Three Things for October 20
1. Iranian rock climber returns home
Elnaz Rekabi, an Iranian rock climber who competed in the International Federation of Sport Climbing Asian Championship without wearing a hijab, returned home on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Many regarded the act as support for the widespread anti-government protests throughout Iran.
While Rekabi’s future remains unclear, thousands of protestors cheered for her as a champion of their cause.
Upon returning, Rekabi was interviewed by Iran’s state television, where she stated not wearing a headscarf was “unintentional.” However, the Iranian government often coerces political activists to make confessions on state television.
Many supporters continue to worry about Rekabi’s safety, as well as the safety of other activists, as Iranian forces have arrested thousands for speaking out, and refusing to wear a headscarf.
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2. Woman allegedly releases bees on deputies
Rorie Woods, a 55-year-old Massachusetts woman, faces multiple charges for allegedly unleashing hundreds of bees on Hampden County deputies.
On Wednesday, Oct. 12, the deputies arrived at a home to serve an eviction notice, and were met by a group of protestors. Shortly after, Woods appeared with a trailer of beehives, and proceeded to shake the hives until hundreds of bees swarmed the officers, according to the official report.
According to the report, Woods was informed that multiple officers were allergic to bee stings, to which she said “Oh, you’re allergic? Good.”
Woods pled not guilty to the assault and battery charges, and was released without bail, according to the court records.
The deputies did not suffer any serious injuries.
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3. Authorities seize thousands of fentanyl pills hidden in candy
On Wednesday, Oct. 19, authorities allegedly discovered thousands of fentanyl pills disguised as candy at Los Angeles International Airport.
The pills were found after someone attempted to pass through airport security with bags of candy early Wednesday morning.
“It was discovered that inside the ‘Sweetarts’, ‘Skittles’, and ‘Whoppers’ candy boxes were fentanyl pills,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement.
The suspected smuggler fled the scene, but has since been identified, according to authorities.
“With Halloween approaching, parents need to make sure they are checking their kids candy and not allowing them to eat anything until it has been inspected by them,” said the Sheriff’s Department.
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