Good Morning! Today’s edition is 1,226 words, a 4-minute read.

What’s on tap: 

• Cuomo launches NYC mayoral campaign

• Wildfires in Carolinas

• The world’s top 100 coffee shops

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Big Story

Anora Wins Best Picture At The Oscars

The 97th Academy Awards took place last night in Los Angeles.

• The independent film "Anora," a gritty story about an erotic dancer who elopes with a Russian oligarch's son, won Best Picture. Director Sean Baker had an exceptional night, personally winning four Oscars (Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, plus Best Picture), tying a record set by Walt Disney in 1954.

• Adrien Brody won Best Actor for "The Brutalist," his second Oscar win 22 years after his first for "The Pianist." Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her breakthrough role in "Anora," beating favorite Demi Moore. Kieran Culkin took home Best Supporting Actor for "A Real Pain," continuing his sweep of awards this season. Zoe Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar, taking Best Supporting Actress for "Emilia Pérez.

• In a major upset, the Latvian film "Flow" won Best Animated Feature over the favored "The Wild Robot," marking Latvia's first-ever Oscar win. "Wicked," the highest-grossing nominee, won for Production Design and Costume Design, with Paul Tazewell becoming the first Black man to win for costume design. "The Brutalist" earned awards for Cinematography and Score, while "Dune: Part Two" won for Visual Effects and Sound.

Big Story

Israel Blocks Aid into Gaza

Israel has blocked all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza to pressure Hamas to accept a ceasefire extension.

• The Israeli government claims Hamas refused to accept a US proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire. Prime Minister Netanyahu's office announced that President Trump's envoy proposed extending the ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, requiring Hamas to release hostages in two stages. Netanyahu warned of "further consequences" if Hamas continues to refuse.

• Hamas called Israel's decision to block aid "cheap blackmail" and a "war crime." They accuse Netanyahu of trying to avoid following the original ceasefire agreement that began in January. The first phase of this agreement had Hamas release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The second phase was supposed to start Sunday, but negotiations failed last week.

• Aid organizations warn that nearly all 2 million Gaza residents depend on this humanitarian assistance. Before the aid was blocked, Gaza residents had received more food supplies during the ceasefire. One resident said, "Before the ceasefire, we would eat one meal every two or three days. Now we can at least have a meal a day."

Big Story

Cuomo Launches NYC Mayoral Bid

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday that he is running for mayor of New York City

• In his 18-minute campaign video, Cuomo said "Our New York City is in trouble" and highlighted accomplishments from his time as governor. He believes his experience is needed during what he calls a "crisis in leadership." This marks Cuomo's return to politics four years after resigning as governor. (See the campaign video here)

• Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 following multiple sexual harassment allegations. A report by State Attorney General Letitia James alleged he harassed 11 women, including nine state employees. Before the allegations, Cuomo had high approval ratings. In his campaign video, Cuomo acknowledged past mistakes, saying "Did I make mistakes? Some painfully, definitely, and I believe I learned from them."

• Cuomo enters a crowded Democratic primary field including, current Mayor Eric Adams, who faces federal corruption charges. Other candidates include city Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, and several state legislators. The primary election is scheduled for June 24.

Quick Stories

US News

• President Trump signed an executive order making English the official US language—a first in American history. The order cancels Clinton's policy requiring agencies to assist those with limited English proficiency, though agencies can choose to maintain these support systems. (More)

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a declaration to expedite $4 billion in military aid to Israel. The Trump administration has approved nearly $12 billion in military sales and pledges continued support for Israel's security needs. (More)

• Brush fires sparked by dry, windy conditions forced evacuations in both Carolinas on Saturday. In North Carolina, a 400-acre fire threatened areas between Tryon and Saluda. In South Carolina, residents near Myrtle Beach were evacuated due to a wildfire in Carolina Forest. (More)

World

• Kurdish PKK militants, who have fought against Turkey for over 40 years, announced a ceasefire two days after their imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan called for disarmament. The ceasefire follows decades of conflict over Kurdish minority treatment that has caused thousands of deaths. (More)

• Ukrainian President Zelensky met with European leaders in London after a tense White House meeting with President Trump. UK Prime Minister Starmer announced they're developing a ceasefire plan to present to Trump, calling it a "one-in-a-generation moment" for European security. (More)

• Haitian police attacked the stronghold of notorious gang leader Jimmy "Barbecue" Chérizier, killing several gang members. Despite rumors of his death, Chérizier released a video confirming he survived what he claimed was an explosive drone attack. (More)

Business & Economy

• US stock markets closed higher on Friday (S&P +1.59%, Nasdaq +1.63%, Dow +1.39%). Stocks rallied at the end of the week to wrap up a losing month for the major averages. (More)

• President Trump announced plans for a US strategic crypto reserve including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano. Prices jumped after the news broke. (More)

• The US lobster catch keeps declining as lobsters migrate northward. Maine's haul dropped from 111 million pounds in 2021 to 86.1 million pounds in 2024—the lowest in 15 years. (More)

Sports & Entertainment

• Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is reviewing a petition to posthumously remove Pete Rose from MLB's Hall of Fame ineligible list. Rose was permanently banned in 1989 after an investigation found he bet on Cincinnati Reds games while playing for and managing the team. (More)

• South Carolina won a coin flip to secure the #1 seed in the SEC women's basketball tournament after tying with Texas for the regular season championship. Both teams finished 15-1 in conference play and split their head-to-head matchups. (More)

• David Johansen, the final surviving member of the New York Dolls, has died at 75. His protopunk band pioneered a glam style—teased hair, women's clothes, and heavy makeup—that influenced metal bands a decade later. (More)

Science, Health, & Tech

• A new study in Science Advances shows extreme heat (90°F +) may accelerate aging in older adults. People in areas with high heat half the year experienced up to 14 months more biological aging than those in cooler regions with fewer hot days annually. (More)

• Scientists have revived microscopic animals called bdelloid rotifers that survived frozen in Siberian permafrost for 24,000 years. The creatures entered cryptobiosis—completely halting biological activity—and immediately resumed normal functions upon thawing. (More)

• Firefly Aerospace's car-sized Blue Ghost spacecraft successfully landed on the moon Sunday, beginning a two-week research mission. The uncrewed vehicle touched down near a volcanic vent on Mare Crisium, carrying ten scientific payloads. (More)

Extra Credit

🆘 Watch: How to ask for help when you feel overwhelmed.

🍓 A single strawberry costs $19 at Erewhon market.

☕️ The world’s top 100 coffee shops.

🌎️ US states reimagined by population size.