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 Wednesday, February 12 — here are today’s three featured stories:

1. Ceasefire & hostage ultimatum

2. Solo dates

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

1) Trump reinstates Section 232 tariffs, imposing 25% on steel and aluminum imports globally, ending exceptions for Canada and Mexico.

2) Ye (formerly Kanye West) promoted a website in a Super Bowl ad featuring a swastika t-shirt, sparking outrage before the site was taken down.

3) A federal judge temporarily blocks Trump's bid to cut public health research funding, a win for 22 Democrat-led states.

4) Steve Bannon pleaded guilty to defrauding donors in the "We Build the Wall" fundraising scheme, raising over $15M while falsely claiming none would go to founders' salaries.

5) The DOJ drops bribery charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, citing political motivations.

6) Tragic accident at Scottsdale Airport: Vince Neil's jet collided with a parked Gulfstream 200, killing one and injuring four.

Ceasefire & hostage ultimatum

The fragile truce between Israel and Hamas hangs in the balance, as CNN reports Netanyahu will call it off Saturday if hostages aren't freed.

NPR reveals that the truce, forged by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, hangs by a thread after Hamas postponed releasing hostages this weekend.

Sky News reports the decision sparked spirited debate, with Israel’s political-security cabinet expressing frustration.

BBC adds Israel's troops gather as the deadline looms, demanding all 76 remaining hostages to be freed.

Trump enters the conversation via Haaretz, backing Netanyahu's stance and suggesting the ceasefire end if Hamas doesn’t comply.

Solo dates

Stylist says you should consider taking yourself on a solo date this Valentine's Day: They're trendy and empowering! Spending time alone nurtures self-awareness and confidence.

Glamour also recommended the practice: Solo dates can help you break free from modern dating pressures. If you're looking to squash your dependence on external validation, look no further!

But wait -- this Redditor wasn't so sure: Solo dates aren't liberating! They're a sign of loneliness, not independence.

Still, if you're set on embarking on a Valentine's date alone this year, Apartment Therapy has some suggestions.