Dmitry Muratov, the longtime editor in chief of the opposition newspaper Novaya Gazeta received the Nobel Peace Prize, sharing the award with Philipina journalist Maria Ressa.

What could be more sinister than a Medusa with a mustache? A hint: a Medusa with a mustache and a reputation for being Europe’s last dictator.

On this, Vladimir Putin's 69th birthday, we are reminded that even authoritarian leaders are softies for good dogs. Maybe especially so?

In this week's Odder News, polling stations get wild, a family cat saves the day, and where in Russia is the head of the last Kazakh khan?

"The App Store portal: who regulates it? Artificial intelligence, people from Mars?”

– Andrei Klimov, seeking to understand what’s going on behind the scenes with Apple’s App Store on September 17.

As policy dictates, election staff must now dispose of unused ballots in Russia's State Duma elections – and you’ll find that some have been cutting corners. Chainsaw, anyone?

“Lids are very relevant seasonal paraphernalia for many. Everyone accepted the gifts, even adherents of other political views.”

– Local news from gorbatka.ru, on United Russia’s election campaign strategy.

Pressure on independent journalism, champagne importers, and some Olympics and architectural news.

In this week's Odder News, futuristic cities, unexpected parliamentary candidates, and the twisties.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, especially when it comes to one's name on a ballot.

“Video surveillance – it is not idle curiosity, for lying on the couch to watch some kind of movie. There are theaters and television for that, but this [observance of elections] is major work. If you want [to observe elections], if you are interested, an active citizen, then you’re going to need to work a bit for it.”

– Ella Pamfilova, head of Russia’s Central Election Committee, on election monitoring.

Brilliant Green Dye or "Zelyonka," as it is known in Russia, has been a popular antiseptic and mild chemical weapon in the country for years. How is it possible for one thing to have two such varied uses?