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Teenager Tragically Passes Away After Parents Enforce Punishment Involving Prolonged Outdoor Exercise

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Pearlene Valavala (YouTube/tauhilelei via Facebook/Seiafi Liu).

A California couple has been sentenced for the horrific abuse and murder of their 16-year-old daughter, a case that has sent shockwaves through the community. Prosecutors revealed that the parents subjected their daughter to severe punishment for allegedly sending inappropriate text messages to teenage boys. The brutal ordeal included forcing her to endure intense physical exercises under the scorching sun, followed by hours of being beaten with a wooden plank and a belt, ultimately leading to her tragic death.

Oriana Elias, 38, and Vincent Gibbs, 39, faced justice last week as they were sentenced to 22 years to life in prison. The sentencing comes in the wake of the August 2021 killing of their daughter, Pearlene Valavala. This information was confirmed by a press release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and corroborated by online court records.

The couple was found guilty by a jury on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, torture, child abuse, causing great bodily injury, and attempting to dissuade a witness from reporting the crime. In addition, Gibbs received a conviction for using a weapon during the commission of a crime.

“This sentence represents an unimaginable betrayal by parents who should have been the guardians of their child’s safety,” stated Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman in a public statement, underscoring the severity and tragedy of the case.

According to the prosecution, the couple’s anger was triggered on August 15, 2021, upon discovering text messages their daughter, Pearlene, had been exchanging with teenage boys. This discovery led to a chain of events that tragically ended her young life.

The couple then “punished the victim by having her perform strenuous exercises in the hot sun and then beating her with a wooden plank and a belt for several hours,” according to the DA’s press release.

“The abuse was witnessed by the victim’s sisters,” prosecutors said. “At some point, the victim collapsed and died in a makeshift bathroom of a trailer that the family had been living in. The trailer did not have running water or electricity.”

Elias and Gibbs called 911 and told Pearlene’s sisters “to lie and not tell the police or paramedics what they had done” to the teen, per the DA’s office.

Online court records viewed by Law&Crime show that the couple pleaded not guilty after being arrested and arraigned in April 2025. “[Elias and Gibbs] did unlawfully and with the intent to cause cruel and extreme pain and suffering for the purpose of revenge, extortion, persuasion and for a sadistic purpose, inflict great bodily injury [to Pearlene],” the criminal complaint, which was obtained by Law&Crime, says.

Elias and Gibbs were both put on trial in January, with the proceedings lasting until March 17, when the guilty verdicts came down.

“Pearlene was denied the chance to grow up and become who she was meant to be,” Hochman said. “There is no punishment that can restore the loss of life.”

Bill Simmons’ Epic Rant: Why Streamers Need to Stop Rushing Our Movie Moments


Ever found yourself immersed in a film or series on a streaming service, only to be abruptly interrupted by an automatic trailer for the next random show, even before your current pick has concluded? This often sends viewers scrambling for the remote in a frantic attempt to beat the countdown and avoid being whisked away to another program.

Bill Simmons, a culture commentator and the mastermind behind The Ringer, recently voiced his frustrations over the intrusive “Next Episode” countdown feature on the latest episode of The Rewatchables. He expressed his irritation with various streaming services for disrupting his enjoyment of movie credits.

Simmons specifically criticized Prime Video for rushing him through the climax and credits of the 1983 film Eddie and the Cruisers during a recent viewing. “I’d like to issue a public service announcement to all the streaming services, including Netflix,” he remarked. (Interestingly, Netflix hosts several of The Ringer’s podcasts, such as The Rewatchables, The Bill Simmons Podcast, and The Big Picture.) “Amazon is counting me down from the bottom right, eager to push me to the next program. I want to savor the ending and am forced to hastily grab my phone or remote to stop it from redirecting me to something like Harry Potter Season 7, or whatever else they have lined up.”

Simmons’ tirade drew comments from producer Craig Horlbeck, who suggested it might be “some of your best work.”

“Leave me alone,” Simmons fumed. “Allow me 20 seconds to enjoy the movie’s conclusion before you rush me to the next feature just to inflate your streaming hours, while all I’ve done is left my TV running. Screw you.”

Journalist Van Lathan also chimed in and praised Simmons for speaking out about this “despite current business situations.”

“Let me watch the fucking movie before you give me five different things to watch,” he added.

As they pointed out, the queueing feature is convenient when streaming television shows, but it keeps viewers from being able to enjoy whey just watched as they’re being rushed to stream yet another episode or title. Netflix arguably revolutionized television by establishing the binge watching model. Now, platforms have baked that model into every aspect of streaming, optimizing the viewing experience to keep viewers tied to the screen, consuming as much content as possible with little value put towards quality.

