Headed into the long holiday weekend, on a Friday in which we say goodbye to two national legends, I think a double-barreled tribute is in order.

First, a side of John McCain that we didn’t always see:

And finally, Queen Aretha Franklin, who saw and helped create a lot of change in her time, and who knew better than most that we’re still a long way from where we need to be:

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Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller