Apple News Today
Episode Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Gideon Reznick (in for Shumita Basu)
Main Theme: The impact and legacy of filmmaker Rob Reiner on American politics and culture, as well as a roundup of major current news stories.
Episode Overview
This episode opens with the death of Rob Reiner, acclaimed filmmaker, actor, and activist, and an arrest in the case involving his son. It explores Reiner’s cultural significance and his vigorous involvement in progressive political movements, as highlighted through tributes from public figures and politicians. The show also covers the conviction of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, price inaccuracies at U.S. dollar stores, and remembrances for victims of a shooting at Brown University.
Rob Reiner’s Legacy and the Aftermath of His Death
The Incident and Immediate Response
- [00:05 – 01:11] The episode starts with the news of Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle Singer Reiner's deaths.
- Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell confirms that Reiner’s son, Nick Reiner, was arrested on suspicion of murder.
- Quote: “They were able to take into custody Nick Reiner, a suspect in this case. He was subsequently booked for murder and is being held on $4 million bail.” (Jim McDonnell, [00:47])
- The investigation is ongoing, with many details still unconfirmed.
Cultural and Political Impact
- [01:11 – 02:25] Tributes pour in from figures like Barack Obama and Stephen King, illustrating Reiner’s iconic status in American culture.
- Rob Reiner’s career highlights:
- Starred as Michael Stivic (“Meathead”) on All in the Family.
- Directed classics such as The Princess Bride, This Is Spinal Tap, and When Harry Met Sally.
- Notably, Reiner was a co-founder of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, pivotal in overturning California’s Proposition 8 and advancing same-sex marriage rights.
Reflections from Political Leaders
- California Governor Gavin Newsom recalls Reiner’s support during the 2004 same-sex marriage controversy when Newsom was mayor of San Francisco:
- Quote: “I was out there feeling a little alone doing same-sex marriage... It was Rob who reached out... saying he had my back at a time when a lot of members of my own party... didn’t.” (Gavin Newsom, [02:04])
- Newsom describes his personal friendship with Reiner, referencing planned events impacted by the tragedy.
Reiner’s Politics and Public Feuds
- In recent years, Reiner was an outspoken critic of President Trump, calling him “mentally unfit” and describing Trump’s leadership as “Beyond McCarthy era-esque.”
- Trump’s initial reaction to Reiner’s death on Truth Social was widely condemned, even by Republicans.
- When asked by reporters, Trump doubled down:
- Quote: “He was a deranged person as far as Trump is concerned.” (Donald Trump, [03:09])
Reiner’s Persona and Memorable Moments
- Fans leave flowers at Reiner’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one reading “RIP Meathead” (in reference to his All in the Family character).
- A 60 Minutes interview is referenced where Reiner humorously discusses how Norman Lear saw his comedic talent before his own father did:
- Quote: “Norman Lear was the first person that got me... my dad... he’s sullen, he sits quiet... he didn’t think I was in any way [funny].” (Rob Reiner, [03:35])
Other Major Stories
The Conviction of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong
- [03:52 – 07:27]
- Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy figure, was convicted of sedition and collusion under Hong Kong’s national security law.
- The trial described as a “cruel judicial farce” by Human Rights Watch.
- Lai, formerly a media tycoon, faces life in prison; he chose to remain in Hong Kong to fight charges rather than flee.
- Quote (Jimmy Lai, [04:58]):
- “If I’m in jail, I’m living my life meaningfully... If this is the payback time, this is my redemption.”
- Tom Grundy (Editor-in-Chief, Hong Kong Free Press) comments on the sweeping nature of the security law and the deteriorating climate for free journalism:
- Quote ([05:34]): “…This is under the security law. Things are quite different. He was denied his first choice of lawyer… There is no jury and not really bail. It’s almost a perfect record of guilty convictions.”
- The crackdown has led to newsrooms being raided, journalists arrested, and a thousand reporters out of work.
- Quote ([07:07]): “So not exactly what we signed up for 10 years ago.”
Dollar Store Overpricing Across the U.S.
- [07:27 – 10:11]
- Despite booming sales, U.S. dollar stores (like Dollar General and Family Dollar) have failed numerous government price accuracy inspections:
- Quote (Jocelyn Zuckerman, Guardian reporter, [08:16]): “Since January of 2022, Dollar General failed more than 4,300 government price accuracy inspections in 23 states. Over the same period, Family Dollar failed 2,100 in 20 states, some with error rates as high as 76%.”
- Even after expensive fines and settlements, price errors persist.
- The problem is often attributed to labor issues—price tags on shelves are not updated as quickly as registers.
- Quote ([09:56]): “You might see a pack of laundry detergent... shelf price says $4... you might be charged $5.50... because the new price just hasn’t been updated on the shelf yet.”
- Implications are particularly concerning for budget-conscious shoppers who rely on these stores.
Brief News: Notable Updates
- JetBlue Near-Miss ([10:11]):
- JetBlue flight narrowly avoided mid-air collision with a US Air Force refueling tanker over the Caribbean; investigation ongoing.
- Brown University Shooting Memorial ([10:40]):
- Victims Muhammad Aziz Umerzukov and Ella Cook remembered for their promise and impact.
- Both were described as ambitious, kind, and bright by their community.
- Hanukkah Festival Heroism ([11:11]):
- Ahmed Al Ahmed, credited with disarming a shooter, insists he’s “not a hero,” but his actions have inspired a major fundraising effort.
Memorable Quotes and Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Notable Quote/Highlight | |-----------|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:47 | Chief McDonnell | “They were able to take into custody Nick Reiner... very, very tragic incident.” | | 02:04 | Gavin Newsom | “He had my back at a time when a lot of members of my own party... didn’t.” | | 03:09 | Donald Trump | “He was a deranged person as far as Trump is concerned.” | | 03:35 | Rob Reiner | “Norman Lear was the first person that got me... my dad... he didn’t think I was in any way [funny].” | | 04:58 | Jimmy Lai | “If I’m in jail, I’m living my life meaningfully... If this is the payback time, this is my redemption.” | | 05:34 | Tom Grundy | “No jury and not really bail. It’s almost a perfect record of guilty convictions.” | | 07:07 | Tom Grundy | “So not exactly what we signed up for 10 years ago.” | | 08:16 | Jocelyn Zuckerman | “Dollar General failed more than 4,300 government price accuracy inspections...” | | 09:56 | Jocelyn Zuckerman | “Shelf price says $4... you might be charged $5.50.” |
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Rob Reiner’s Death & Legacy: 00:05 – 03:52
- Jimmy Lai’s Conviction in Hong Kong: 03:52 – 07:27
- Dollar Store Pricing Issues: 07:27 – 10:11
- JetBlue Incident & Shooting Remembrance: 10:11 – 10:51
- Hanukkah Festival Hero Story: 10:51 – end
Tone & Language
The episode maintains a respectful and thoughtful tone, reflecting the seriousness of the news—particularly regarding Rob Reiner’s death—while integrating expert opinions and direct testimonies for a well-rounded perspective.
Conclusion
This episode offers a poignant reflection on Rob Reiner’s immense influence in both film and progressive political causes, underscored by new details emerging from his tragic death. Through personal anecdotes and political commentary, the episode honors Reiner’s legacy, offers insights into dramatic world events, and highlights investigative journalism into issues affecting everyday Americans.