A brief look at the stories making headlines in the Russian-language press

Senators Pass Rally Bill MOSCOW (AP) -- The Federation Council on Wednesday passed a bill regulating public demonstrations, which some activists say threatens democracy despite alterations made to tone it down following criticism from President Vladimir Putin. The council approved the bill in a 129-7 vote, with eight senators abstaining in the 178-seat chamber, Interfax reported. It will become law if it is signed by Putin, which is expected. Siege Survivors Protest ST. PETERSBURG (AP) -- Some 500 survivors of the Nazi siege of Leningrad have protested a government proposal to take away their free rides on public transit and other privileges. The State Duma is to consider a proposal in July that would take away the free rides and discounts for medicine and medical care for pensioners, World War II veterans and Leningrad siege survivors, and compensate them for the lost privileges with monetary payments. ""It was a terrible hunger.

Blood seeping out of a bathtub and toilet led police to a grisly murder last Thursday.

A coal mine worker who was hospitalized several times during a hunger strike at a Khakasian mine last month has died, but health officials on Wednesday denied any link between her death and the protest action.

When human rights investigators visiting Ingushetia heard reports of troops shelling a civilian house in neighboring Chechnya, most members froze.

Andre Agassi was beaten by Russia's Igor Andreyev in his opening round match of the Stella Artois Championships on Tuesday.

The national team has to look back four decades for the last time it conquered European soccer.

In less than three months between August and November last year, coach Georgy Yartsev transformed an also-ran Russian side into a contender that beat all odds by qualifying for Euro 2004.