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, January 1 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

• A tragic attack in New Orleans

• The finalization of Brangelina’s split

• The history of the New Year’s kiss

• 6 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

Tragedy on Bourbon Street

New Year's celebrations in New Orleans turned tragic: A driver plowed into the crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 10 people. CNN reports this horrific event as a terrorist attack, with the driver allegedly shooting at police too.

Meanwhile, ABC News highlights the divide: The New Orleans Mayor calls it terrorism, targeting as many people as possible, but the FBI's still withholding judgment.

The Indian Express also echoes the mayor's words labeling the attack, adding local causes of concern with New Orleans' history of vehicle incidents in crowded events.

FOX 10 shared more official opinions: The city’s police define it as a complex and serious affair, stressing it wasn't a mere DUI incident.

Adding to the narrative, CBS News confirms the awful outcome and notes the descriptor used by local officials, aligning with the mayor's take on the event.

Brangelina split finalized

Hola.com reports that Brangelina's divorce is finally official: Jolie and Pitt signed off after an intense eight-year legal tug-of-war that started in 2016.

NBC reveals Angelina Jolie initiated the split due to “irreconcilable differences”. The journey ended with a settlement despite harsh custody and support battles.

AV Club shares that their once-secretive legal fight involved accusations of abuse, with significant disputes over assets like their winery.

NZ Herald: Behind the drama, Brangelina's focus now shifts to the future with their six kids -- time to stop the media frenzy!

The New Year’s kiss

Vogue says the tradition of a New Year's Eve kiss has roots in ancient celebrations like Saturnalia and medieval European masquerade balls, where kissing was believed to bring good fortune and new beginnings. While some see it as a fun way to start the year, others may feel pressured by its romantic or superstitious connotations -- focus on starting the year positively, whether there's a kiss or not.

But The Modern Man argues to go for that kiss if you want it; it's fun and might spark new connections -- just be sure you have a willing partner!

Psychology Today agrees, and suggests a New Year's Eve kiss can symbolize joyous beginnings -- but it has to come with mutual communication.

Dr-Juliana.com says skip it -- don't let folklore pressure you into a kiss unless you truly want it.

Brit + Co: Unfortunately, you may have set boundaries to avoid one -- some people are really creepy. If you're worried about it, you can fake a coughing fit or act as somebody else's photographer. Or you can go get a drink refill!

1) Global New Year festivities from Sydney to Paris showcase shared joy despite heavy rain in New York's Times Square.

2) Ukraine unlikely to renew Russian gas transit deal post-Jan 2025 due to political and economic hurdles.

3) Travis Kelce might consider retirement after 2027 to "start a family" with Taylor Swift, according to rumors.

4) Squid Games Season 2 is a "highly welcome return," exciting viewers for more thrills in its brutal, satirical world.

5) Puerto Rico's power grid collapses again; officials estimate up to two days for restoration.

6) A 51-year-old man went overboard during a Christmas cruise on the Norwegian Epic from Jamaica to the Bahamas.