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CNN Headlines: Israel: Pilot Stabbing Was "Attempted Terrorist Attack"; CNN Obtains Statement Jane Doe Provided To Cornell Police On Night Of Alleged Sexual Assault; GOP Hopes Trump On Campaign Trail Can Give Party A Boost In November. Aired 5:30-6a ET
Aired October 01, 2026 - 05:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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[05:30:35]
BRAD SMITH, CNN ANCHOR: It is half past the hour. Let's hit the refresh button on our top stories.
The Paramount, Warner Bros., Discovery merger is officially a go. Yesterday a federal judge signed off on the settlement in an antitrust lawsuit filed by 12 state attorneys general. Paramount and WBD plan to close on the transaction next Tuesday and the new name of the combined company could be announced as soon as today. The merger puts CNN and CBS News under the same corporate roof.
And a Tennessee death row inmate, Christa Pike, in the hospital now after a botched attempt to execute her last night. Pike was given two shots of a lethal drug on Wednesday, but neither was able to kill her. A witness said that she spoke of pain and burning. Tennessee's governor has ordered an investigation. Pike would have been the first female inmate executed in Tennessee in at least 200 years.
And Israeli officials say that they're investigating the stabbing of a Flydubai pilot as an attempted terrorist attack after one of the pilots allegedly attacked the other, forcing the plane to be diverted to Saudi Arabia. Now, passengers rushed the cockpit and subdued the attacker. A dentist on board administered medical aid to the wounded pilot. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that their actions stopped a disaster.
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BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER: The amazing heroism here of the Indian pilot, the Israeli passenger and his colleagues, and those pilots managed to prevent a 9/11 disaster.
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SMITH: Israel wants to be part of the investigation, but as our Nic Robertson reports, there are real questions about how the investigation will proceed because of the complicated diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
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NIC ROBERTSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC EDITOR: Is it going to be Saudi Arabia that would head the investigation because they were the country that the aircraft was flying over when the incident happened? They were the country where the aircraft touched down. They were the country that actually right now has custody of the attacker.
The captain also is in Saudi Arabia. He was the Indian captain who was badly wounded -- as you say, saved by the dentist. The dentist on board said that if they hadn't gotten treatment to him sooner, he would have quite literally bled out. He said he was bleeding and his -- you know, his blood pressure was dropping in a shocking and alarming way.
So Is it going to be Saudi Arabia or will it be the UAE, the Emirates, because that's where the plane took off from and that's where the company Flydubai is based.
The understanding that Prime Minister Netanyahu -- and you heard him there say it -- is that he understands that he thinks at least that it will end up -- the jurisdiction will end up and the attacker will end up in the Emirates and therefore Israel has been invited to join the investigation -- interrogation he called it -- of this attacker. So that's where things stand at the moment, you know.
And of course the answers that Israel wants to get and the Emirates and Saudi Arabia as well is what was the motivation? What was going on in the mind of this pilot who was doing -- who was attacking the other pilot? You know, Israel clearly believes that this was some kind of terrorist event. That his intent was to crash the plane. So, you know, why did he take those course of actions? What was he using to stab the other pilot? So those are all outstanding.
And at the moment, that isn't clear. I do expect some of that to get resolved today. But I think, you know, for the passengers waking up today who were on board that flight -- I mean, what an -- what an elation to come home. But it's not an experience they're going to be able to walk away from easily and undoubtedly, some of them are going to relive with this trauma for quite some time.
Listen to what one of the passengers had to say when she got off the plane.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We just felt the plane drop completely and start spinning a little. And everyone was screaming. There were children crying. And it was just like a best in front of our eye's moment. Like, I was just sure I was going to die.
[05:35:00]
ROBERTSON: You know -- you know, as everyone sort of waits for the investigative thread to kind of emerge and take shape, it's still, I think, a lot of people are just having that sense of what courage everyone had on board the plane to try to grasp the situation and save their own lives.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: Wow. Thank you, Nic.
The newly reopened investigation into the 2024 sexual assault case at Cornell University is raising new questions and outrage about how this case was handled two years ago.
