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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Fans celebrate in the stands after Cape Verde defeated Eswatini in a World Cup qualifying soccer match at Estádio Nacional in Praia, Cape Verde, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, to clinch their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. (Cristiano Barbosa/AP)

Credit: AP