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The latest on Iran claims to shoot down American fighter jet
President Donald Trump speaks from the Cross Hall of the White House on April 1, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump used the prime-time address to update the nation on the war in Iran.
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Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images
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Getty Images North America
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Today on AirTalk: The latest on Iran, What's your favorite children's book? Food Friday: Ubefest, FilmWeek, and an interview with the American Cinematheque artistic director.
The latest on Iran claims to shoot down American fighter jet
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16:44
A channel affiliated with Iranian state television claimed Friday that a U.S. fighter pilot ejected from their aircraft over southwestern Iran. It was not clear what may have happened to the plane, including whether Iran was claiming it was shot down or there was another issue. If the claim is confirmed, it could lead to yet another dramatic escalation in the war, nearing the end of its fifth week. The U.S. did not respond immediately to requests for comment. The anchor on the Iranian channel urged residents to hand over any “enemy pilot” to police and promised a reward for anyone who did. The channel is in Kohkilouyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province, an intensely rural and mountainous region that spans over 15,500 square kilometers (5,900 square miles). An on-screen crawl earlier urged the public to “shoot them if you see them,” referring to social media footage circulating of what appeared to be U.S. aircraft in the area. Joining to discuss is Phil Stewart, Chief National Security reporter for Reuters, and Hal Kempfer, CEO of Global Risk Intelligence and Planning (GRIP), a management consulting firm based in Long Beach. He’s also a retired Marine lieutenant colonel.
With files from the Associated Press.
Your favorite children’s book
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16:50
When we were kids, storybooks would put us right to sleep or keep us up all night. They would make you laugh or spark your imagination in ways that nothing else could at the time. More often than not, children’s books would touch us in all sorts of ways, teaching us valuable lessons we were able to carry into our adult lives. But the experience of reading can shift, too. What once felt magical as a kid can feel surprisingly emotional, funny, or even profound as a parent, grandparent, or caregiver. So, we want to hear from you! What Children’s book has had the biggest impact on you? Are you reading the same stories to your kids today? Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or email us atcomments@lasit.com
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Ubefest comes to Cerritos, bringing ube and other Filipino goods to festivalgoers
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15:59
It’s been four years since James Oreste started Ubefest, a festival meant to highlight the purple yam that’s become beloved not just in the Filipino diaspora but across the country. In that time, the food festival has grown in the number of vendors, and become a broader appreciation of Filipino cuisine. Originally starting in Long Beach, Oreste has done events nationally since its inception; Ubefest’s latest event is staying in Southern California, bringing its operation to Cerritos. Today on AirTalk’s Food Friday, Austin Cross talks to James Oreste, founder of Ubefest, and one of the event’s vendors, Long Beach Lumpia owner Emerson Baja.
Ubefest comes to Cerritos for two days, from April 11-12. Learn more about the event by clicking here.
FilmWeek: ‘The Drama,’ ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,’ ‘Palestine ‘36,’ and more!
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29:30
Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Christy Lemire, Beandrea July and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms.
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Films:
The Drama Wide Release
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Wide Release
Fantasy Life In Select Theaters
The Addiction of Hope Available on VOD & Digital
Our Hero, Balthazar In Select Theaters
Kontinental ‘25 Laemmle Royal [West LA]
John Lilly and the Earth Coincidence Control Office The Philosophical Research Society & Brain Dead Studios
Palestine ‘36 In Select Theaters
White With Fear Streaming on the PBS app
Feature: The American Cinematheque Podcast asks filmmakers what movies have stuck with them
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20:00
The American Cinematheque, L.A.’s nonprofit film and culture organization, is best known for their curated screenings of cult classic films, filmmaker retrospectives, and festivals like Bleak Week and Beyond Fest. Now, through a new podcast, they are putting actors and filmmakers’ film taste to the test. Every week, artistic director Grant Moninger sits down with a director, actor, or screenwriter and asks them to put together their “perfect” film festival line-up, reflecting on the movies that made an impact on their lives. This week on FilmWeek, Grant Moninger joins Larry to talk about the podcast, his work as AC artistic director, and what programming American Cinematheque has coming up.
“The American Cinematheque Podcast” releases weekly on Thursdays in both video and audio formats, on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. The first two episodes are out now featuring filmmakers Edgar Wright and Mary Bronstein.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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