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 Thursday, January 30 — here are today’s three featured stories:

1. PETA’s recommendation for a new Groundhog Day celebration.

2. Madonna’s criticism of Trump’s trans military ban.

1) A jet with 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan National Airport near Washington, D.C., sending the two aircraft plummeting into the Potomac River. Everyone on board the two aircraft is feared dead, officials said Thursday.

2) 3 Israeli hostages freed, but Netanyahu blasts Hamas for "shocking scenes," delays Palestinian prisoner release.

3) Painting found at garage sale is a Van Gogh, experts say.

4) NASA’s 2 stuck astronauts take their first spacewalk together.

5) Tesla shares rallied Thursday even after delivering a fourth-quarter earnings report that fell short of expectations and sealed a second consecutive year of declining profits.

6) Trump's pick for intel chief, Tulsi Gabbard, faces her confirmation hearing.

Vegan cake vs. groundhogs

PETA, an animal rights organization, is fired up about the traditional affair at Groundhog Day. They're petitioning to swap the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil for a vegan “weather reveal” cake. Grabien explains ethical concerns for the groundhog are driving PETA's actions.

AOL shares PETA's POV: the practice of using a live groundhog is outdated! A vegan cake is a fun alternative.

Kfdm.com explains that groundhogs like Phil are shy animals -- putting them on display can actually stress them out, making a cake a more humane choice.

Still, some people -- like this Redditor -- weren't receptive of PETA's message. They think the fuss about groundhog day is just the group's bid to stay relevant.

Madonna vs. Trump

Madonna criticizes Trump's Anti-LGBTQ orders: She's outraged by trans military ban, calling it a step backward.

AOL says she's not alone: Other celebrities like Lucy Dacus and organizations like Lambda Legal are joining Madonna in opposing Trump's anti-trans policies.

Deadline says Madonna's been at odds with Trump for a while now: She shared a disparaging message after he won the 2024 election, too.

Hollywood Reporter says Madonna's been a long-time advocate for the LGBTQ community, too -- she's been an activist since the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s.