BusinessJuly 1, 2026

When a Big Story Is Taken Down: The NPR–Alito Retraction

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② Start Lesson

Key Vocabulary

retire/rɪˈtaɪər/

to stop working, usually because of age

"The judge did not retire this year."

retract/rɪˈtrækt/

to take back a statement or publication

"The news site had to retract the story."

apologize/əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/

to say sorry for a mistake

"The reporter will apologize on the radio."

Listening

When a Big Story Is Taken Down: The NPR–Alito Retraction

On June 30, 2026 NPR published a story that said Justice Samuel Alito had retired. Nina Totenberg wrote the story and it appeared on the NPR website for a few minutes before it was removed.

NPR's editor said the story was posted because of a misunderstanding. Totenberg apologized and said the mistake was her fault. The Supreme Court did not announce Alito's retirement. Many other news organizations also briefly carried the incorrect report. NPR issued a short editor's note and an on-air correction. The public editor at NPR explained how the error happened. People reacted quickly online and on radio. The episode reminded many listeners about careful reporting.

108 words

Quiz

1. Who wrote the story?

2. When did NPR publish the story?

3. Which justice was named in the story?

Reading Practice

Read the article from the Listening section aloud. Your AI teacher will give you pronunciation feedback.

Discussion

Do you trust the news you hear on the radio? Why or why not?

Have you ever seen a story online that was later removed? What happened?

What do you think is more important in news: speed or accuracy?