Ukraine Meeting, Oscars, and Glowing Slugs

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Brits Pitch Peace Deal

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced over the weekend his government would work with France and Ukraine to develop a ceasefire proposal to end fighting with Russia. Starmer provided few immediate details but said the plan would be presented to the US for consideration once ready. 

The comments came during a summit of European leaders attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and two days after a meeting between Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance grew heated (watch here). A lunch and joint news conference between Trump and Zelenskyy were canceled and Zelenskyy left without signing a proposed minerals development deal that was a central reason for the visit. Trump later appeared to leave the door open for Zelenskyy, saying he could come back "when he was ready for peace." Read more about the meeting's fallout here.

See a breakdown of financial support given to Ukraine by country here.

A Big Night for 'Anora'

"Anora" was the big winner at the 2025 Academy Awards last night, taking home the ceremony's top prize of best picture. The film (see overview) also nabbed four other awards. Director Sean Baker won best original screenplay, film editing, and directing, while 25-year-old Mikey Madison won best actress for the film's title role. Baker is the first to win four Oscars in one night for one film (including best picture); Walt Disney also won four Oscars in one night but for four different movies.

The historical drama "The Brutalist" secured three awards, including best actor (Adrien Brody). Kieran Culkin won best supporting actor for comedy-drama "A Real Pain," and Zoe Saldaña won best supporting actress for crime musical "Emilia Pérez," which also won best original song. Fantasy musical blockbuster "Wicked" and science-fiction epic "Dune: Part Two" won two awards each. View the full list of winners here.

See the biggest surprises of the Oscars here, along with the best fashion from the red carpet here.

Cuomo Eyes Return

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced his intention to run for New York City mayor yesterday, jumping into a crowded primary race defined to date by incumbent Eric Adams' (D) ongoing legal challenges. Cuomo enters the race as a significant favorite to capture the party's nomination, polling at 38% and leading the second-place candidate by 26 points. Adams sits in third at 10%. 

The effort is an attempt at a political comeback for Cuomo, who resigned from the governorship in 2021 over allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women. A Justice Department probe that ended last year found he harassed 13 women over an eight-year span—though Cuomo denied ever intentionally mistreating any of the accusers. Prior to his resignation, Cuomo's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic received early criticism but ultimately led to rising popularity, and his approval rating reached as high as 66% in July 2020 (but he exited with 38% approval). 

Primaries are scheduled for June 24, ahead of the Nov. 4 general election. 

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