Chris Ryan complained on The Rewatchables that he doesn’t “wanna live in a country” where viewers “need someone to spoon feed you the next episode or the next movie before you come to the conclusion of the artistic statement that you are taking in.”

While Horlbeck called the feature “anti-below the line” for not letting viewers see movie crews get their credit, Simmons ended his rant with a scathing indictment about the streaming industry.

“Stop telling us you actually care about the movie industry and you won’t let us see closing credits for anything,” he said.

The statement seemed to refer to the promises Netflix made during its failed deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. CEO Ted Sarandos suddenly changed his tune and promised to maintain the 45-day theatrical release window, walking back his previous stance that consumers should be able to stream movies at home sooner rather than later.

Hopefully, streaming platforms can lay off the “Next Episode” countdown feature and give all viewers a little more breathing room.

High-Speed Drama in Anniston: Trio Apprehended After Intense Police Pursuit

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ANNISTON, Ala. — Several individuals have been apprehended in connection with incidents involving gunfire hitting homes and vehicles, the Anniston Police Department revealed on Wednesday.

The arrests followed a traffic stop on Saturday near Rocky Hollow Road and Christine Avenue. Officers targeted a vehicle believed to be involved in the ongoing investigation. However, the driver reportedly ignored requests to pull over, sparking a pursuit.

During the chase, Zavion Lynch, aged 18 and a resident of Anniston, abandoned the car and attempted to escape on foot but was quickly captured. The driver continued the chase before coming to a halt near the intersection of McCoy Avenue and W. 23rd Street, where Javon Williams and Jaterius Groce, both 21 and also from Anniston, were subsequently arrested.

Iran Shuts Down Strait of Hormuz Following Israel’s Offensive in Lebanon

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The latest closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran poses a potential threat to the recent ceasefire agreement with the United States.

TEHRAN, IRAN — In response to Israeli military actions in Lebanon, Iran has once again shut the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from Iranian state media.

This decisive action follows closely on the heels of Iran’s reported acceptance of a ceasefire with the United States, which had temporarily reopened the essential oil route to global markets. The agreement marked a pause in hostilities, as the U.S., Iran, and Israel consented to a two-week halt in their protracted conflict, allowing both nations to assert their standings.

General Seyed Majid Mousavi, a prominent figure in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, took to the platform X to state, “An attack on Lebanon is an attack on Iran.” He hinted at a robust response from Iranian forces, though he withheld specifics.

On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes unexpectedly targeted several civilian and commercial districts within central Beirut, just hours after the ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran had been declared. The Lebanese government reported at least 112 fatalities and hundreds more injured, marking one of the most devastating days in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

Israel says Iran-US ceasefire doesn’t apply to Lebanon

 Israeli strikes hit several commercial and residential areas in central Beirut without warning on Wednesday, hours after a ceasefire was announced in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Lebanon said at least 112 people were killed and hundreds were wounded in what was one of the deadliest days in the latest Israel-Hezbollah war.

U.S. President Donald Trump told PBS News Hour that Lebanon was not included in the deal because of the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group. When asked about Israel’s latest strikes, he said, “That’s a separate skirmish.” Israel had said the agreement does not extend to its war with the Iran-backed Hezbollah, although mediator Pakistan said it does.

The fleeting sense of relief among Lebanese after the ceasefire announcement turned into panic with what Israel’s military called its largest coordinated strike in the current war, hitting more than 100 Hezbollah targets within 10 minutes in Beirut, southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley.

Black smoke towered over several parts of the seaside capital, where a huge number of people displaced by war have taken shelter. Explosions interrupted the honking of traffic on what had been a bustling, blue-sky afternoon. Ambulances raced toward open flames. Apartment buildings were struck.

Associated Press journalists saw charred bodies in vehicles and on the ground at one of Beirut’s busiest intersections in the central Corniche al Mazraa neighborhood, a mixed commercial and residential area. Using forklifts, rescue workers removed smoldering debris and sifted through ruins for survivors.

There was no sign of Hezbollah launching strikes against Israel in the first couple of hours after the attacks.


Iran and Oman planned to collect shipping fees in Strait of Hormuz from ceasefire

While Iran could not match the sophistication of U.S. and Israeli weaponry or their dominance in the air, its ability to control the Strait of Hormuz proved a tremendous strategic advantage. Iranian attacks and threats deterred many commercial ships from passing through the waterway, through which 20% of all traded oil and natural gas passes in peacetime.

That roiled the world economy and raised the pressure on Trump both at home and abroad to find a way out of the standoff.

