🛶 Should people stop traveling to Venice?

Happy Wednesday! It’s September 27 — people are talking about Viktor Sokolov’s status after Ukraine’s attack, Venice tourism, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly.

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❓ In the news: Is Sokolov dead or alive?

Ukraine said it killed a Russian navy officer, Viktor Sokolov. A day later, he was seen alive in a video posted by Russian media. What's going on?

❓ NYT: Ukraine said it killed Sokolov during a strike on Crimea. It would mark the biggest loss for the Russian navy since 2022.

❓ The Guardian: But then Russia released footage of Sokolov a day after his supposed death. The Kremlin said it hadn't received info on Sokolov's death.

❓ @killedinukraine said that Russia’s footage of Sokolov, which showed him in a board meeting, was suspect. It looks edited!

❓ Hot Air thinks we can’t really know for sure. It's best to take whatever Ukraine and Russia says “with a grain of salt”.

❓ Either way, the Kyiv Post said Ukrainian attacks on Russia's Black Sea fleet were successful — regardless of whether Sokolov was actually killed.

🛶 Cultural trend: Stop going to Venice?

Tourism is changing Venice and forcing local residents out. Is the solution for travelers to stop visiting the floating city?

🛶 WSJ: Tourists are overwhelming Venice. The number of residents is in decline, and those who remain worry the city is being turned into a theme park.

🛶 An former resident of Venice wrote in a blog post: Tourists, please stay home! You're killing the city.

🛶 But The Local said Venice needs tourism: The city's economy relies on it. The solution isn't to stop tourism — it's to encourage responsible tourism that supports local businesses.

🛶 The Telegraph said that residents take issue with the kinds of tourism Venice attracts. People come for the Instagram pictures, not the culture.

🛶 @wiltfriedidema's agreed: Venice needs “sustainable tourism” — people who will stay in the city for more than just a day.

Quick hits

🪧 Leaders of the Writers Guild of America officially ended the Hollywood writers' strike after a tentative agreement between the union and studios. (CNN)

🏛️ A New York judge ruled that Donald Trump defrauded banks and insurers while he was running his real estate business. (ABC News)

🍁 Canadian House Speaker Anthony Rota resigned after celebrating a Ukrainian veteran who fought for the Nazis in WW2. (CNN)

👕 Sales for tight end Travis Kelce's jersey have increased 400% since Taylor Swift was spotted cheering for him during a game in Kansas City. (ESPN)

That’s it for today. Reply at [email protected] to let me know what you think of our newsletter, or to suggest a topic for next time.

Here at Shades we’re trying something new – quick summaries from different points of view. We think it’s a better way to stay informed and see the big picture. Please reach out if you’re curious to learn more!

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)