A series of emergencies have occurred on railway tracks in the Belgorod and Kursk regions, with authorities classifying the incidents as terrorist attacks. Incidents include bridge collapses and explosions affecting both passenger and freight trains, as well as specialized track measuring equipment.

In a separate incident, the deputy head of Stavropol was killed by a homemade explosive device detonated in the courtyard of a residential building. The victim, Zaur Gurtiev, was a veteran of the Special Military Operation.

Also, in Baikalsk, Irkutsk region, a teenager allegedly stabbed his friends at a birthday party, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The alleged attacker reportedly died in a fire he started.

Meanwhile, the Irkutsk region experienced its first drone attack, targeting a military unit and another building, resulting in a fire. The drones were reportedly launched from a truck.

In other news, tiger mosquitoes, carriers of chikungunya fever, have been detected in the Krasnodar Territory and Crimea.

Russia has recorded cases of a new coronavirus strain NB.1.8.1, which Rospotrebnadzor says generally causes mild illness and does not typically require hospitalization. The Ministry of Health has stated that additional safety measures are not currently necessary.

Certain pensioners will receive increased payments starting June 1, including those who turned 80 in May and those newly classified as disabled. The pension payment date for some will also be moved earlier due to the Russia Day holiday.

New history textbooks will be introduced for students in grades 5-7 in 2025 and grades 8-9 in 2026. School curricula will also be synchronized, and there are proposals to update school canteen menus, eliminating fast food options. Over 200 students have been removed from the Unified State Exam for using unauthorized aids.

The “Family Car” preferential lending program has been expanded to include families with two children, medical and education workers, participants in the Special Military Operation and their families, and citizens with disabilities. Large families and military personnel will also receive new benefits, including a preferential mortgage program.

Finally, motorists should be aware of upcoming changes to traffic rules being developed by the Ministry of Transport. The Central Bank is also considering a new mechanism for calculating OSAGO, the mandatory car insurance.