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Set your clocks back Sunday, but this tradition may be ending

30 October 2026 at 12:17

If you're a regular reader of news outlets like this one, you've probably seen this headline before: This could be the last time you set your clocks back for daylight saving time.

Daylight saving time ends Sunday morning in 2026, and yes, the twice-yearly ritual of changing clocks could eventually come to an end. Whether that will actually happen remains uncertain.

Almost all Americans, except those in Hawaii, most of Arizona and U.S. territories, will need to set their clocks back one hour. Many electronic devices, including televisions, computers and smartphones, will adjust automatically. Non-digital clocks will need to be reset manually.

RELATED STORY | Alternative bill to permanent daylight saving time gains support from doctors, lawmakers

President Donald Trump has said he supports making daylight saving time permanent. Under that approach, clocks would move forward in March and remain there year-round.

Such a change would not affect sunrise and sunset times during the spring, summer and early fall. However, from early November through March, sunrises and sunsets would occur an hour later.

In July, the Sunshine Protection Act passed the House by a 308-117 vote. The bill would make daylight saving time permanent.

A 2025 AP-NORC poll found that most Americans oppose changing clocks twice a year. Only 12% of respondents support the current system of setting clocks back in November and forward in March. Forty-seven percent oppose the changes, while 40% are neutral.

RELATED STORY | House passes bill to make Daylight Saving Time permanent

If Americans do not want to change their clocks, would they prefer permanent daylight saving time or permanent standard time?

It depends on whom you ask.

Overall, 56% of respondents prefer permanent daylight saving time, compared with 44% who favor permanent standard time. Among self-described morning people, however, standard time holds a slight edge, with 50% support compared with 49% for daylight saving time.

The Senate has until the end of the year to take up the Sunshine Protection Act before House approval expires.

If the Sunshine Protection Act becomes law, some places, including Indianapolis, would see sunrise times later than 9 a.m. around Christmas.

One complication is a growing push from sleep scientists to make standard time permanent. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports the Sunshine for Our Kids Act. Like the Sunshine Protection Act, the proposal would eliminate the twice-yearly clock changes. The difference is that it would make standard time permanent by ending daylight saving time, causing sunrises and sunsets to occur an hour earlier during the warmer months.

Mike Ditka, Hall of Fame player and Bears Super Bowl coach, dies at 86

9 October 2026 at 16:23

Legendary Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka has died at age 86, his family said in a statement to ESPN.

A cause of death was not announced.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," his family said in a statement to ESPN. "While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family.

"Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever."

Ditka coached the Bears from 1982 to 1992, leading the franchise to a Super Bowl title following the 1985 season. He later coached the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to 1999.

Before becoming Chicago's head coach, Ditka played tight end for the Bears from 1961 to 1966 and later for the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. After retiring as a player, he began his coaching career in 1973 as an assistant with Dallas.

Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. He remains one of the few people to win a Super Bowl as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

He won his only Super Bowl as a player in his final NFL game, catching a touchdown pass in the Cowboys' 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI.

Six years later, Ditka earned another Super Bowl ring as an assistant coach with Dallas.

Chicago's 46-10 victory over New England in Super Bowl XX remains one of the most lopsided wins in Super Bowl history.

Ditka was named AP NFL Coach of the Year in 1985 and 1988 and led the Bears to six division titles.

Prior to entering the NFL, Ditka was a standout tight end for Pittsburgh, playing there from 1958-60. He eventually gained entry into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Following his coaching career, Ditka served in various broadcast roles, including for CBS and ESPN.

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