Moscow’s smog problem continues, despite the rain, as doctors expect more cases of diabetes and suicide, and a scientist estimates that several thousand Muscovites died last month due to the heatwave – sparking the ‘bewilderment‘ of the Health Minister.  Yulia Latynina uses the case of the Shatursky district and its swift response to peat bog fires to illustrate that ‘in the modern world, there are no natural disasters — only social ones.‘  Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s 2018 World Cup bid includes a guarantee of visa-free entry for all footballers and fans.  It is thought that, if successful, the bid could cost billions of dollars in construction requirements, but nonetheless, ‘Russia’s blend of political will, financial muscle and informal influence has its competitors worried‘.  Descendants of Russia’s founding dynasty are suing the government for the right to use the Kremlin, causing a Moscow court to give the government one month to prove ownership. ‘This is a question of historical justice‘, said the head of the Varangian prince Rurik’s foundation. ‘I want the address registered in my passport to say, ‘Kremlin, Moscow.’‘