10:17
U.S. and Fiji initiate talks on expanding military ties
The U.S. and Fiji begin talks to strengthen military ties, with a new agreement and $4.9 million pledge for Fiji's defence.
Doctor Pleads Guilty in Matthew Perry's Death
Reuters
One of two California doctors charged in the overdose death of "Friends" star Matthew Perry, Dr. Mark Chavez of San Diego, pleaded guilty Wednesday to illegally distributing ketamine.
Chavez, who appeared in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing set for April. Another doctor, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, and co-defendant Jasveen Sangha, known as the "ketamine queen," have pleaded not guilty and are set to go to trial in March.
Perry's live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine, and the alleged middleman who got the drug from Jasveen Sangha, have both pleaded guilty. Authorities said Dr. Plasencia bought ketamine from Dr. Chavez and, in text messages to Chavez, wrote: "I wonder how much this moron will pay" when discussing the price to charge Perry.
In court on Wednesday, Chavez, 54, stood at a podium and answered "yes, your honor" to several questions. He admitted obtaining ketamine through a fraudulent prescription for another patient, knowing it was meant for Perry. Chavez also acknowledged giving the drug to Plasencia and understood it should only be administered under medical supervision with proper safety equipment nearby.
Court documents reveal that Plasencia administered ketamine to Perry at the actor's home and provided vials later injected by the assistant. Plasencia’s lawyer maintains his client properly prescribed and administered the drug.
Perry, 54, died in October 2023 from the "acute effects" of ketamine and other factors that caused him to lose consciousness and drown in his hot tub, per a December 2023 autopsy. The actor had long acknowledged his struggles with substance abuse, including during his time on "Friends."
Chavez pleaded guilty in a deal with prosecutors, accepting lesser charges for cooperating against Plasencia and Sangha. "He has accepted responsibility. He is cooperating," said Chavez's attorney, Matt Binninger. Chavez has given up his medical license and remains free on bond until sentencing.
10:12
North Korea condemns US military drills with South Korea and Japan
North Korea has condemned recent U.S.-South Korea-Japan military drills, warning of immediate action to counter provocations. Pyongyang accused the allies of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, vowing to pre-emptively control risks if necessary.
09:21
Sean "P Diddy" Combs stays in jail as judge weighs bail
Following a two-hour hearing in Manhattan federal court, Judge Arun Subramanian stated he would make a decision "promptly." Combs has been held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center for 10 weeks.
09:20
Trump appoints campaign manager, Susan Wiles, as White House chief
President-elect Donald Trump announced Susan Wiles, his 2016 and 2020 campaign manager, as his White House chief of staff on November 7. Wiles, a Florida-based strategist, becomes the first woman to hold the position. Trump praised her as tough, smart, and innovative.
07:41
U.S. Federal Reserve slash interest rates by 25 basis points
The U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25% to 4.5%-4.75% as inflation cools and labor market weakens. This follows a weak October jobs report, showing only 12,000 new jobs, and downward revisions for August and September. The easing cycle began in September with a 0.5% cut.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment