🎉 Are New Year’s resolutions worthwhile?

It’s Tuesday, December 26 — people are talking about the election protests in Serbia, the pros and cons of New Year’s resolutions, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

🔥 Election protests in Serbia

Serbians took to the the streets over election results, with claims of fraud and debates over authoritarianism.

🔥 Serbians are protesting in the streets following a contentious election. Bollyinside reports that the demonstrations turned violent, while president Vučić called for calm.

🔥 The Daily Item doesn’t sympathize with the protesters — they misunderstand authoritarianism.

🔥 OSCE notes that the public is upset, highlighting the demand for a fair democratic processes. The Serbian government faces pressure to address this discontent.

🔥 European Western Balkans adds another layer: Serbia's tabloids say that Germany incited the protests, which Germany denies.

🎉 Are New Year’s resolutions worthwhile?

New year, new you? Some recommend skipping the big goals and going easy on yourself. But others suggest smart, small steps.

🎉 MD Anderson says that New Year's resolutions often fail. What you actually need is self-understanding and support to make real change.

🎉 Foundations Wellness thinks we should ditch the resolutions altogether. They’re terrible for our mental health!

🎉 CNET agrees: New Year’s resolutions may not be the best idea in challenging times. Favor gentleness and realism instead.

🎉 But N26 is a fan of resolutions. Just make sure you set specific, realistic resolutions with rewards.

Quick hits

⛈️ A winter storm is sweeping across the central United States with heavy snow, freezing rain, and strong winds. (CNN)

⚫ A pregnant 18-year-old woman in the San Antonio area has disappeared, prompting a Clear Alert. (ABC 13)

📖 The South Carolina court clerk who oversaw the trial of Alex Murdaugh was accused of plagiarism by the co-author of her book. (NBC News)

🇮🇶 The US military executed airstrikes on three facilities used by the Iraq-based Kataib Hezbollah and “affiliated groups”, the White House said. (CNN)