The twice-yearly ritual of changing our clocks remains a frequent topic of conversation.

As of July 2026, here is the current outlook on the future of Daylight Saving Time (DST).

The Current Schedule

Under existing federal law, there have been no changes to our current practice. The United States continues to observe Daylight Saving Time from the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November. For 2026, this means that clocks are set to “fall back” one hour at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Federal Legislative Activity: The Sunshine Protection Act

The debate over ending the biannual clock change has seen renewed momentum at the federal level this year. On July 14, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139) by a vote of 308-117.

This legislation seeks to make Daylight Saving Time permanent nationwide, eliminating the need to switch clocks in spring and autumn.

The bill has received backing from the White House, with supporters arguing that permanent DST would provide more evening sunlight for outdoor activities, potentially boost economic activity, and reduce the seasonal disruption associated with shifting schedules. Critics, however, have raised concerns about darker winter mornings and the health implications of shifting sunlight patterns.

While the bill has successfully cleared the House, it must now be approved by the U.S. Senate before it can be sent to the President for a signature. As of mid-July 2026, it is not yet clear when or if the Senate will take up the measure for a vote.

Case Update: The State vs. George E. Bradfield

Recent proceedings in the Massac County courthouse regarding the case of George E. Bradfield have focused on discovery, evidentiary motions, and scheduling. Below is a chronological review of the court activity recorded from late June through mid-July 2026.

Late June 2026: Motions and Case Management On June 30, 2026, the State filed a Supplemental Motion to Admit Evidence under Illinois Rule 404(b). During a Case Management Conference held the same day via Zoom—attended by the State, defense attorney Joseph Cervantez, and the defendant—the State indicated plans to file further supplemental 404(b) motions. The defense noted that responses to these motions were being drafted. At that time, the pretrial conference was reset for July 7, 2026.

Early July 2026: Discovery Hurdles Following a July 7 hearing, a pretrial conference was held on July 8, 2026. During this session, defense counsel reported experiencing challenges regarding discovery related to the defendant’s pending case in Kentucky. The State advised that it would update all discovery requests once additional materials are received and indicated plans to issue a demand for defenses to the defense counsel in the near future. The matter was then reset for a pretrial conference on July 14, 2026.

Mid-July 2026: Extension Granted On July 13, 2026, defense attorney Joseph Cervantez filed a motion requesting an extension of time. This was addressed on July 14, 2026, during a hearing before Judge Thurston. The court granted the defense’s motion for an extension of time to respond to the State’s 404(b) motion without objection, allowing an additional 14 days for the response.

The matter is currently set for a further pretrial conference on July 21, 2026, at 9:00 AM via Zoom.

WMOK – Massac County, IL –

Now that we’ve made it to the other side of Independence Day, it’s the perfect time to catch your breath and look ahead. While the heat is on, we’re entering that sweet spot of summer where we can really lean into those goals we set back in the spring. Whether it’s tackling a home project, spending more time outdoors, or simply slowing down to enjoy a sunset, there is still plenty of time to make the most of the season before the pace picks up again.

As we look toward the coming months, keep in mind that the transition to the new school year is just around the corner. Here is a look at what is coming up for our local students and community:

Important Dates for Your Calendar

• August 10: Teacher In-Service (Massac Unit 1 & Joppa-Maple Grove)

• August 11: Teacher In-Service (Massac Unit 1 & Joppa-Maple Grove)

• August 12: First Day of School (Massac Unit 1: 2pm Dismissal; Joppa-Maple Grove: First day back)

• September 7: No School — Labor Day (Massac Unit 1)

School Registration Information

• Massac Unit 1: Online re-registration for students returning in Grades 1 through 12 is available now through the Alma portal. For further details and to get your students registered, visit the official Massac Unit 1 registration page.

• Joppa-Maple Grove: Existing students should log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal to complete registration. If you are new to the district or need assistance with your portal account, please reach out to the school office at mbaughman@joppa38.com.