CNN's Brynn Gingras explains.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BRYNN GINGRAS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: There are new questions about what law enforcement knew in 2024 when Jane Doe first made allegations of sexual assault by several members of a fraternity, raising more scrutiny on why charges weren't filed two years ago.
There are transcripts of Doe's interview with Cornell police obtained by CNN affiliate WCBS and a six-page written statement obtained by CNN. And according to her written statement, Jane Doe told police she was initially OK with the encounter at Chi Phi, but later that night she did not consent to the assault and believed she was raped. Her statement says she consented to some sexual acts, including a threesome, but refused others, including a foursome allegedly proposed by one of the fraternity brothers.
She writes that she was becoming extremely uncomfortable with how this night was turning out, and she thought "If I passed out and these men had sex with me, then they could be charged with rape."
Now, according to WCBS, a campus police investigator, a Title IX investigator, and a victim advocate were all present for the police interviews.
MATTHEW VAN HOUTEN, DISTRICT ATTORNEY, TOMKINS COUNTY, NY: I don't know how anybody who was grossly intoxicated and drugged can consent to anything.
GINGRAS: Here is what the Tompkins district attorney, who has reopened this investigation, had to say. "I will be looking into whether this is true and the specific circumstances of this allegation." The D.A. goes on to say that in 2024 he never received the transcript of Jane Doe's interview with campus police that WCBS reported on, adding "I will be investigating this fully and determining the truth."
Responding to the D.A., Cornell University said it had shared all investigatory information with the D.A. when this was investigated in 2024.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SMITH: CNN's Brynn Gingras reporting.
Attorney and legal affairs commentator Areva Martin explains why these new developments are drawing scrutiny.
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AREVA MARTIN, ATTORNEY, LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMENTATOR: It appears to be such a colossal institutional failure. You literally have the Cornell University's police department pointing the fingers at the district attorney's office and the district attorney's office pointing the finger back at Cornell University. And the simple, you know, question of how come you two institutions can't get together and share the critical information needed to do a transparent investigation?
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SMITH: And so New York lawmakers are pushing for changes to the state's rape law.
CNN spoke earlier with New York State Assemblymember Amy Paulin, who's one of the authors of a bill to do just that.
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AMY PAULIN, (D) NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY: The definition of incapacitation shouldn't be whether someone did or did not voluntarily drink if they can't consent because they're drunk. Whether they voluntarily did it or they involuntarily consumed alcohol shouldn't make a difference. It's not the difference in the majority of states in the United States, and it shouldn't be the difference in New York either.
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SMITH: And if you or anyone you know is struggling after a sexual assault, know that you are not alone. Free, confidential, 24/7 support is available online at RAINN.org -- with two N's -- or in the U.S., you can text HOPE to 64673. You can also call 800-656-HOPE.
New developments in the case of a Mississippi woman found hanging from a tree. A judge has ruled that the case against one of the three men accused of killing her will go forward. Jarquez Ratliff was the first suspect arrested in the Tasia Fortune death. Now, police accuse him of killing her and staging the scene to make it appear that she died by hanging in August. A judge ordered him to remain behind bars until the case goes to a grand jury. Investigators believe that Fortune's death was drug-related.
During Wednesday's hearing, a detective testified that Fortune was last seen getting into a car with Ratliff, another co-defendant, and an unidentified driver. The detective also testified that Fortune was found wearing shoes believed to belong to Ratliff.
[05:40:00]
We're just about a month out from the midterm elections, and in California, that means a new governor will be taking over. Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra faced off Wednesday night right here on CNN and the two clashed on a number of issues, including how to tax the state's wealthiest.
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XAVIER BECERRA, (D) CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL NOMINEE: What I said, Steve, is that you shouldn't give the tax breaks to the folks who are making the most money in California. That's your plan. If you look at your plan, you're going to make across-the-board tax cuts. You're going to end up giving the wealthiest Californians, billionaires, a 40 percent tax break, the biggest in California history.
STEVE HILTON, (R) CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL NOMINEE: As well as helping working people, we need to bring jobs back to California. Right now, because of your policies, we have the highest poverty rate and the highest unemployment rate in America. That's because high taxes have driven business out. So we need to incentivize jobs to be created in California instead of sending them to Texas. What I didn't hear was a single thing from Xavier about how he would actually help people with the cost of living.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SMITH: Democrat Becerra is a former Health and Human Services Secretary under President Biden. Meanwhile, Hilton is a Trump-endorsed Republican and former Fox News
host. Both are vying to replace Gavin Newsom. The state has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006.
