a year earlier, exceeding expectations.

3) Meta has initiated mass layoffs, affecting employees across the globe.

4) U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says granting Ukraine NATO membership -- and restoring the country's 2014 borders -- are both unreasonable asks.

5) Elon Musk made a surprise appearance at the White House! BBC says he took the opportunity to deny claims of a “hostile takeover”, and defend his place at DOGE.

6) Linda McMahon is appearing before a Senate committee for her confirmation hearing to be education secretary Thursday as President Donald Trump publicly floats dismantling the department she’s seeking to lead.

Trump’s call with Putin

President Trump took a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump says that during the call, Putin said he was willing to negotiate on terms to end the Ukraine war. NBC says negotiations are set to start immediately.

But wait -- BBC says this isn't the good news you think it is: Trump could overlook Ukraine's interests in exchange for a quick resolution to the conflict.

Le Monde was also pessimistic: Trump has a longstanding, secretive relationship with Putin. It's unclear how the relationship will color the outcome of Ukraine's peace negotiations.

On the other hand, Hot Air says Trump's phone call is a huge step in the right direction: Zelensky has already admitted that “territory swaps” are necessary to end the conflict. And if the war does end, it would shift geopolitics in America's favor! Russia won't be so dependent on China and Iran anymore.

Still, Politico Europe says EU allies are weary of Trump's call with Putin. European leaders stress that future peace talks must involve Ukraine.

The death of Duo

Duolingo announced the death of Duo, the company's iconic owl mascot. CNN says it's a clever and engaging marketing tactic: The viral announcement captured social media attention worldwide!

Check out Duolingo's announcement of Duo's passing.

CNET was also a fan of the marketing scheme: It echoes similar campaigns -- like what happened to Planters' Mr. Peanut. The brand is leveraging memes and internet culture to attract more eyeballs. Other brands have also chimed in, offering condolences for Duo.

But Forbes says the brand interactions signal a new marketing phenom: Brands hope to humanize their mascots by “killing” them off. It may be an effective marketing strategy, but it also feels a bit dystopian.

For what it's worth, E! Online said Dua Lipa (who was referenced in Duo's eulogy) liked the campaign. She jokingly posted “Til” death duo part“ in response to the news.