NPR withdrew the story on July 1, 2026. The article falsely claimed Justice Samuel Alito was stepping down. Nina Totenberg penned the piece, but NPR removed it upon identifying the inaccuracy. Officials admitted they misinterpreted his employment status. Totenberg described the blunder deeply disappointing. Major outlets such as CNN and The New York Times afterward noted the retraction. All reports agreed Alito remains retired. The mix-up fueled talk about precision in Supreme Court reporting.