NTD Newsroom comprises teams of reporters, editors, and producers assigned to cover breaking news and other stories.


NTD Newsroom

NTD Plus

News

News with integrity, from the U.S. and around the world. Focused reports and analyses that shed light on major issues the world deserves to know. NTD Evening News airs daily at 6 p.m. ET.

NTD Evening News

Drone Strikes Damage High-Rise Building Near Moscow

Mari Otsu is NTD's White House correspondent based in Washington. 

Mari Otsu

Freedom 250 CEO Calls for Faith, Freedom, and Unity Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary

Thousands March in London for ‘Unite the Kingdom’ Rally

Eric Metaxas: Knowing America’s History Is Key to Preserving Freedom

Sean Marshall is a reporter based at NTD's global headquarters in New York City, primarily covering business and technology trends. 

Sean Marshall

Long Island Railroad Strike Continues

Citizens Share Hopes and Prayer for America

Chris Beers is an NTD News anchor and political correspondent based at the network's global headquarters in New York City. Chris co-anchors "NTD News Today" weekdays at 10:00 am ET.

Chris Beers

US Wants Cuba to Stop Hosting America's Enemies: National Security Analyst

Furniture Fair 2026: When Nature Goes Indoors

Analyst Casts Doubts over Trump-Xi Deals, Noting China’s Past Non-Compliance

Travis Gillmore is an avid reader and journalism connoisseur based in California covering finance, politics, the State Capitol, and breaking news for The Epoch Times.

Travis Gillmore

US News

State News

District of Columbia

Thousands Attend ‘Rededicate 250’ Prayer Celebration on National Mall

NTD Evening News Full Broadcast (May 17)

Arleen Richards is NTD's legal correspondent based at the network's global headquarters in New York City, where she covers all major legal stories. Arleen holds a Doctor of Law (J.D.).


Arleen Richards

NTD Evening News Full Broadcast (May 16)

Cary Dunst is the news anchor for NTD Evening News. He is also the co-host of NTD Good Morning.


Cary Dunst

NTD Evening News Full Broadcast (May 15)

NTD Evening News Full Broadcast (May 14)

NTD Evening News Full Broadcast (May 13)

NTD Evening News Full Broadcast (May 12)

NTD Evening News Full Broadcast (May 11)

Don Ma is an anchor and senior business correspondent based at the network's global headquarters in New York City. Don is the anchor and producer of NTD's "Business Matters," which airs weekdays at 4:30 pm ET.

Don Ma

NTD Evening News Full Broadcast (May 10)

NTD Evening News Full Broadcast (May 9)

NTD Evening News Full Broadcast (May 8)

Fast, compelling, first-hand news from China. China in Focus airs Monday–Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

China in Focus

China Sends Warships to Pacific Drill as Tensions With Japan Rise

Reuters is a news agency owned by Thomson Reuters. It employs around 2,500 journalists and 600 photojournalists in about 200 locations worldwide writing in 16 languages.

Reuters

We present news that is truthful and based on facts, outside of the political fog. Instead of focusing on the negative things happening around us, our mission is to give our viewers a good morning with empathetic and uplifting stories. Our aim is to provide an antidote to negativity by shining a light on the best side of people. We speak to inspiring people who positively impact communities, pursue topics that represent our common human values, and will never miss an opportunity to bring you heartwarming stories.

NTD Good Morning

2 US Embassy Personnel Assigned to Cartel Case Killed in Car Accident

The Associated Press is an American not-for-profit news agency headquartered in New York City. 

The Associated Press

Gunman Kills 8 Children, Including 7 of His Own, in Louisiana Mass Shooting

Flora Hua is a reporter based at NTD's global headquarters in New York City, where she covers China news, U.S.-China relations, and human rights issues. Flora primarily contributes to NTD's "China in Focus."  

Flora Hua

Trump: Seized Iranian Ship May Have ‘A Gift From China’

Joseph Lord is a congressional reporter for The Epoch Times.


Joseph Lord

Aldgra Fredly is a freelance writer covering U.S. and Asia Pacific news for The Epoch Times.

