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, December 21 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

• Democrats’ new nickname for Elon Musk

• Americans’ rising support for peace in the Russia-Ukraine war

• Government shutdown averted

• 6 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

“President Elon”

Fox News says some Democrats have a new name for Elon Musk -- “President Elon”. Some see Musk as a shadow leader, and say he has more influence over the Republican party than Trump himself.

The Atlantic thinks Democrats are right to be concerned: Musk’s presence on X gives him outsized sway over the GOP and public opinion.

But Business Insider says Elon wouldn't agree with the “President Elon” label: He distanced himself from the label after a spending bill he criticized was shot down in Congress. He seemed to suggest that Dems are using the label to draw a wedge between him and Trump.

Hot Air's take: There's no such thing as “President Elon”. Democrats are just targeting the billionaire instead of holding Congress accountable for its own failures.

Americans want peace

A recent Gallup poll shows rising American support for a quick end to the Ukraine war, even if that means Ukraine does not regain all of its territory. Yahoo says the findings indicate a shift in American sentiment -- particularly among Republicans.

Check out Gallup's poll for yourself here. Gallup itself suggests the findings reflect war fatigue and public concern about prolonged conflict and its global ramifications.

But Almayadeen notes that a good chunk of Americans -- 48% still support the move to aid Ukraine through a prolonged conflict. American opinion on the matter seems to be split.

For what it's worth, The NYT says the U.S. government seems to be weighing its options: It's contemplating strategies that balance continued support for Ukraine with a push for accelerated peace negotiations.

Shutdown averted

CNN says Congress avoided a shutdown by passing a funding bill free of Trump's debt limit demand, signaling tough 2025 GOP challenges.

The Guardian reflects on House Republicans led by Speaker Mike Johnson, who averted a midnight shutdown but face hurdles ahead.

Yahoo highlights that the House's rejection of Trump's plan signals tough times ahead for 2025 Republican agenda, warns of internal discord.

The Hill focuses on Congress's bid to dodge a shutdown, revealing GOP disunity and emerging intraparty conflicts challenging future unity.

AP News sees Congress's near-miss as emblematic of frail bipartisan efforts and GOP-Trump tests looming in 2025.

1) The U.S. flu season begins with cases soaring in 13 states.

2) Wayne Memorial Hospital reached a $16 million settlement after misdiagnosing 16-year-old Samson Fluck, leading to his death.

3) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority government faces potential collapse as NDP leader Jagmeet Singh plans a no-confidence motion.

4) Car plows into Magdeburg Christmas market; driver arrested after intentionally zig-zagging through attendees.

5) Apple to remove iPhone SE, 14, and 14 Plus from European markets due to EU's USB-C charging regulation.

6) New findings reveal humans lived with giant sloths and mastodons in the Americas around 27,000 years ago.