1. We're About to Find Out How Bad It Will Get Without Justice Kennedy

From New York Times: "He provided a crucial fifth vote to the court's conservative wing, but he sometimes voted against it, especially on abortion."

2. It all depends on what kind of conservative Trump chooses

From The Hill: "The real question is what kind of conservative justice he nominates."

3. Justice Kennedy's retirement leaves the future of U.S. constitutional law entirely up for grabs

From Washington Post: "The Supreme Court justice has been the ultimate man in the middle."

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Voting signs are shown outside of a voting precinct during the state house runoff in District 106 at the Praise Community Church in Gwinnett County, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Lawrenceville, Ga. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

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Austin Walters died from an overdose in 2021 after taking a Xanax pill laced with fentanyl, his father said. A new law named after Austin and aimed at preventing deaths from fentanyl has resulted in its first convictions in Georgia, prosecutors said. (Family photo)

Credit: Family photo