Dear Surge Nation,

Let’s face it: It’s hard to improve on the Surge, widely understood to be the greatest politics newsletter in American history.

But we’re going to try anyway.

Starting the week after Labor Day, the Surge is getting a refresh. That means a sleek new design and a new format. Each week starting Sept. 12, we’ll be breaking down the biggest stories of the week into three categories: What mattered most, What you should keep your eye on, and what’s a bunch of silly nonsense that you should be tuning out. Plus, for newsletter subscribers, we’ll be ending with a list of quick, stray thoughts, mostly related to politics, but, ultimately, about the human experience.

These changes coincide with another for the Surge. Starting in October, four weeks after the refresh, the Surge will be available exclusively for Slate Plus subscribers. We know, we know, but look: The fuel for Surge Force One doesn’t pay for itself. More seriously, though, we’re sharpening the Surge to give readers like you more of what you respond to, and we need reader support to sustain the journalism—as well as the weird politics newsletters—that we do at Slate.

And for those of you Surge subscribers who are not yet Slate Plus members, we’re offering a special offer to save 25% on a full year of access if you wish to sign up. Use promo code SURGE25 at checkout and unlock Slate Plus for $89.

It’s going to be an exciting—is this the right word?—next couple of years in politics. The midterms are fully upon us. Once they give way, we’ll immediately head into two wide open presidential primaries. And Donald Trump will be a lame duck, whether he realizes that or not. In other words: Much mess awaits. We appreciate your support.

Thanks,
Jim

Start your membership today and get a full year of unlimited access for $89. Get every edition of The Surge, plus full access to the Slate site, exclusive bonus episodes from your favorite podcasts, and more! Use promo code SURGE25 at checkout and save!