The ceasefire may formalize a system of charging fees in the strait that Iran instituted — and give it a new source of revenue.

The plan allows for both Iran and Oman to charge ships, according to a regional official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss negotiations they were directly involved in. The official said Iran would use the money it raised for reconstruction.

That would upend decades of precedent treating the strait as an international waterway that was free to transit and will likely not be acceptable to the Gulf Arab states, which also need to rebuild after repeated Iranian attacks targeting their oil fields.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said passage through the strait would be allowed under Iranian military management, further clouding the picture of who would be allowed to transit the waterway.

News of the ceasefire sent stock markets surging worldwide, and oil prices plunged back toward $90 per barrel.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Unforgettable MLB Moment: Fan’s Accidental Mooning Steals Spotlight at Rays vs Cubs Game

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During Tuesday’s game between the Cubs and the Rays, one fan experienced an unexpected wardrobe slip, which unfortunately became a widely viewed moment on the live broadcast.

This surprising incident took place in the ninth inning at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. As Cubs player Matt Shaw stepped up to bat, aiming to extend Chicago’s already impressive seven-run lead, the unusual scene unfolded.


A fan accidentally moons the camera during a baseball game.
A fan’s pants fell down as they tried to catch a foul ball during the Rays vs. Cubs on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Florida. MLB

Matt Shaw of the Chicago Cubs hitting a single.
Matt Shaw at the plate when he hit a foul ball that sparked the shocking scene at Tropicana Field. Getty Images

Shaw sent a 1–1 pitch along the first-base line, where a fan, eager to catch the ball with their mitt, unintentionally caused their pants to fall down in the process.

The mishap left the fan’s backside exposed, much to the amusement and surprise of both the crowd in the stadium and viewers tuning in from home.

One of the announcers, witnessing the spectacle, humorously remarked, “Everybody OK down there?” before an awkward silence descended over the broadcast for about 30 seconds.

Shaw went on to fly out.

Chicago ended up winning, 9–2, though the action on the diamond was hardly the most-talked about topic from the game on social media on Tuesday night.


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Innovative UTI Test Promises Rapid Diagnosis and Treatment Within Hours

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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can come on suddenly, causing significant discomfort and urgency for women seeking relief. A groundbreaking study introduces a rapid diagnostic test that can identify the most effective antibiotic in just a few hours, dramatically reducing the typical waiting period from days to merely six hours. This advancement could alleviate patient discomfort and help combat antibiotic resistance. Maral Malekzadeh, DO, a board-certified gynecologist and co-owner of The Well Westlake, highlights the potential benefits, saying, “This test promises quicker, smarter treatment.” With over 150 million cases worldwide annually, as reported by the World Health Organization, the importance of this innovation is clear.

New UTI Test Could Speed Diagnosis and Treatment in Hours - Not Days

What Is a UTI?

UTIs occur when bacteria, primarily E. coli from the gut, infiltrate the bladder or urethra. “Imagine unwanted guests invading your urinary system’s tidy home,” says Maral Malekzadeh, DO. Symptoms are often intense, including a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and lower abdominal pain. According to the CDC, women have a 50% lifetime risk of developing a UTI, a rate significantly higher than men due to their shorter urethras. If untreated, the infection can ascend to the kidneys, leading to fever and back pain. While this common ailment can disrupt daily activities, timely intervention can simplify treatment.

Research Suggests a New UTI Test Could Deliver Results in 6 Hours

In a 2025 study published in Nature Medicine, Stanford University researchers revealed an innovative solution. Their paper-based test employs CRISPR technology to detect bacteria and determine the appropriate antibiotic within six hours, a significant improvement over the 24-72 hours required by conventional culture methods. With 95% accuracy demonstrated in trials involving 200 samples, this test surpasses traditional methods by 30%. Crucially, it identifies resistance genes onsite, eliminating the need for lab facilities. For individuals like Sarah, a 42-year-old teacher with a history of recurrent UTIs, this technology could mean pinpointing the right treatment by afternoon instead of enduring prolonged discomfort.

What the New UTI Test Could Mean for You

Imagine eliminating the uncertainty of treatment. Currently, doctors prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics 40% of the time without culture confirmation, according to NIH data, contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. This new test allows for targeted antibiotic prescriptions, minimizing side effects and resistance. For busy individuals, the six-hour turnaround offers the prospect of same-day relief, reducing the need for follow-up visits. Clinics could implement this cost-effective test, priced under $20, making it widely accessible. Patients would regain control more swiftly, avoiding severe complications like sepsis, which hospitalizes 100,000 Americans each year.

