“In general, yes, winter is expected not to be cold. Winter is predicted in this color - I'm even afraid to pronounce the word – pink."

– Roman Vilfand, scientific director of Russia’s Hydrometeorological Center, on the colors that will appear this winter on meteorological maps (pink means temperatures higher than norms)

This week, we learn that drinking when working from home isn't so bad; it rains birds in Saratov Oblast; and Ramzan Kadyrov is saved from a sinister plot.

This week, education is worth fighting for; corrupt officials go for all-or-nothing; and Lenin's mausoleum makeover is cancelled.

"McDonald's is expanding its geographic presence and plans to open the first factories in the Far Eastern Federal District in December 2020."

– Press announcement by McDonald’s, which plans to open its first restaurants in Russia’s Far East

This week: education! Tests for hopeful investors, savings for college, and learning what exactly is in sausage. 

A new video surveillance system in Moscow’s metro will enable passengers to pay with a scan of their face.

Public transportation in Moscow is getting an electric facelift, but one trolleybus line will remain, in homage to this mode of transportation.

This week: cereal jingles go viral, animal crossings save critters, and paratroopers take a swim in a fountain in celebration. Sounds pretty run-of-the-mill.

A batch of cherniki was found to contain high levels of dangerous radiation.

This week, Spotify comes to Russia, Crimea is a hot tourist destination (like always), and three cases of corruption: one big, one small, and one straight out of a spy movie.

This week's we feature a smattering of things that are somewhere they shouldn't be, including drugs, tanks, mammoths, kids, and (of course) Lenin.

This week we have grants for bride-stealing, anthropomorphic cakes, prisoners (and guards) walking on glass, and important advice for your next trip to Chelyabinsk.