An irresistible trend took hold in American cars 50 years ago, and now we’re all paying the price. “In 1977, SUVs and trucks together represented 23 percent of American new car sales; today they comprise more than 80 percent,” David Zipper writes. “These four-wheeled behemoths started as niche vehicles, meant to allow certain groups of people to accomplish specific tasks. Today they have become a fixture of everyday American life. They are also linked to myriad societal ills, from crash deaths to climate change to social inequality. Bigger cars make each of those problems harder to solve.”
How did we get here? Zipper examines the consequences of car bloat, and what’s blocking us from doing anything about it.
Plus, in case you missed it: Alexander Sammon did a deep dive on the car dealers’ lobby.
No more Mr. Nice Pope 💥
Pope Francis finally did something about the revolt brewing against him. Molly Olmstead takes a look back on the year that the pontiff finally lost his patience.
Jack Smith’s case in limbo 🏛️
There are now two legal challenges that could potentially hold up Trump’s federal election interference case—and their fate rests in the Supreme Court’s hands. Plus: Trump’s New York civil fraud trial is wrapping up, and Rudy Giuliani was found liable for defamation.
If you’re having a hard time keeping track of all the little developments in the Trump trials, Shirin Ali will be helping you keep up with the latest each week. (We’ll be taking a short break for the winter holidays, but Keeping Up With the Trump Trials will be back the first week of January.)
Taking on Texas ⚖️
Last summer, Amanda Zurawski and several other plaintiffs sued Texas to get it to clarify its opaque rules about exceptions to its abortion ban. Dahlia Lithwick spoke with Zurawski and one of her lawyers about what it’s really like to challenge Texas’ absurd abortion laws.
Plus, in case you missed it: Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern home in on the most infuriating part of the New York Times’ scoop on the fall of Roe.
Let’s dance 💃
There’s a standout moment in Poor Things when Emma Stone’s character first becomes aware of the concept of dancing. Nadira Goffe spoke to choreographer Constanza Macras to get the story behind the best, weirdest dance scene in years.
How super are super shoes, really? 👟
Alecsa Stewart is a slow runner, and she loves how carbon-plated running shoes make her feel fast. But are they really worth nearly $300? She examines the many factors that determine whether these special shoes can propel you to your goals.
For the cyclists in your life 🚴
Whoa there, Chief! Watch where you’re driving! This gift guide is for bikes!
If you’re still on the hunt for a gift for your favorite cyclist, we’ve got some ideas for you.
Today, Slate is … ＊ JUST BEING NEIGHBORLY
… just like Dan Kois is trying to be by flipping off his neighbors’ doorbell cameras.
Thanks so much for reading! We’ll see you tomorrow.
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