Last Updated on December 16, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Director Rob Reiner participates in a discussion following a screening of the film LBJ at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas on Saturday October 22, 2016
On Saturday evening October 22, 2016, the LBJ Presidential Library held a sneak peek of Rob Reiner’s new filmÊLBJ, starring Woody Harrelson as the 36th president. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, chronicles the life and times of Lyndon Johnson who would inherit the presidency at one of the most fraught moments in American history.
Following the screening, director Rob Reiner, actor Woody Harrelson, and writer Joey Hartstone joined LBJ Library Director Mark Updegrove on stage for a conversation about the film.
LBJ Library photo by Jay Godwin
10/22/2016

Hollywood Legend Rob Reiner and Wife Found Dead; Son in Custody

December 15, 2025

Renowned filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on Sunday, authorities say. Emergency responders were called to the residence Sunday afternoon, where both were discovered with fatal wounds consistent with a stabbing. Police are treating the case as a double homicide. 

Los Angeles police arrested the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, in connection with the deaths. He is being held in custody as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

2016 SAMHSA Voice Awards

Reiner was one of Hollywood’s most influential figures, known for his work as a director, producer and actor. His career spanned decades, from early television fame to directing beloved films that shaped American cinema. 

Friends, colleagues and public figures have begun sharing tributes and reactions to the news as the investigation is ongoing. 

More details will be updated as they become available.

The Inspiring Legacy of Raymond E. Fowler: A Journey into the Unknown

Last Updated on November 10, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Senate Advances Deal to End Shutdown as ACA Subsidy Debate Intensifies

The recent vote in the Senate to advance a stop-gap spending bill to reopen the government marks a turning point — but also a source of deep tension within the Democratic Party. Eight Senate Democrats broke with their caucus and joined Republicans, enabling the legislation to move forward. Their defection has prompted progressive backlash and raised bigger questions about the fate of ACA premium tax-credits, and whether new leadership in the Democratic Senate ranks is imminent.

The Vote That Shook the Caucus

On November 9–10, 2025, the Senate advanced a funding measure that would end the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history. Eight Democrats (and one independent who caucuses with Democrats) voted with Republicans to get to the 60-vote threshold required under Senate rules. 

Those lawmakers include:

• Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev)

• Dick Durbin (D-Ill)

• John Fetterman (D-Pa)

• Maggie Hassan (D-N.H)

• Tim Kaine (D-Va)

• Angus King (I-Me)

• Jacky Rosen (D-Nev)

• Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H) 

Their main justification: the shutdown was inflicting too much damage on federal workers, food-aid recipients, and other Americans, and this was the best viable route to reopening the government. 

Progressive Outrage and Leadership Questions

Progressive Democrats didn’t buy the justification. They argue that by voting to reopen the government without securing a guaranteed extension of the ACA subsidies, these eight senators essentially abandoned a major Democratic policy fight. Many called it a betrayal of working-class Americans who depend on those subsidies. 

The vote has also triggered renewed calls for a shake-up in Democratic Senate leadership. Critics of Chuck Schumer argue that under his leadership the party lacked leverage and strategic clarity, allowing moderate-leaning Democrats to break away. Some are publicly saying: if the leader cannot deliver on major priorities like healthcare, why continue in position? 

What This Means for the ACA Subsidies

The subsidies at stake are premium tax credits under the ACA that help millions of Americans afford health insurance. With those credits set to expire at the end of the year, the question becomes: will the government extend them, and if so under what terms?

Here are key points:

• The deal that ended the shutdown did not include the guaranteed extension of those subsidies. Instead, it included only a promise of a vote later (in December) to address the subsidy extension. 

• That promise is weak in the eyes of many Democrats. There is no guarantee the vote will pass in December — Republicans oppose extension without major reforms, and it isn’t clear whether the House will follow. 

• If the subsidies are not extended, millions of Americans could see their insurance premiums rise significantly for 2026 — a politically explosive outcome especially for the Democrats heading into mid-terms. 

• On the flip side, if Democrats regain stronger negotiating power or leadership changes, there may still be hope for a more robust extension or even permanent fix — but that is uncertain and depends on internal party cohesion and bargaining leverage.

The Bigger Picture & Stakes Ahead

The broadcast-surface story is the shutdown. But below the surface are several consequential dynamics:

• The eight senators’ decision signals that moderate members of the party are willing to prioritize ending the shutdown rather than extract full concessions on healthcare. That may embolden similar splits in other policy fights.

• Progressive momentum within the party is rising — their anger over the subsidy gambit may feed leadership change, a firmer stance in 2026 campaigns, and internal challenges to the old guard.

• For consumers and voters, the health-insurance premium question is no abstraction: if subsidies lapse, premiums will spike, especially for moderate-income households. That economic pain can shift electoral dynamics.

• For the Democrats’ larger messaging, the risk is an identity crisis: if the party is seen as backing away from core promises (like healthcare affordability), it may affect voter trust and turnout.