What to Know About UTIs in Women Over 50

UTIs become increasingly common and complex after age 50, affecting up to half of postmenopausal women annually. Hormonal changes and aging weaken the body’s natural defenses, significantly increasing the risk compared to younger years. Recognizing these shifts enables early detection and proactive management of potential issues.

Hormonal Changes Raise UTI Risk

After 50, a natural drop in estrogen transforms the urinary tract’s defenses, making infections far more likely. This hormone once kept tissues plump and bacteria in check; without it, vulnerability spikes. Postmenopausal women face two to five times higher odds compared to younger years, with recurrence hitting over half in some groups.

How Estrogen Loss Opens the Door

Estrogen maintains thick, elastic layers in the vagina, urethra, and bladder. Its decline thins these barriers, creating tiny entry points for bacteria like E. coli. Vaginal pH rises too, from acidic to neutral, favoring harmful germs over protective ones. Harvard experts note this shift alone doubles UTI frequency soon after menopause.

The change disrupts more than moisture. Urethral muscles weaken, slowing urine flow and letting bugs linger. One patient shared how her “constant dribbles” after 52 turned into yearly battles; restoring balance changed that. Pelvic floor strain adds pressure, sometimes causing prolapse that traps bacteria.

Broader Effects in Later Years

Lower estrogen dulls immune responses in the urogenital area, slowing bacterial clearance. Studies link this to genitourinary syndrome of menopause, where dryness and irritation set infection stages. Ovarian surgery or cancer treatments mimic the effect, hitting even earlier.

Risk climbs with comorbidities: diabetes impairs healing, while incontinence spreads germs. A primary care review found 53% of women over 55 faced repeats within a year, versus 36% under that age.

Steps to Counter the Shift

Topical vaginal estrogen creams or rings, used twice weekly, rebuild tissues and cut UTIs by 75% in trials. They absorb minimally, sidestepping whole-body risks. Pair with D-mannose supplements to block bacterial adhesion. Consult your doctor to tailor this; it restores what nature took away.

UTI Symptoms Can Look Different After 50

After age 50, urinary tract infections often present with subtler or atypical signs that mimic other age-related issues. While younger women typically feel a sharp burn or urgent need to urinate, those over 50 might notice mental fog or sudden weakness instead. This shift happens because aging bodies respond differently to infection, as inflammation affects the brain and nerves more readily.

Classic Signs That Fade

The familiar burning sensation during urination or constant urges can lessen with time. Lower abdominal pressure or cloudy urine may still appear, but they often go unnoticed amid daily discomforts. Studies show up to 30% of older women lack these hallmarks entirely, delaying diagnosis.

New Red Flags to Watch

Confusion tops the list of unusual symptoms in this age group. Sudden delirium, lethargy, or disorientation signal trouble, especially in those with dementia risks. Caregivers recall cases like Margaret, a 68-year-old who seemed “off” during a family visit; her UTI emerged only after tests, resolving her haze in days.

Other changes include:

  • New or worsening incontinence.

  • Fatigue and loss of appetite.

  • Dizziness, low blood pressure, or falls.

  • Fast heartbeat without clear cause.

These stem from infection-triggered inflammation hitting a more vulnerable nervous system. Kidney involvement adds fever, chills, back pain, nausea, or vomiting, demanding urgent care.

Why the Change Happens

Postmenopausal estrogen loss thins protective tissues, inviting bacteria while dulling typical pain signals. Comorbidities like diabetes, affecting 30% over 50, amplify confusion risks. Harvard reports twice the UTI frequency here versus younger years.

Act Fast for Better Outcomes

If these signs appear abruptly, see a doctor promptly. Urine tests confirm it quickly. Early antibiotics prevent kidney spread, which hospitalizes thousands yearly. Track patterns with a journal to spot recurrences early.

Prevention Is Key

Preventing urinary tract infections after 50 hinges on smart daily habits that keep bacteria at bay. These infections hit harder in later years due to hormonal shifts and weaker defenses, but consistent steps cut recurrence by up to 50%, based on clinical reviews. Simple changes restore balance and protect your comfort long-term.

Daily Habits That Block Bacteria

Start with hydration: aim for 64 ounces of water daily to flush out germs before they settle. Empty your bladder fully each time, especially after intimacy, avoiding the “hold it” trap that lets bacteria multiply. Proper wiping from front to back stays essential, as does ditching irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and douches.

Wear breathable cotton underwear, changed daily, and opt for showers over baths to minimize moisture. These routines alone slash risks noticeably, much like how one active senior I know halved her episodes just by staying proactive with bathroom timing.

