What we’re reading: Matthew Perry dies at 54, anti-Semitic threats at Cornell University and more

By Sarah Smith, Staff Writer

Published Oct 31, 2023

Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP

FILE – Matthew Perry arrives at the GQ Men of the Year Party on Thursday, Nov.17, 2022, in West Hollywood, Calif. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. The Emmy-nominated actor was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ, which was the first to report the news. Both outlets cited unnamed sources confirming Perry’s death. His publicists and other representatives did not immediately return messages seeking comment. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)

Matthew Perry, known for his role in “Friends,” dies at 54

Matthew Perry, the actor best known for portraying Chandler Bing in the sitcom “Friends,” was found dead in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday.

First responders in the Los Angeles area responded to a 911 call around 4 p.m. on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times.

A bystander found Perry and positioned him with his head out of the water, but Perry was already deceased at the time. The identity of the caller remains anonymous.

An initial report on the cause of Perry’s death ruled out foul play, but was inconclusive. The medical examiner deferred the autopsy results, officials said.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said the cause of Perry’s death may take months to determine.

Wildfire destroys over 2,200 acres in Southern California

A massive wildfire broke out in Southern California on Monday and is forcing thousands of evacuations as it spreads with the Santa Ana winds, according to FOX Weather.

The Riverside County Fire Department said the fire started near Highlands and Aguanga Rancheros roads in Riverside County and is currently 0 percent contained.

More than 300 firefighters are working to stop the spread of the fire, officials said.

A structure is engulfed in flames as a wildfire called the Highland Fire burns in Aguanga, Calif., Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. A wildfire fueled by gusty Santa Ana winds ripped through rural land southeast of Los Angeles on Monday, forcing thousands of people from their homes, fire authorities said. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope) (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Evacuation orders and warnings due to the wildfire have been issued around the Aguanga area, about 100 miles southeast of Los Angeles and about 75 miles northwest of San Diego.

The High Wind Advisory was downgraded to a Wind Advisory at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Cornell University student charged after making anti-Semitic threats

A Cornell University student is facing federal charges after posting comments on an online discussion board with anti-Semitic language and threatening a mass shooting, according to FOX News.

A New York State Police Department cruiser is parked in front of Cornell University’s Center for Jewish Living, in Ithaca, NY, Monday, Oct 30, 2023. Threatening statements about Jews on an internet discussion board have unnerved students at Cornell University and prompted officials to send police to guard a Jewish center and kosher dining hall. (AP Photo/David Bauder) (AP Photo/David Bauder)

Patrick Dai, a 21-year-old junior at Cornell, was federally charged following an investigation by the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Dai allegedly planned to attack a multicultural dining room and threatened to bring an assault rifle on campus while calling for the death of all Jewish people, according to reports.

Law enforcement officials said Dai is currently in custody and being questioned.