Putin, Forest Work, and Gender Changes

This week, we've got deputies caught in the act, extreme measures to get rid of debt, and Putin.

The Soviet Union (almost) lives on: the last Defense Minister of the Soviet Union, Yevgeny Shaposhnikov, died last week at age 78 from coronavirus. Shaposhnikov served from August to December 1991, ending his career with the collapse of the USSR.
Hearings are being held in the State Duma to determine whether surrogate motherhood should be considered as among "socially negative" activities, alongside gambling and alcohol production. Which, from an American perspective, twists the way we see Vegas.
A United Russia deputy has been accused of theft after being spotted cutting rails with another individual in Lomonosov District outside St. Petersburg. He dismissed the claims, saying that he was instead helping his friend build a road to a sawmill and was using leftover tracks from an abandoned private trolley. We can't say who was right in this case.
A resident of Yaroslavl reportedly changed their gender to avoid paying R280,000 ($3,800) in debt. The 39-year-old (now) man's plan ultimately failed, however, as bailiffs were able to find him and acquire the money owed. This strategy to get out of debt is not Dave Ramsey-approved.
According to the Russian institute Levada, support for President Putin, despite his recent activities, has been waning among the young: since last year, support among voters between the ages of 18 and 24 nearly halved, from 36% to 20%. Perhaps it's time for new shirtless pics?

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