Olga Orlova cuts short Maldives vacation for funeralSinger and TV host Olga Orlova, a former member of the pop group Blestyashchiye (The Brilliant), urgently returned from the Maldives to the Russian city of Magnitogorsk following the death of her mother-in-law.
Mayor Reports on Bodaibo Crisis as Helicopter Brings AidIn Bodaibo, Irkutsk Oblast, a utility failure has left over 1,000 people without heating and water during temperatures of -40°C (-40°F), with efforts underway to install a new pipeline.
Colonels from 155th Marine Brigade Awarded Hero of Russia PosthumouslyCommanders Sergey Ilyin and Leonid Bashkardin of the Pacific Fleet's 155th Guards Marine Brigade have been posthumously named Heroes of Russia for their service in the special military operation, following prior recognition in Primorye.
How the USSR gave away free apartments and why we won't get themNostalgia for free Soviet housing is booming online, contrasting with today's high mortgage burdens. Fontanka asked readers how their families actually received apartments, revealing a complex reality.
Swans in the Frosty Sky of Leningrad RegionA flock of swans was spotted over Lake Pionerskoye at the end of January. Biologist Pavel Glazkov explained why these birds are staying to winter in the region.
Novosibirsk's TSUM closes, top stories for January 31This digest presents five news stories that attracted the attention of NGS readers in Novosibirsk on January 31, 2026, covering events from a department store's closure to a controversial trial.
Ice causes power outage in Volgograd village againResidents of Gornaya Proleyka village in Dubovsky District have been left without electricity again due to ice on power lines. Over the past two days, power has been out for most of the time.
MChS: Frosts in St. Petersburg to intensify to -20°CThe Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) for St. Petersburg has issued a warning about a significant cold snap. Overnight temperatures could drop below minus 20 degrees Celsius (-4°F).
Creators of Kub-M Nuclear Bunker ArrestedTwo senior employees of a scientific institute have been arrested on charges of receiving large bribes. They were involved in developing the protective structure 'Kub-M'.
Stray Dogs Wreck Car in KamyshinA pack of stray dogs severely damaged a car in Kamyshin, scratching the exterior and tearing out internal components, according to the vehicle's owner.
Light pillar, sun dog filmed near Saint PetersburgOn January 31, in the Priozersky District of Leningrad Oblast, a rare optical phenomenon—a light pillar—was recorded. It occurs during severe frosts due to ice crystals in the atmosphere.
Security Increased at Larisa Dolina's PerformancesSecurity measures at concerts of Russian People's Artist Larisa Dolina have been tightened due to increased, and sometimes unhealthy, public interest.
Perm's Closed Eco-Trail Buried Under Record SnowA closed eco-trail in Perm's 'Gorodskiye Gorki' park on the Yegoshikha River is completely buried under snow after the heaviest snowfall in 25 years.
