🎤 Usher’s halftime performance

It’s Monday, February 12 — people are talking about Pakistan’s election results, Usher’s Super Bowl halftime performance, 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.

If someone forwarded you this email, click here to subscribe.

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

🗳️ Pakistan’s election results

To the surprise of many, ex-leader Imran Khan's PTI party won a plurality in Pakistan's election despite claims of rigging. What happens now?

🗳️ CNN: In a surprising twist in Pakistan's election, jailed ex-leader Imran Khan's allies (PTI) clinched most seats. Khan declared victory (from jail). But so did his opponent.

🗳️ Time reported that despite crackdowns, PTI showed a strong election performance, hinting at public pushback against the ruling military's power.

🗳️ Reuters focused on the confusion at play, as the election leaves competitors Sharif and Khan both claiming victory amid chaos. We might be looking at a “shaky coalition” soon.

🗳️ The NYT says democracy is already heavily doubted in Pakistan. Political instability will likely follow — Pakistan's leaders are ignoring the people.

🎤 Usher’s Super Bowl halftime performance

What’s the verdict on Usher's halftime performance during the Chiefs-Niners Super Bowl?

🎤 Usher performed at the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show with a host of other R&B stars. The Atlantic was a fan: It was a celebration of his showmanship and artistry.

🎤 NPR was also wowed: Usher's Halftime show was a high-energy homage to his R&B reign.

🎤 But Newsweek says some fans weren't impressed: They called Usher's show “messy” compared to Rihanna's legendary 2023 performance.

🎤 And American Songwriter noted that viewers were disappointed that rumors of Justin Bieber joining Usher ended up being untrue: He would've added a needed X-factor to the show.

Quick hits

🏥 Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III was taken to the hospital to treat “symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue”. (NYT)

🇮🇱 Israel said it rescued 2 Hamas hostages during an operation carried out in the Gazan city of Rafah. (Fox News)

⚫ Marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum died in a car crash in Kenya, his home country. He was 24 years old. (BBC)

🏈 The Kansas City Chiefs topped the SF 49ers in overtime to win Super Bowl XVIII. Patrick Mahomes won MVP. (Yahoo Sports)

Thanks for reading. If you have any feedback or want to share your thoughts or ideas, please email me at [email protected].