Aldgra Fredly

Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani Hospitalized in Critical Condition: Spokesman

Wildfires Across Georgia and Florida Have Destroyed Nearly 50 Homes and Are Forcing Evacuations

News you can trust from the U.S. and around the world. Critical information and insight. We cover the stories that others don’t. NTD News Today airs Monday–Friday at 11 a.m. ET.

NTD News Today

US Warns of China Hacks via Routers, Smart Devices

Juliet Song is an international correspondent exclusively covering China news for NTD. She primarily contributes to NTD's "China in Focus," covering U.S.-China relations, the Chinese regime's human rights abuses, and domestic unrest inside China.

Juliet Song

2 Americans Among Suspected Communist Rebels Killed in Clashes With Troops, Philippine Officials Say

Ryan Morgan is a reporter for The Epoch Times focusing on military and foreign affairs. He was previously a news writer for NTD. 


Ryan Morgan

World News

Middle East

Iran

3 US Warships Fend Off Iranian Attacks, Trump Says Ceasefire Still Holds

Health News

3 Dead in Suspected Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship in Atlantic Ocean: WHO

Rudy Blalock is a Southern California-based daily news reporter for NTD. Originally from Michigan, he moved to California in 2017 and the sunshine and ocean have kept him here since. In his free time, he may be found underwater scuba diving, on top of a mountain hiking or snowboarding, or at home meditating—which helps fuel his active lifestyle.

Rudy Blalock

A California physician entered a guilty plea Wednesday for supplying ketamine to Matthew Perry during the final month of the beloved "Friends" actor's life.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 43, became the fourth among five defendants to accept culpability in Perry's death. Standing alongside his legal counsel, Plasencia acknowledged guilt on four ketamine distribution charges before Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in Los Angeles federal court on Wednesday.

The physician had initially contested the allegations but <a href="https://www.ntd.com/doctor-accused-of-supplying-ketamine-to-matthew-perry-will-plead-guilty_1074036.html">reached an agreement</a> with prosecutors last month to avoid an August trial date. Under the plea arrangement, federal prosecutors agreed to dismiss three additional ketamine distribution charges and two falsification of records counts.

"Dr. Plasencia is profoundly remorseful for the treatment decisions he made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry," defense attorney Debra White stated in an email following the proceedings. "He is fully accepting responsibility by pleading guilty to drug distribution."

Court proceedings revealed disturbing details about Plasencia's medical judgment during his treatment of the actor. Prosecutors described how Perry experienced alarming physical reactions during one injection session, with him freezing up and experiencing elevated blood pressure. Despite the warning signs, Plasencia left more ketamine for Perry's personal assistant to administer.

The physician acknowledged providing Perry with 20 vials containing 100 milligrams of ketamine, plus ketamine lozenges and injection equipment, beginning approximately one month before the actor's Oct. 28, 2023, death.

Prosecutors said that while Plasencia supplied the drug to Perry, he did not provide the fatal dose that ultimately killed the 54-year-old actor.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia (C), flanked by his attorneys Debra S. White and Karen L. Goldstein, leaves federal court in Los Angeles on July 23, 2025. (Damian Dovarganes/AP Photo)


<h2>Callous Communications Exposed</h2>
Text message evidence cited in court filings revealed Plasencia's poor attitude toward his famous patient. In communications with co-defendant Dr. Mark Chavez, Plasencia referred to Perry as a "moron" who could be financially exploited.

"I wonder how much this moron will pay," Plasencia wrote to Chavez. After selling drugs to Perry for $4,500, Plasencia allegedly suggested to Chavez that they position themselves as Perry's regular suppliers, asking if Chavez could continue providing ketamine so they could become Perry's "go-to.”
<h2>Medical License Surrender Planned</h2>
White announced that Plasencia intends to voluntarily relinquish his medical license, "acknowledging his failure to protect Mr. Perry, a patient who was especially vulnerable due to addiction," according to her email statement.

White said that the case would serve as a cautionary tale, stating it "serves as a warning to other medical professionals and leads to stricter oversight and clear protocols for the rapidly growing at-home ketamine industry in order to prevent future tragedies like this."
<h2>Sentencing and Remaining Case</h2>
Plasencia faces a maximum 40-year prison sentence when he appears for sentencing on Dec. 3, though he will likely receive a lesser term. He has remained free on bond since his August arrest and will continue his release until sentencing.

