In May, the longest unofficial summer stretched 15 weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with the earliest Memorial Day and latest Labor Day possible. The official summer now ends as the autumnal equinox arrives Tuesday at 8:05 p.m. Eastern, marking the sun’s crossing of the celestial equator. Signs of fall appear gradually: maple leaves turning red, cooler evenings, and a shift toward sweaters and indoor activities. Daylight loss is stark—77 minutes by month’s end in New York, 98 in Seattle—while sunrise feels reluctant and dusk arrives early, prompting earlier dinners. The equinox triggers a routine of adjusting to new seasons, colder weather, and shorter days. Daylight saving time falls back on Nov. 1, the earliest possible, with the next spring forward on March 14, 2027. Rather than dread winter, the author plans ahead with a choir, French lessons, and other activities to energize the coming months. As Rilke’s "Autumn Day" reminds us, "Lord: it is time. The huge summer has gone by." There’s still time to savor the season’s final days.

In political news, demonstrators formed a human chain around the Kennedy Center amid speculation that President Trump might demolish the building. Trump announced a ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, calling them "fake news." The Pentagon reported the Iran war cost $43.6 billion through Sept. 3, with bombs and munitions accounting for over 60% of expenditures. Congressional officials noted the figure is likely understated.

On artificial intelligence, Trump and Mark Zuckerberg discussed concerns about A.I. risks. Trump dismissed fears as a hoax, warning that a slowdown in A.I. companies could trigger a recession. Some White House officials urge caution, while Google highlighted its Gemini system’s capabilities.