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. 

Elnaz Rekabi, an Iranian climber who competed at an event in Seoul without a head scarf, was welcomed home by cheering crowds in Tehran.

However, her motivations, and her fate, remain unclear.https://t.co/tAUTBsua4H

— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 19, 2022

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. 

For more information, click here. 

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. 

A woman is facing multiple assault charges after Massachusetts authorities say she unleashed bees on deputies who were enforcing an eviction, according to a release from the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office. https://t.co/n01qivJ4Hz

— CNN (@CNN) October 20, 2022

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. 

For more information, click here. 

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. 

For more information, click here.