The physician left the courthouse without addressing waiting media.

Only one defendant remains without a plea agreement: Jasveen Sangha, whom prosecutors characterize as a drug dealer known as the "Ketamine Queen" who allegedly sold Perry the lethal dose. Sangha has entered a not guilty plea and faces trial next month.
<h2>Cooperation Network Established</h2>
Three other defendants previously agreed to guilty pleas in exchange for cooperation: Perry's personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, friend Erik Fleming, and Dr. Mark Chavez. None have received sentences yet.

Iwamasa discovered Perry's body and became Plasencia's contact person for drug transactions after the physician instructed him on injection techniques. The Los Angeles County medical examiner determined ketamine was the primary cause of Perry's death.
<h2>Perry's Struggle and Legacy</h2>
Perry had initially received ketamine through legitimate medical channels as an off-label depression treatment, a practice that has gained popularity. When his regular physician refused to increase dosages, Perry sought alternative sources.

The actor battled addiction throughout his career, beginning with alcohol use at age 14 and later developing opioid dependency following a jet ski accident. His addiction struggles persisted during his decade-long run as Chandler Bing on "Friends" from 1994 to 2004, where he starred with Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.
<h2>Foundation Continues Mission</h2>
Perry's family established The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada following his death to support addiction recovery efforts.

Step-sister Caitlin Morrison, serving as executive director, described working on the foundation as feeling like "sitting right next to Matthew, working with him every day on something that was important to him," in an interview with <a href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/725733/one-year-since-matthew-perry-death-exclusive/">Hello! Canada</a>. "He had this ability to fill up a room with light. Everybody just had a smile on their face, and they clung to everything that he said," she said.

<em>The Associated Press contributed to this report.</em>

Latest

Entertainment News

04_Top Stories

Latest Clips

Management

03_Featured

California

Celebrity News

Latest and breaking news, documentaries, movies, and lifestyle content on NTD+.
 
Empower your knowledge and elevate your spirit with NTD+, your go-to destination for truthful news, insightful documentaries, and captivating lifestyle content that enriches your life.

Southern California Doctor Pleads Guilty in Matthew Perry Ketamine Overdose Case

Bill Pan is an Epoch Times reporter covering education issues and New York news.

Bill Pan

David Lam is a national correspondent based in California and a part-time anchor for "NTD Tonight." Before joining NTD he was a financial analyst.

David Lam

State Department Investigates Harvard’s Eligibility to Sponsor Visiting Scholar Visa

Rachel Acenas is an experienced journalist and TV news reporter and anchor covering breaking stories and contributing original news content for NTD's digital team.

Rachel Acenas

Idaho Student Killer Bryan Kohberger Sentenced to Life in Prison

Tiffany Meier is an anchor, China news investigative reporter, and producer for NTD News based at the network's global headquarters in New York City. Tiffany anchors NTD's flagship shows "NTD Evening News" and "China in Focus" and co-moderates NTD's special election coverage "The Nation Decides." She produced the award-winning NTD Original documentary "Hollywood Takeover: China's Control in the Film Industry."


Tiffany Meier

US–Philippines Trade, Defense Deals Key to Countering China’s Aggression: Retired Colonel

Dave Martin is NTD's Senior Sports Reporter and sports analyst. He also hosts "Data Hub" segments during NTD's special election coverage, "The Nation Decides."

Dave Martin

US Olympic Body Blocks Transgender Athletes From Women’s Events

Luis Eduardo Martinez is a correspondent for NTD News based in Washington. He holds a master’s degree in International Relations and Democratic Politics from the University of Westminster in London, England.

Luis Eduardo Martinez

Lawmakers Warn of CCP and Iranian Cyber Threat

Jason Blair is a national correspondent for NTD News based in California. 

Jason Blair

Hong Kong Situation 5 Years After CCP Takeover

MLK Records: Family Wary of Legacy Attacks, Misuse

Christina Corona is a California-based reporter for NTD News. She primarily covers California news, politics, and entertainment.  

Christina Corona

Senate Hearing on Border Security, Immigration

San Francisco to Limit Homeless RV Parking

Arian Pasdar is an international correspondent for NTD News based in South America. His reporting focuses on immigration and key events in Latin America.