What we’re reading: This Jezebel essay from a writer grappling with a sudden love for Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York. Sarah Lyall, a writer at large for The Times, calls it “funny and true.” She adds: “And please stay for the clip of the two Cuomo brothers squabbling with each other about which one their mother loves more.”

Now, a break from the news

Most probably you’re in the same position so many of us are in right now: hunkered down, trying to get a handle on our new reality. We’re here with news that is good, with stories of beauty and art and style, with pleasant distractions and arguments in favor of a cultured life in a time that is grim. — Sam Sifton, who oversees The Times’s cultural and lifestyles coverage.

Image Credit... Melissa Clark

Cook: Cheese is the classic filling for a French omelet, but Melissa Clark suggests garlicky tahini.

“Go”: Our critic took a virtual trip to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art to see Anthony van Dyck’s painting of St. Rosalia, who was credited with saving the Italian city of Palermo from an epidemic.

Read: An argument against the Electoral College is among 11 books we recommend.

Listen: Here’s a list of podcasts for children, and musical theater, dance and classical music to stream.

And now for the Back Story on …

The planet’s biggest lockdown

Jeffrey Gettleman, our New Delhi bureau chief, has been covering the lockdown of India’s 1.3 billion people. Melina Delkic of the Briefings team spoke with him about the government’s sweeping guidelines and what we can expect.

Walk us through the lead-up to the lockdown. Were you surprised that people seemed to immediately follow the rules?