Targeted Strategies for Women Over 50

Hormonal changes demand extras. Low-dose vaginal estrogen creams, applied twice weekly, rebuild tissue strength and drop UTI odds by over 75% in postmenopausal women. Discuss this with your doctor; it often outperforms cranberry alone, though pure cranberry juice or supplements add a 26% buffer by acidifying urine.

For frequent cases, low-dose antibiotics post-sex or daily work well, though resistance concerns call for caution. Non-antibiotic options like methenamine turn urine hostile to bugs without gut disruption.

Key prevention tactics include:

  • Hydrate with 2-3 liters of water daily.

  • Urinate right after sex.

  • Use vaginal estrogen if postmenopausal.

  • Choose cotton underwear; avoid spermicides.

  • Try cranberry products, cleared by your doctor.

Long-Term Protection Plan

Track patterns in a journal to spot triggers, and manage conditions like diabetes that amplify risks. Annual checkups ensure tailored advice. These layered approaches keep you infection-free, empowering independence as you age.

The Bottom Line on Rapid UTI Tests

Rapid UTI tests like this one herald a smarter era. They promise precise treatment in hours, easing pain and battling resistance. While not yet widespread, experts predict clinic adoption by 2027. Talk to your doctor about availability—your bladder will thank you. Stay vigilant, especially over 50, and prioritize prevention.

Tragedy in Fresno: Timothy Seth Chavez Surrenders After Canal Crash Claims Lives of Martha and Adrian Hernandez

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In a tragic turn of events in Fresno, California, a suspect has been apprehended following a fatal crash that claimed the lives of Martha and Adrian Hernandez earlier this week. The incident unfolded on Monday, leaving a community in mourning.

Late on Monday night, nearly a day after the accident, Timothy Seth Chavez surrendered to authorities. This act of turning himself in came after police launched an investigation into the crash, which they suspect was caused by Chavez running a red light. This reckless maneuver allegedly led to a violent collision with an SUV, sending the vehicle careening into the Dry Creek Canal.

Chavez’s decision to initially flee the scene has drawn criticism, but legal experts note the importance of his eventual surrender. “Turning himself in is always good,” commented KFSN Legal Analyst Tony Capozzi. “Running away is not advisable unless there are specific circumstances one might be trying to avoid.”

As the investigation continues, Chavez is facing serious charges that include vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run, and driving with a suspended license as well as without insurance. The case underscores the severe consequences of irresponsible driving and the legal repercussions that follow.

Potential charges for Chavez include vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run, and driving with a suspended license and without insurance.

“He’s looking at least six years, and by running away, that adds a consecutive sentence of at least five,” Capozzi said.

Capozzi says Chavez’s criminal record shows at least six driving infractions.

A witness told police Chavez appeared drunk at the scene.

“Running away from the accident is going to prevent anyone from investigating, requiring a breathalyzer, requiring him to take a blood test,” Capozzi said. “So there’s no way for the police to determine whether or not he was under the influence.”

With Chavez in jail, flowers and candles now mark the crash site as the community remembers the young boy and his 41-year-old mother.

Friends on social media know the mom as Patty. She was a nail tech in Old Town Clovis.

“This was my niece’s co-worker,” a woman wrote on Instagram. “My niece said she always inspired her to be a great nail tech.”

The mother and her son were driving home from an Easter celebration with family when they lost their lives.

The legal process is now expected to take months.

“An investigation may still be going on, and even after the charges are filed by the DA, there may be additional charges if there’s additional investigation,” Capozzi said.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has until Thursday to formally file charges.

As of Tuesday afternoon, county prosecutors are still waiting to receive the case from police.

Martha’s family has set up a GoFundMe; you can find that link here.

Copyright © 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Sentencing Looms for ‘Ketamine Queen’ in Tragic Overdose Case Linked to Actor Matthew Perry


LOS ANGELES (AP) — A woman who confessed to supplying Matthew Perry with the ketamine that led to his death is scheduled for sentencing on Wednesday.

Jasveen Sangha will become the third individual sentenced among the five who have admitted guilt related to the 2023 overdose of the 54-year-old actor. Perry was best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on NBC’s “Friends” during the 1990s and early 2000s, a performance that cemented his status as a major TV star of the time.

Of all defendants, Sangha is the only one whose plea deal explicitly acknowledges her responsibility in causing Perry’s death, potentially resulting in the harshest sentence among the group.

Prosecutors have requested that a federal judge in Los Angeles impose a 15-year prison sentence on the 42-year-old Sangha. In court documents, they describe her as a “Ketamine Queen,” alleging she ran a sophisticated drug operation catering to affluent clients, which funded a luxurious lifestyle.