Republicans are hoping that sending President Trump and Vice President Vance on the campaign trail can give the party a boost this November.
CNN's Maddie Gannon has the latest from the White House.
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MADDIE GANNON, CNN NEWSOURCE CORRESPONDENT: We're just over a month away from election day. Early voting is already taking place in multiple states, and Republicans seem to be ramping up efforts to overcome headwinds facing the party.
Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday traveled to Texas, home to one of this year's most closely watched Senate races. Officials told CNN that the White House is planning an aggressive campaign schedule for both the VP and President Donald Trump in October.
SEN. JOHN THUNE (R-SD): In a non-presidential year and a midterm election, the challenge is always voter turnout. The president going out there and telling them how important it is will help turn those voters out, whether it's in a red state or, you know, a swing state or a blue state.
GANNON: A CNN poll released last week found that nationally voters preferred Democrats by an eight-point margin as they expressed concerns over Trump's handling of issues like the war with Iran and the cost of living. Trump has largely brushed off any concerns while Vance acknowledged in a radio interview this week that the party is facing some headwinds. At the same time, he cited "Crazy people running on the Democratic side" as a reason for hope for the GOP. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice Wednesday announced indictments
against 10 foreign nationals related to them allegedly voting or registering to vote unlawfully in recent elections. Attorney General Todd Blanche pledged to keep prioritizing similar investigations.
TODD BLANCHE, U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL: Elections today are often decided by a small number of votes and that's why these investigations and prosecutions matter.
GANNON: And it all comes as Trump has been unable to get his sweeping election reform legislation that includes things like a national voter I.D. law and proof of citizenship to vote across the finish line in Congress, not to mention the Supreme Court striking down his proposed changes to mail-in voting.
At the White House, I'm Maddie Gannon.
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SMITH: Thank you, Maddie.
A grand jury just indicted the woman accused of firing an AR-15 at Rihanna's house and the L.A. district attorney says that she's facing more serious charges now. The suspect is now facing an upgraded charge of assault with an assault weapon, along with attempted murder. She was deemed competent to stand trial earlier this week, and she's pleaded not guilty. Police say that she fired at least 10 shots at the front gate of the house where Rihanna and her partner, ASAP Rocky, live in March. The district attorney says it was pure luck that no one was killed or hurt.
Next up on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, remember this video -- those 10 inmates who escaped from a Louisiana jail several months ago? Well, there's a new twist in this case. We've got the details for you coming up.
And a papal blessing for the Pope's favorite team after they sweep the Astros. More on that and the White Sox Wild Card Series win coming up.
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[05:48:45]
SMITH: President Trump is once again claiming the war with Iran will end soon. According to his latest comments, Iran will make a deal, or the U.S. will "blow them up." The war is now entering its eighth month. The president also predicted, yet again, that gas prices will be falling shortly.
OK, let's go around the globe to see what else is making headlines today.
The United Kingdom says that there's a strong indication Iran was involved after a suspected terrorist plot at an air base in England. That base has been used by U.S. bombers in strikes against Iran. Five men were arrested near the Fairford base on Sunday and charged with terrorism and explosive-related offensives, but they were later released on bail because investigators didn't find any explosives there.
The Prime Minister of Britain, Andy Burnham, said on Wednesday that Tehran could be involved.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANDY BURNHAM, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: And there are strong indications that Iran played a part in what happened over the weekend at RAF Fairford, but of course it remains an ongoing complex and serious police investigation. And of course we are working closely with our colleagues in the United States of America.
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[05:50:07]
SMITH: President Trump says that he's looking into a potential response against Iran in the wake of that alleged bot.
Britain's spy agency, MI5, issuing a rare public warning, saying more than 100 U.K.-based academics were involved in projects funded by a group with alleged ties to Beijing's spy agencies. MI5 says research in AI and cybersecurity could boost China's capabilities and put U.K. national security at risk. China's embassy in Britain is rejecting the claims, calling them imaginary and purely fabricated.
