Tennessee halts executions after Pike survives injections; Israeli flight hijacking thwarted

Tennessee has halted executions after death row inmate Christa Pike survived two lethal injection attempts during what was scheduled to be the state's first execution of a woman in 200 years. Pike was rushed to a hospital following the botched procedure, according to her lawyer and multiple reports. The Supreme Court had cleared the way for the execution hours earlier after a last-minute legal stay was lifted.

SourcesYahoo NewsThe IndependentBBCNY PostFox NewsDaily Mail

A Flydubai flight to Israel was diverted after a violent cockpit incident in which one pilot reportedly stabbed a fellow pilot and attempted to crash the aircraft. Passengers and crew members fought back to overcome the attacker, with reports describing a passenger using a chokehold to subdue him. The plane, which had plunged thousands of feet during the incident, safely landed with all 174 to 180 passengers and crew aboard.

SourcesCNNNPRNY PostYahoo NewsBBCDaily Mail

Israeli officials have described the incident as a thwarted hijacking and potential terrorist attack. The stabbed pilot, identified as Captain Machchhar, was wounded but reportedly unlocked the cockpit and named his assailant while still in the cockpit. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has praised the crew and passengers as heroes, and Israel has launched an investigation into the incident. Reports say Netanyahu indicated it remains unclear whether Iran had any role in the attack.

SourcesDaily MailBBCHindustan Times 1Fox NewsHindustan Times 2Jerusalem Post

In sports, the Yankees defeated the Red Sox 9-2 in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card, sending Boston home for the second consecutive season. In the NFL, the Steelers are reportedly trading cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Cowboys in exchange for draft picks.

SourcesNBC SportsThe ScoreNFL