Sangha’s defense team argues that the time she has already served since her August 2024 indictment should suffice. They claim the prosecutors’ interpretation of federal sentencing guidelines is “factually wrong.” They highlight her clean prior record, exemplary conduct while incarcerated, and the unlikely prospect of her returning to drug dealing.

Members of Perry’s family are expected to speak in court before the sentencing.

He was found dead in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home. The medical examiner ruled that ketamine, typically used as a surgical anesthetic, was the primary cause of death.

Perry, who had lifelong struggles with addiction, had been using the drug through his regular doctor as a legal off-label treatment for depression. But he wanted more than the doctor would give him. That at first led him to Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who admitted to illegally selling Perry ketamine and was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison after prosecutors asked for three years. And it later led Perry to Sangha, who sold him 25 vials of ketamine, including the fatal dose, for $6,000 in cash four days before his death, prosecutors said.

Another doctor, who admitted to providing Plasencia the ketamine he sold to Perry, was sentenced to eight months of home detention. Perry’s assistant and his friend, who admitted acting as the actor’s middlemen, are awaiting sentencing.

U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett has said she is seeking to calibrate how she sentences each of the five defendants to make sense as a whole.

In September, shortly before a scheduled trial, Sangha pleaded guilty to one count of using her home for drug distribution, three counts of distribution of ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. She also admitted to selling drugs to another man, 33-year-old Cody McLaury, who had no connection to Perry, before his overdose death in 2019.

The prosecution said that despite Sangha’s plea, she continued drug dealing, showing her lack of remorse.

Their sentencing filing says that in 2020, when she learned that the ketamine she sold McLaury contributed to his death, “She didn’t care and kept selling.” In 2023, the filing says that when she learned she sold Perry the drugs that caused his death, “Her reaction was the same: she didn’t care and kept selling.”

A dual U.S.-U.K. citizen, Sangha moved from England to the U.S. at age 3, and when she was around age 10, her family settled in Southern California.

She didn’t know her father but has said her grandfather and stepfather were essential male influences in her life. Both recently died and it has had a “profound effect” on her, the defense said.

She is very close to her mother and grandmother, who would provide her with stability if she were released, her lawyers said.

Sangha has a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine, and a master’s degree from Hult International Business School in England.

The defense used her biography to show she’s an educated and otherwise upstanding citizen who made an aberrant mistake when she fell into selling drugs.

The prosecution said her life circumstances show she didn’t act out of desperation, and that she freely chose to deal drugs to finance the posh lifestyle she wanted.

Sangha’s lawyers said she has been a model inmate in jail, maintaining sobriety and organizing and leading Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

Senator Markwayne Mullin’s Awkward PDA Sparks Internet Frenzy: A Moment We Can’t Unsee




Markwayne Mullin has recently taken the helm as the Secretary of Homeland Security, following a dramatic reshuffle where Donald Trump dismissed Kristi Noem amidst a flurry of controversies. Sworn in on March 24, 2026, Mullin’s tenure is yet to be judged on his professional acumen. However, the public and media have already turned their gaze towards his personal life, particularly his marriage to Christie Mullin, which has sparked some eyebrow-raising moments.

In an incident from March 2025, Christie accompanied Markwayne, then serving as a junior senator from Oklahoma, on a subway ride to the U.S. Capitol. This trip was for a pivotal vote concerning Linda McMahon’s nomination as education secretary. The couple turned this mundane commute into a peculiar display of affection that many found awkward. Captured in a photograph, the Mullins were seen sharing a kiss in the subway carriage. While public displays of affection are not uncommon, the setting of a subway seemed an unlikely backdrop for romance, leading some to speculate about the authenticity of the gesture.

This wasn’t the only instance where the couple’s public interactions drew attention. In June 2025, Markwayne shared a Facebook video commemorating their 28th wedding anniversary. However, the celebration took a self-congratulatory turn. “It’s a pretty special week for this lady because on Saturday she gets to celebrate … she’s been married to me for 28 years,” he boasted. He continued with, “I mean 28 blissful years for her right, babe?” asking Christie to concur with his narrative of their marriage.

After Christie hesitantly agreed, Markwayne pressed on, asking, “Wouldn’t you say that our marriage is better today than it was even 25 years ago?” He humorously claimed perfection before confessing it took a decade for him to mature, framing their story in an almost fabled light.

The Mullins are a little awkward

Yet, amidst the awkwardness, there have been genuine moments of affection. Upon his confirmation as DHS secretary in March 2026, Markwayne took time to honor Christie and their enduring relationship. “I knew I was going to marry her in eighth grade,” he revealed, as reported by Koko News. He reminisced about their youthful beginnings, “But at 18, and I was 19, she agreed to marry me. I didn’t have anything. I was on a wrestling scholarship living in a dorm.” Despite humble starts, they faced life’s challenges together. “Regardless of what is in front of us, we always take it on as a family,” he affirmed. “I’m not scared of a challenge. I am scared of failure.”