Pope Leo is offering some divine support for his favorite team. He sent the Chicago White Sox a letter with his blessings ahead of Tuesday's game against the Houston Astros. And it looks like the Pope came through. The White Sox beat the Astros 6-3 to sweep the Wild Card Series. What a blessing. Bless up.
Still to come on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, checks going out to those who say they were overcharged for healthcare through the Affordable Care Act. We've got the details for you.
Plus, get ready for those Gator belts and Patty Melts. Waffle House teaming up with OutKast. More on this Southern collab straight ahead.
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[05:55:45]
SMITH: In today's Money Express, oil prices dipped slightly overnight as officials once again tried to reach an agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Maribel Aber joins us from the NASDAQ MarketSite with more details. Maribel, what are prices looking like this morning?
MARIBEL ABER, CNN CORRESPONDENT, MONEY MATTERS: OK, Brad.
Global oil prices slipped overnight as negotiators from Qatar worked toward a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude is trading around $99 while U.S. oil is closer to $92. Now, according to AAA, the national average for regular unleaded is now $4.41, down two cents overnight and seven cents from last week.
The Trump administration has started mailing $500 refund checks to some Affordable Care Act enrollees who officials say were overcharged. The Treasury Department is sending payments to more than 950,000 people across 30 states. Now, the average income cutoff is about $63,000 for an individual, or $129,000 for a family of four. Millions of Americans covered under the ACA saw their premiums soar after government subsidies expired last year.
Bel Brands has revealed why its Laughing Cow cheese logo is no longer smiling. According to the company, the once joyous cow is frustrated by the petty disagreements dividing people today. So the company is encouraging fans numerous videos about their everyday disagreements using the hashtag #Spreadthelaugh to help get the cow laughing again.
We could all use the giggle, Brad. Just don't bring up football right now.
SMITH: Don't. Do not. Maybe that cow should see some of my dance breaks during commercials.
Maribel Aber, thank you.
Well, here's the collab that you didn't know you needed, Waffle House and OutKast, two of ATL's finest. Starting tomorrow -- tomorrow morning, you can get special merch like hats, shirts, hoodies, and socks on the group's website. Both Waffle House and OutKast got their start in the Atlanta area. Earlier this week, the restaurant teased this with a sign that said, "Gator belts and Patty melts." That refers to the Outkast song "So Fresh, So Clean" from 2000.
Even though it's just shirts and stuff, many fans on OutKast's Instagram page are asking, can we get a Waffle House and Outkast tour now? I'm not against it.
And now to some of the other stories that we are tracking across the country.
We start in Louisiana. You might remember this video. Ten inmates broke out of the Orleans Parish jail last May, and now this case is taking another turn. Nine of those escapees are now headed to trial next April. That trial was supposed to start this month, but the case has now been handed to a new judge. And the 10th inmate, he's due in court later this month for a hearing on whether he's competent to stand trial.
And in Texas, authorities say that they stopped an alleged plot to attack the state capitol. A 40-year-old man was arrested at his home early Wednesday after officials received what they called a credible tip. He posted bond on a felony terroristic threat charge but was later taken into FBI custody on additional federal charges. Officials have not disclosed details of the alleged plot.
And a driver in Nebraska had a close call with a semitruck on a slick highway, and we've got the dashcam video for you here.
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Car-semitruck near-miss in heavy rain.
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SMITH: It doesn't come much closer than that. This was in the middle of a heavy rain.
Tyler Kraus was in the car with the dashcam and said that he called 911 after this. He said he was shaken up, coming close to what could have been so much worse.
A Coast Guard crew rescued a man after his wooden fishing ship sank in Alaska. Now, this was all near an area called Murder Cove. He had put on a survival suit, which helps in cold water and had climbed into a life raft. But then the raft began taking on water, so he swam to a nearby island, and that is exactly where the Coast Guard found him.
[06:00:00]
Wow, just what a rescue you're seeing here. Officials say that survival suit, it likely saved his life. Incredible video effort and knowledge and know-how from that person in how to stay alive in this condition and also from that Coast Guard making that rescue.
That does it for CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS. I'm Brad Smith. "CNN THIS MORNING WITH AUDIE CORNISH" starts right now.
