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"I feel a renaissance emerging" – Beyoncé on making new music. The Beyhive's all in for this buzz.

No More Status Cuomo

The Story

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) is stepping down.

Bye, gov'na.

Right. Last week, calls for Cuomo to resign reached a fever pitch after an investigation found that the governor sexually harassed at least 11 current and former state employees. Lindsey Boylan – a former aide – was the first to publicly come forward. Several others followed suit. And NY AG Letitia James' (D) office began a probe. Amid all of it, the three-term governor denied wrongdoing. But the probe's findings crumbled his house of cards. President Biden called for his resignation. The New York State Assembly said 'take your pick: step down or impeachment.' Now, Cuomo's resigning in two weeks. But he's not admitting any guilt.

Go on.

Cuomo maintains he never "crossed the line with anyone." And that generational and cultural differences had "redrawn" the line of what was acceptable. The governor apologized to his accusers. But dismissed the entire investigation as "politically motivated." And said he was leaving office for the good of New Yorkers. Boylan, who's planning to sue Cuomo, said all she wanted was for him to "stop his abusive behavior." But that instead he attacked and blamed the victims while many watched from the sidelines. Meanwhile, Republicans are still calling for impeachment, which could prevent him from running for future office. TBD on what the State Assembly decides. Cuomo could still face misdemeanor charges even once he leaves office.

So, what's next?

Get to know Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY). She'll succeed Cuomo, becoming NY's first female governor. The Buffalo-area native has two terms as the state's no. 2 under her belt. And will be serving out Cuomo's term until the 2022 midterms. On her to-do list: tackling things like COVID-19 and rising gun violence. And Hochul's not the only one stepping up. New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will take on the active duties of lieutenant governor. Meaning two women will be holding the highest offices in New York.

theSkimm

Cuomo's four-decade career in politics continued a family dynasty. And his tenure as governor led to some landmark policies and earned him national praise. Now, his fall from grace is ending with the same stain that's brought down many powerful men.

And Also...This

What's on a roll…

The Senate. Yesterday, in a 69-30 vote, the Senate passed the long-awaited $1 trillion infrastructure bill – after months of negotiating. And early this morning, senators passed a $3.5 trillion spending package in a 50-49 vote. The Senate's passage of these two major bills are key parts of President Biden's economic agenda. Now, the infrastructure bill includes $550 billion in new funding for things like transportation, broadband, replacing lead pipes, and addressing racial inequities (like reconnecting Black communities divided by highways). If passed, the spending package will expand Medicare and establish universal pre-K. But the bills are 'still under construction.' Both pieces of legislation face an uphill battle in the House (which returns the week of August 23). Centrists are worried about the spending package's large price tag.

• Paying up: Last week, the Congressional Budget Office said the $1 trillion legislation would add $256 billion to the deficit in the next ten years. Even as the bill's negotiators say the whole thing will be fully paid for.

Where things aren't looking good...

Texas. The state's been seeing its highest number of new COVID-19 cases since February. Hospitals are running out of ICU beds (yes, delta's to blame). And less than half of Texans are fully vaccinated. Gov. Greg Abbott's (R-TX) asked hospitals to voluntarily postpone elective medical procedures. And is pleading for out-of-state help from health care workers to fight the rise in infections. But it's got many thinking this could all have been avoided. For months, Abbott's refused to follow CDC guidelines, fully reopening the state and even banning local govs and state agencies from mandating vaccines or masks.

• Court orders: Local officials sued Abbott over his 'no mask mandate' EO and a judge ruled in their favor. Meanwhile, the Dallas and Austin Independent School Districts are already dismissing Abbott's EO and telling people to mask up.

What's got some changes to make...

Twitter. This week, a grad student proved the social media company's algorithm prefers younger, thinner faces with lighter skin. After getting pushback that its cropping algorithm was biased (some even called it racist), Twitter offered a $3,500 prize for anyone who could prove it. (Was its QA dept on vacation or...?) Well, the student figured it out – by using artificially generated faces with different features. Now, Twitter's apparently saying it's clear they've got "more analysis to do." No sh-tweet.*

Who's saying 'Ici c'est Paris'...

