This week is full of surprises: Moscow schools train future journalists; cars branch out into new materials; and vodka exports decline, which is maybe less surprising than you'd think.

This week, puddles get the spotlight, weapons become instruments, and the life of a sausage tycoon ends abruptly at the business end of a crossbow.

A young woman in Kursk has been using her feminine wiles to hand over conscription notices.

A cleaning woman has found herself the newly-elected head of her village.

This week, Putin gets a cool new birthday present; an official broadcasts his workout regimen; and strange sediment puzzles scientists.

Who says Russians are cold and inscrutable? Kamchatka's new "Ministry of Happiness" seeks to spread joy and wellbeing.

A recently defeated incumbent politician has turned off the water supply in part of his district. Out of spite.

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

This week, we're abandoning all pretense of mature adulthood. We've got cool shotguns, exploding caves, and a teacher who just couldn't wait. Gosh, mom, get out of my room!

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

A pensioner was fined for highlighting voter fraud in Russia's recent round of constitutional amendments.

This week, Lukashenko turns action hero; chocolate is serious business; and a classic Russian author is proven to be right all along.