NPR Retracts False Report on Justice Alito's Retirement

NPR retracted a report on Tuesday claiming that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was retiring, citing a misheard announcement. The error stemmed from a misunderstanding during the final day of the Supreme Court's term, where reporter Nina Totenberg misheard Chief Justice John Roberts' remarks about upcoming retirements. NPR had prepared a lengthy story about Alito's career in anticipation of a potential retirement, a common practice in journalism. The outlet issued an editor's note acknowledging the mistake and expressing regret for the confusion caused. Totenberg publicly apologized to Alito, admitting the error was entirely her fault and calling it a 'rookie mistake.' NPR's editor-in-chief, Tommy Evans, also addressed the incident, emphasizing the organization's commitment to accuracy. The Supreme Court and Alito did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The retraction came amid the Court's release of major decisions, including rulings on birthright citizenship and Title IX regulations.