Missing Airman Rescued, March Madness Champion Crowned: Weekend Rundown

Plus, the Artemis II astronauts check in from space, and young people in China are embracing Kris Jenner.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:20pm

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U.S. forces safely rescued the missing F-15E crew member of a two-seat fighter jet that went down over Iran on Friday with the help of a CIA deception campaign, officials said. President Donald Trump threatened major strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure and bridges ahead of his latest deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz. In the NCAA women's basketball tournament, UCLA cruised past South Carolina 79-51 to win its first national championship, while Connecticut and Michigan will play for the men's title.

Why it matters

The rescue of the missing airman and the ongoing tensions with Iran highlight the risks and complexities of the current conflict. The NCAA basketball championships showcase the excitement and drama of the annual tournament, which is a major cultural event in the United States.

The details

The missing F-15E crew member was rescued with the help of a CIA deception campaign, according to officials. President Trump threatened major strikes on Iran if they do not open the Strait of Hormuz by his latest deadline. In the women's NCAA final, UCLA dominated South Carolina to win their first national title, while the men's championship game will feature Connecticut and Michigan.

  • The missing F-15E jet went down over Iran on Friday.
  • President Trump issued his latest deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday morning.
  • The NCAA women's basketball national championship game was played on April 5, 2026.
  • The NCAA men's basketball national championship game will be played on April 7, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who threatened major strikes on Iran's infrastructure.

Sen. Tim Kaine

A Democratic senator from Virginia who criticized the Trump administration's rhetoric and handling of the conflict with Iran.

Rep. Mike Lawler

A Republican congressman from New York who argued the war with Iran is legal and said he would support a congressional vote on a war powers resolution.

Gabriela Jaquez

The UCLA star player who scored 21 points with 10 rebounds and 5 assists in the women's national championship game.

Kris Jenner

The American reality TV star whose image has become a digital good luck charm for young people in China seeking career success.

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What they’re saying

“People see this president as having blundered into a war with no clear rationale, and there's no amount of cursing or boasting or tough talk that will cover up for the fact that this president didn't have a rationale and he doesn't really have a plan.”

— Sen. Tim Kaine, Democratic Senator from Virginia

“We are just people trying to get by. For example, we might go look at the far side of the moon and take in its awesomeness and then go, 'Hm, maybe I should change my socks.'”

— Christina Koch, Astronaut

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.