• For the policy, even if a vote occurs in December, the fix may be short-term rather than long-term, which leaves the cycle vulnerable to future cliffs unless structural reforms are enacted.

The Wrap Up (For now)

In short: the shutdown deal unlocked relief in the short run, but at the potential cost of longer-term healthcare policy gains. The eight Democrats who crossed the line may be lauded by some for pragmatism, but criticized by many for ceding leverage and failing to protect vital subsidies. Meanwhile, the fight over who leads the party and how bold it remains in 2026 is very much alive.

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With the December vote looming, all eyes will be on whether the promise of action on ACA premium credits turns into a reality — or whether the surprise leadership shifts and policy limbo become the new status quo.

Sources

• TIME – “The Eight Senators Who Broke With Democrats to End the Government Shutdown.”

• Politico – “The Eight Senate Democratic Caucus Members Who Voted to End the Shutdown.”

• Fox Baltimore – “Stopgap Deal Signals End to Shutdown but Renews Divisions Among Democrats.”

• WYFF4 News – “Senate Reaches Deal to Extend Government Funding.”

• Yahoo News – “Shutdown Deal Pits Democrats’ Moderates Against Progressives on ACA Subsidies.”

• The Guardian – “Republicans Reject Democrats’ Proposal to End Longest Shutdown in U.S. History.”

STM Daily News will continue monitoring developments related to the Senate’s shutdown deal, Affordable Care Act subsidy discussions, and any forthcoming leadership responses. Updates will be added as new details emerge.

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

https://stmdailynews.com/

Last Updated on September 26, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Steamed shrimp on plate

Nationwide Shrimp Recall Expands to Arizona: What You Need to Know

A major frozen shrimp recall is currently underway across the United States — and Arizona shoppers are directly affected. AquaStar (USA) Corp has announced a recall of multiple frozen shrimp products, both raw and cooked, due to potential contamination with cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive substance.

Products Included in the Recall

The recall covers several popular brands and package types, including:

• Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp (2 https://stmdailynews.com/cash-trapping-how-to-protect-yourself-from-this-sneaky-atm-scam/ bag)

• Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp (2 lb bag)

• AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-On Shrimp Skewers (1.25 lb bag)

• AquaStar Cocktail Shrimp trays (sold at Walmart and other retailers)

In total, more than 85,000 packages of shrimp have been pulled from stores nationwide. These products were distributed to several states, including Arizona, between June and September 2025.

Why the Recall?

Routine testing detected the presence of cesium-137, a radioactive contaminant. While no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported, long-term exposure to Cs-137 may increase the risk of certain cancers. Out of caution, the FDA and AquaStar urge consumers not to eat these shrimp.

🔍 How to Identify the Recalled Shrimp

Shoppers should look at UPC codes, lot codes, and best-by dates printed on the packaging. Here are the specific products under recall:

Product	UPC	Lot Code(s)	Best-By Date(s)
Kroger Raw Colossal EZ Peel Shrimp (2 lb) Advertisement	20011110643906	10662 5085 10 · 10662 5097 11 · 10662 5106 11 · 10662 5107 10 · 10662 5111 11 · 10662 5112 10 · 10662 5113 10/11 · 10662 5114 10/11	March 26 2027 · April 7 2027 · April 16–24 2027
Kroger Mercado Cooked Medium Peeled Tail-Off Shrimp (2 lb)	011110626196	10662 5112 11 · 10662 5113 10	October 22–23 2027
AquaStar Raw Peeled Tail-On Shrimp Skewers (1.25 lb)	731149390010	10662 5127 10 · 10662 5128 11 · 10662 5133 11 · 10662 5135 10 Advertisement	November 7–15 2027
AquaStar Cocktail Shrimp Trays (Walmart)	19434612191	10662 5106 · 10662 5107 · 10662 5124 · 10662 5125	Dates vary by lot

What Should Consumers Do?

• Check your freezer for the affected shrimp products.

• Do not eat them. If you have the recalled shrimp, throw it away or return it to the store where it was purchased.

• Stay updated. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as needed.

No Reported Illnesses So Far

Although the recall sounds alarming, health officials stress that no illnesses have been linked to these shrimp products at this time. The move is a precaution to protect consumers.

👉 Bottom line for Arizona shoppers: If you’ve bought frozen shrimp from Kroger, Kroger Mercado, or AquaStar between June and September 2025, check the packaging details immediately. When in doubt, don’t eat it.

🔗 Resources for More Information

• FDA Recall Notice – AquaStar USA Corp Recalls Kroger & AquaStar Frozen Shrimp

• FDA Advisory – Do Not Eat, Sell, or Serve Certain Imported Frozen Shrimp

• Ohio Department of Health – AquaStar Shrimp Recall

Cash Trapping: How to Protect Yourself from This Sneaky ATM Scam