After Christie awkwardly agreed, he continued, “Wouldn’t you say that our marriage is better today than it was even 25 years ago?” He also claimed that he’d been “perfect” before later admitting it took him 10 years to “grow up.” Yep — just like a fairytale!

With that said, it’d be unfair to ignore one of their less awkward moments. In March 2026, when he was confirmed for his role as the DHS secretary, Markwayne took a moment to celebrate Christie and their love. “I knew I was going to marry her in eighth grade,” he admitted (via Koko News). “But at 18, and I was 19, she agreed to marry me,” he continued. “I didn’t have anything. I was on a wrestling scholarship living in a dorm.” Despite their humble beginnings, they stuck beside each other. “Regardless of what is in front of us, we always take it on as a family,” he continued, adding. “I’m not scared of a challenge. I am scared of failure.”



Iran Halts Key Shipping Lane: Trump Ceasefire Faces Global Scrutiny

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Iran has taken decisive actions by stopping oil tankers from passing through the crucial Strait of Hormuz and launching an aerial attack on an essential Saudi oil pipeline. Meanwhile, Tehran demanded that Israel halt its offensive operations in Lebanon as Donald Trump’s ceasefire agreement faced significant criticism from his own political allies.

Initially, on Wednesday morning, two tankers were permitted to navigate the Strait as a two-week ceasefire with the United States commenced, according to reports from Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency.

However, the agency later updated that the passage had been suspended, citing the interruption was ‘in tandem with Israel’s assaults on Lebanon.’

In response, Iran has issued a stern warning that it would destroy any oil tankers attempting to cross the Strait without explicit permission, as the country has introduced a levy of up to $2 million per vessel.

In a related incident, the Financial Times reported that Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, which plays a vital role in transporting crude from the Gulf to the Red Sea, was targeted in a drone strike at 1 PM local time.

Kuwait’s air defenses intercepted 28 drones in sustained attacks targeting oil facilities, power plants and water desalination infrastructure from 8am Wednesday, the country’s army said, adding that strikes were still ongoing. 

Trump is facing a furious backlash from his most fervent supporters over the ceasefire and 10-point peace plan, amid fears it concedes too much to Tehran – with even his own White House forced to clarify his claims about the terms of the deal. 

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham demanded JD Vance appear before Congress to explain the terms of the agreement after the dovish Vice President spearheaded 11th-hour peace talks mediated by Pakistan. 

‘The supposed negotiating document, in my view, has some troubling aspects, but time will tell,’ Graham posted on X. 

‘I look forward to the architects of this proposal, the Vice President and others, coming forward to Congress and explaining how a negotiated deal meets our national security objectives in Iran.’ 

Donald Trump holds a Press Conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on April 6

Donald Trump holds a Press Conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on April 6

Smoke rises from the direction of the Mehrabad airport, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 7

Smoke rises from the direction of the Mehrabad airport, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 7

The Strait of Hormuz handles around 20 per cent of the world's oil and gas but has effectively been shut down by Iran in retaliation over the joint US-Israeli attacks launched on February 28

The Strait of Hormuz handles around 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas but has effectively been shut down by Iran in retaliation over the joint US-Israeli attacks launched on February 28

Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska said Trump had secured ‘significant victories’ but expressed skepticism over the peace talks and the President’s claims of ‘total victory.’

‘The government’s still in place and we should be negotiating from a position of strength, not a position that’s good for them,’ he told CNN.

‘They will work with Russia and China as soon as they can to start rebuilding their military. And they will be a threat five, six, seven, eight years down the road. And so, as long as this government’s in place, total victory has not been earned.’

Laura Loomer, a pro-Israel Trump ally, predicted the ceasefire ‘will fail.’

‘The negotiation is a negative for our country. We didn’t really get anything out of it and the terrorists in Iran are celebrating,’ she wrote on X. ‘I don’t know why people are acting like this is a win.’

Mark Levin, another pro-Israel commentator with close ties to Trump, said that while he trusts the President’s ‘instincts’ the Iranians could not be trusted. 

‘This enemy is still the enemy; they’re still surviving,’ he said of Iran. 

Iran publicly released what it claimed was the 10-point framework for a peace deal, demanding the US accept Tehran’s continued control over the Strait, recognize its right to uranium enrichment, lift all sanctions, pay compensation and withdraw all troops from the region. 

Trump last night described the points of the peace proposal as ‘a workable basis on which to negotiate.’ 

