Free Republic

More than 70 people -- most of them schoolchildren, and all but a handful of them girls -- have now been affected by a mysterious ailment in an eastern district of Russia's war-torn republic of Chechnya. During the past week, residents have been struck by sudden bouts of tremors, nausea, and shortness of breath. Some doctors have reported incidents of psychotic episodes, with patients experiencing panic attacks or mania. Some regional authorities have said the illness is suggestive of nerve-gas poisoning. But toxicologists have reportedly found no evidence to substantiate the claim. RFE/RL reports on what may be behind Chechnya's...

At least 78 people have become ill in a gas attack on a store in St Petersburg, Russia. Dozens of people, suffering breathing difficulties and sickness, have been taken to hospital. The Emergency Situations Ministry said the shop, belonging to the Maksidom chain, was among four stores targeted. The mystery gas was released in one of the four stores, the Federal Security Service said. Employees in the three other stores found boxes with wires and timers, but had managed to dispose of them. The stores specialise in home goods. More to follow...