William H. Rehnquist, the 16th Chief Justice of the United States and a leader of the court's conservative bloc for three decades, died Saturday evening at his home in Arlington, a court spokesman announced.

Rehnquist, 80, has been undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer since October.

His death creates the first vacancy for a chief justice since 1986.

Court spokesman Kathy Arberg said Rehnquist was surrounded by his three children when he died, the Associated Press reported.

"The Chief Justice battled thyroid cancer since being diagnosed last October and continued to perform his dues on the court until a precipitous decline in his health the last couple of days," she said.

Rehnquist's death provides President Bush with yet another vacancy to fill on the court. He nominated John G. Roberts Jr. earlier this summer to succeed Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who announced her retirement on July 1. Hearings on the Roberts nomination are scheduled to begin Tuesday.

The announcement follows months of speculation and rumor about Rehnquist's health. The frenzy prompted Rehnquist to put out a statement on July 14 saying he wanted "to put to rest the speculation and unfounded rumors of my imminent retirement. I am not about to announce my retirement," he said. "I will continue to perform my duties as chief justice as long as my health permits."

Bush now has a major opportunity to attempt to reshape the highest court in the land.

Rehnquist's death creates the need for two and perhaps three confirmation hearings. If Bush elevates a sitting justice to Rehnquist's position, confirmation hearings will be required for the designated Chief Justice, as well as for replacements for the associate justice elevated as well as for Roberts.

here's the post article... pretty light and boiler plate. Dunno how many A-hitting writers are near a computer to spit out good copy. Since it broke so late we'll see if makes more than 8 column inches. Expect best stuff to come out online and Monday morning.