Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Early risers in Arizona are in for a celestial show.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across much of North America — including Phoenixand the Valley. During this event, the Moon will pass completely into Earth’s shadow, turning a deep copper-red color often called a “Blood Moon.”

Here’s what you need to know.

🌍 What Is a Total Lunar Eclipse?

A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align perfectly, with Earth positioned directly between the Sun and the Moon. As the Moon moves into Earth’s darkest shadow (the umbra), it doesn’t disappear — instead, it glows red.

That reddish color comes from sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere — essentially, we’re seeing all the world’s sunrises and sunsets projected onto the Moon at once.

🕒 Phoenix Viewing Times (MST)

Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time in March, so these times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST).

• 1:44 a.m. – Penumbral eclipse begins (subtle dimming begins)
• 2:50 a.m. – Partial eclipse begins (Earth’s shadow becomes clearly visible)
• 4:04 a.m. – Totality begins 🌕
• 4:34 a.m. – Greatest eclipse
• 5:03 a.m. – Totality ends
• 6:18 a.m. – Partial eclipse ends
• 7:20 a.m. – Penumbral eclipse ends

The most dramatic portion — totality — lasts nearly one hour.

🌅 Where to Look in Phoenix

The eclipse happens in the pre-dawn hours, so the Moon will be low in the western sky as it sets.

For the best view:

• Find a location with a clear western horizon
• Avoid city light glare if possible
• Consider desert viewpoints, parks, or elevated areas around the Valley

Because the Moon will be setting as the Sun begins to rise, the backdrop of early morning twilight could make for stunning photography.

🔭 Do You Need Special Equipment?

No.

Unlike a solar eclipse, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye. However:

• Binoculars enhance color detail
• A small telescope reveals subtle shadow gradients
• A tripod and DSLR or smartphone with night mode can capture impressive images

🌎 Why This Eclipse Matters

This will be one of the most accessible celestial events of 2026 for Arizona residents. Total lunar eclipses don’t happen every year in the same location, and the timing — just before sunrise — adds dramatic visual contrast.

If skies are clear, Phoenix could have a spectacular view.

📌 Quick Viewing Reminder for Phoenix

Set your alarm for around 3:45 a.m.

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Step outside by 4:00 a.m.

Look west

Watch the Moon turn red

No tickets. No crowds. Just the sky putting on a show.

For more science, space, and Arizona skywatching coverage, visit STM Daily News.

Related Coverage

• NASA: What Is a Lunar Eclipse?
• Time and Date: March 3, 2026 Total Lunar Eclipse Details
• Sky & Telescope: How to Watch the March 2026 Lunar Eclipse
• Space.com: Where and When to See the 2026 Blood Moon
• STM Daily News – Science & Space Coverage

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.

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