Ahoy, Amicus Pluskateers! On this, the first Opinionpalooza bonus episode of 2026, Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern break down a quartet of decisions, including some bad news for criminal justice reform—and a pleasant surprise from Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Later: Looking beyond the walls of One First Street, Dahlia and Mark discuss a court order pausing President Donald Trump’s rollout of his $1.8 billion slush fund. They also unpack some confusing headlines about the Trump DOJ’s on-again, off-again, real or maybe imagined investigation into E. Jean Carroll, who won a pair of cases against Trump for sexual abuse and defamation, with total damages of almost $90 million.

This is part of Opinionpalooza, Slate’s coverage of the major decisions from the Supreme Court. The best way to support our work is by joining Slate Plus. (If you are already a member, consider a donation or merch!)

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