But a White House official said the points do not match what Trump was referring to in his Truth Social post. 

Trump said Wednesday: ‘They are very good points – and most of them have been fully negotiated. If it isn’t good, we’ll go right back to it very easily.’ 

Trump called the deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz a ‘joint venture’ and also promised that the US was working with Iran to dismantle its uranium enrichment capacity. 

Iranians burn US and Israeli flags at a protest in Enghelab Square, Tehran, following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire

Iranians burn US and Israeli flags at a protest in Enghelab Square, Tehran, following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire

Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE will likely find it highly unpalatable if Tehran continues to control traffic through the vital oil passage

Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE will likely find it highly unpalatable if Tehran continues to control traffic through the vital oil passage

The President wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday: ‘There will be no enrichment of uranium, and the United States will, working with Iran, dig up and remove all of the deeply buried (B-2 bombers) nuclear “dust.”‘ 

The safety of the uranium was confirmed before an 11th-hour deal was struck, the White House said. 

‘Nothing has been touched from the date of attack,’ Trump said, claiming that the nuclear site has been watched closely since it was bombed.

It is not clear whether Trump was referring to the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities in June, or to more recent strikes during the current Iran war.

Trump said that tariff and sanctions relief were being discussed as part of a peace plan with ‘many’ points already agreed.

IRAN’S 10-POINT PEACE PLAN

1. Commitment to non-aggression

2. Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz

3. Acceptance of Iran’s uranium enrichment

4. Lifting of all primary sanctions

5. Lifting of all secondary sanctions

6. Termination of all UN Security Council resolutions

7. Termination of all Board of Governors resolutions

8. Paying compensation to Iran

9. Withdrawal of US combat forces from the region

10. Cessation of war on all fronts, including in Lebanon 

Iran has already begun outlining a scheme to rake in billions from the reopened Strait of Hormuz. 

The exact terms remain unsettled, but ships must notify intermediary companies linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of their cargo, destination and owner – with tolls of at least $1 per barrel payable in Chinese yuan or cryptocurrency.

Trump welcomed the idea, telling ABC: ‘We’re thinking of doing it as a joint venture. It’s a way of securing it – also securing it from lots of other people.

‘It’s a beautiful thing.’

The Strait, through which a fifth of the world’s oil flows, has been dubbed the ‘Tehran Tollbooth’ by analysts and traders.

The average bill for a single tanker runs to $2million – and only once payment clears will IRGC patrol boats escort the vessel through the ‘tollbooth.’

Some analysts believe the scheme could net Iran as much as $500billion over five years.

Oil prices plunged on Wednesday, even as the Strait remained throttled. Brent crude – the global benchmark – fell by 13 percent to $95 per barrel after hitting $118 at the peak of the conflict.

Hamid Hosseini, a spokesperson for Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union, said that cargo checks were necessary to prevent the transport of weaponry.

‘Iran needs to monitor what goes in and out of the strait to ensure these two weeks aren’t used for transferring weapons,’ Hosseini, whose industry association has close ties to the regime, told the FT. 

‘Everything can pass through, but the procedure will take time for each vessel, and Iran is not in a rush,’ he added.

Hosseini’s comments indicate vessels must hug the northerly Iranian coast of the Strait, a prospect that will raise alarm among maritime insurers. 

Iranians burn US and Israeli flags on Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Iranians burn US and Israeli flags on Wednesday, April 8, 2026

A boat approaches the St Kitts and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory while cruising in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in Oman's northern Musandam peninsula on June 25

A boat approaches the St Kitts and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory while cruising in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in Oman’s northern Musandam peninsula on June 25 

Tankers in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday received a radio alert warning that they would be targeted if they did not first gain transit approval from Iranian authorities.

‘If any vessels try to transit without permission, [they] will be destroyed,’ said the broadcast in English.

Western shipping giants scrambled to establish whether the Strait was truly operational again. 

Maersk, the world’s second biggest shipping line, said it was ‘working with urgency’ to clarify the terms.

‘The ceasefire may create transit opportunities, but it does not yet provide full maritime certainty,’ it said, adding that it was maintaining a ‘cautious approach’ and would not immediately change any routes.

If Iran keeps its grip on the Strait, it will raise explosive questions for OPEC+, the oil producers’ cartel, and redraw the balance of power in the region.

Saudi Arabia, one of the group’s most powerful members, would regard Iranian control of the waterway as intolerable. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had urged Trump to crush the Iranian regime before the ceasefire.

Ali Shihabi, a commentator close to the Saudi royal court, told the FT: ‘Allowing Iran any form of control over the strait would be a red line. The priority has to be unimpeded access through the strait.’