Lionel Messi. Yesterday, the Argentine soccer star arrived in Paris to sign a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain. It comes days after his tearful goodbye to his 21-year run with Barcelona.

What you'll want popcorn for...

The meteor shower tonight.

Who's got a newBourne love for Taylor Swift...

You'll never guess.

Thing to Know

41.5%

That's the percentage of American adults with symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder as of February, according to a CDC report. Psst...it's more than double 2019 numbers. Experts (mostly) blame the pandemic. And the unprecedented – yes, we went there – levels of uncertainty it caused.

So if you're feeling like you could use some support, you're certainly not alone. The good news: Cerebral offers treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and insomnia. No matter where you are, and on your own schedule. Their monthly subscription includes access to virtual counseling, teletherapy, and prescription medicine. All for a fraction of the typical cost. Btw, Skimm'rs can get 70% off their first month. Learn more.

Something that might actually be worse than FOMO: immediately regretting all of the plans you just made. We cleared up why it's important to set boundaries and leave room for spontaneous plans (even though that sounds like an oxymoron). Because whether you're a social butterfly or a house cat, it's normal to need time to adjust to hanging out IRL. And here's a tip, friend to friend: Remember that you're not required to hang out with every single person you used to in the Before Times. Here's to peace, love, and personal space.

1. Colorful shoes that are making waves. Celebs love 'em. We love 'em. Even Mother Earth loves 'em. These all-season sneaks come in canvas low-top and bamboo slip-on styles made from (the comfiest) eco-friendly materials. They're never discounted. But Skimm'rs get a special offer here. (Winky-face.)*

2. Your most-loved products of July. If this were a yearbook, these things would be voted 'most popular.' Add 'em to cart.

3. Products that have stood the test of time. From kitchen must-haves to an absolute cleaning essential, call these items ol' reliable because they're proven to last.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Your next skincare must-have. This derm-tested serum helps even out complexion. And helps to reduce the look of pores with continued use. Psst...it can be used any time, just follow up with your fave moisturizer. Skimm'rs get $5 off with code 188928.*

2. Swimwear that'll keep those vacay vibes flowing. This brand's got hundreds of colorful (sustainably made) pieces that'll make you want to keep your OOO message turned on. Psst...Skimm'rs get $10 towards their purchase and free shipping.*

3. An easier way to build (and keep) healthy habits this fall. This program uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help you reach your wellness goals. Think: long-term results, sans restrictions. Oh, and Skimm'rs get a free trial for 14 days. Go get 'em.*

4. A NASA-backed way to up your skincare routine. So you know it really works. This award-winning device infuses derm-approved ingredients 20x deeper than other skincare products. Via a micro-mist. Without needles or complicated instructions. Did we mention Skimm'rs get 20% off new orders? Skin-credible.*

Skimm’rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Fighting for others...Alexia R (TX). She launched a nonprofit that provides legal and social services to immigrant survivors of crime in the Houston area. She focuses primarily on helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with legal services, safety planning, and much more. Learn more.

Briefcase gang...Abby C (MI). She just wrapped up her gig as a summer associate at a law firm, and landed a full time job after she graduates next spring. And to top it all off, she's in the top 1% of her class and is getting ready to have a baby during final exams in December.

(Some) Birthdays...Jack Harrison Bayer (NY), Ariane Anusbigian (MI), Stefani Snow (CO), Bill Klosterman (OH), Liz Schinsky (MO), Lou LeTourneau (MI), Liz Cernadas (AL), Liz RW (MN), Lauren Loughnane (NY), Bruce Berghamer (ON), Julie Gurney (FL), Jamie Kerner (NY), Morgan Higgins (CA), Liz Schinsky (MO), Alli Lague (MN)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

We asked Sarah Shahi (aka Billie) to Skimm the plot of her newest show "Sex/Life." Plus, she opens up about what it's like to film scenes with someone she's dating IRL.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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