Lifestyle

Autumn Leaves in the Garden: Why Not to Rake Up All of Them
Gardening advice for autumn: fallen leaves improve soil and protect it in winter, so in many spots they are best left in place. Leaves should still be cleared from lawns, paths and terraces, and diseased leaves should not stay in beds or compost.
Latvijas Avīze · 18 Oct, 17:33

Does Politics Have a Place in Literature? Debate After the 15th Saeima Elections
After the 15th Saeima elections, which recorded the lowest voter turnout ever, a debate has emerged in Latvia over whether politics has a place in literature. Voting is presented as support for the democratic model of governance.
LSM (rus) · 18 Oct, 15:32

Strauss's opera «Der Rosenkavalier» returns to Riga after almost a century
The Latvian National Opera and Ballet has premiered a new production of Richard Strauss's opera «Der Rosenkavalier», last staged in the house almost a hundred years ago. Director Viesturs Kairišs, Austrian bass Groisbeck and Czech opera star Pučálková discuss how demanding the work is.
LSM Kultūra · 18 Oct, 15:31

Strauss's «Der Rosenkavalier» returns to the Latvian National Opera
The Latvian National Opera and Ballet in Riga has begun staging Richard Strauss's opera «Der Rosenkavalier», last produced in the building almost a hundred years ago. Director Viesturs Kairišs admits he initially doubted he could cope with the task.
LSM · 18 Oct, 15:31

Linda Olte's Film «Bērns» Wins Ecumenical Jury Prize at Warsaw Film Festival
Feature film «Bērns» by Latvian director Linda Olte has won the International Ecumenical Jury prize at the Warsaw Film Festival. The festival hosted the film's world premiere.
LSM Kultūra · 18 Oct, 14:33

Balletto di Milano to dedicate Estonian tour to the memory of conductor Eri Klas
Italian ballet company Balletto di Milano will perform Viva Verdi in Estonia in early November, dedicated to the memory of Estonian conductor Eri Klas. Shows are set for Tallinn and Jõhvi.
ERR (rus) · 18 Oct, 14:31

Riddle quiz from the radio show «Greizie rati»: can you guess who the Daddy-Long-Legs in a Liquid Blanket is?
Participants of the Latvijas Radio programme «Greizie rati» tried to solve riddles sent in by Sandris Grašs and other listeners. The episode can be streamed so that listeners can test their own riddle-solving skills.
LSM · 18 Oct, 13:32

Kelly Clarkson angry over condescending treatment at New York store
US singer Kelly Clarkson has complained on social media platform X about dismissive service at a New York store, comparing it to a scene from the film Pretty Woman. The store's representatives offered an explanation, but the singer was not satisfied.
Diena · 18 Oct, 13:32

Magnesium Supplements May Not Reach Your Brain, Whatever the Label Says
Supplement makers claim certain magnesium compounds deliver the mineral straight to the brain, but human studies don't back this up. The cheapest pills, made with magnesium oxide, mostly act as laxatives.
Wired · 18 Oct, 12:33

Nigeria's 'hypemen' reshape the Afrobeats scene, from clubs to wedding parties
In Nigeria and elsewhere in West Africa, hypemen – performers who energise crowds with ad-libbed vocals at Afrobeats events – have become a full-time career, though some observers criticise them.
The Guardian World · 18 Oct, 12:32

Actor Tobey Maguire officiated his ex-wife's wedding in Hawaii
Hollywood actor Tobey Maguire served as officiant at the wedding of his ex-wife Jennifer Meyer to entertainment and music management executive Geoffrey Ogunlesi. The couple split 10 years ago, but their marriage was formally ended only at the end of this September.
Diena · 18 Oct, 12:31

Two hearty soup recipes for cold autumn days: onion soup and chili con carne
The Latvian magazine SestDiena has published two warming autumn soup recipes: a cheese-topped onion soup and a spicy chili con carne soup with beef and beans.
Diena · 18 Oct, 11:32

Education Ministry has not yet found money for school learning materials next year
Latvia's Ministry of Education and Science admits it has not yet found extra funds to avoid cutting money for pupils' learning materials next year. The amount per pupil could fall from 35.20 to 21.80 euros a year.
LSM (rus) · 18 Oct, 11:32

Five places for autumn sun in Europe and Turkey, from Kalkan to Senigallia
The Guardian's travel section recommends five destinations for warmth and thinner crowds in October and November: Kalkan in Turkey, Agua Amarga in Spain, Cascais in Portugal, Senigallia in Italy and Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France.
Guardian Travel · 18 Oct, 09:33

Cesvaine Castle: How a Baltic German Mansion Is Being Restored After a Fire
Cesvaine Castle in Vidzeme, Latvia, damaged by fire in 2002, has been under restoration for two decades. Investment has reached four million euros, and the castle now operates as a cultural and arts centre.
Diena · 18 Oct, 09:32

TV tonight: a hellish birthday party drama, car road trips and Mongolia
The Guardian's Sunday evening TV picks for British viewers feature ITV1 drama The Party, starring Luke Evans and Sarah Solemani. The schedule also includes a Simon Reeve documentary, a reality series and a music show.
The Guardian Culture · 18 Oct, 08:32

Potato Pie With Ham and Vegetables: A Recipe for Farmhouse Breakfasts
The Latvian newspaper Latvijas Avīze has published a recipe for a potato pie with carrots, ham, tomatoes and cheese. It is baked in the oven at 180 degrees and served hot.
Latvijas Avīze · 18 Oct, 08:32

Family of Six Children Lives in a Kindergarten After Fire, Hopes to Return Home
The Einiks family, with six children, is living in the Ģikši kindergarten, which the local municipality allowed them to use after a fire. They still hope to restore their ruined home and move back.
LSM · 18 Oct, 08:32

"Mothers of Kherson" opera opens at Poland's National Opera
The opera "Mothers of Kherson" has opened at Poland's National Opera, co-produced with New York's Metropolitan Opera. It aims to "reawaken" global interest in the war in Ukraine.
France 24 · 18 Oct, 07:34
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Child maintenance debts in Latvia exceed 400 million euros
Total unpaid child maintenance in Latvia has passed 400 million euros, with around 42,000 debtors. Recovering the money is often slow and complicated.
Apollo.lv · 18 Oct, 07:33
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TVNET Offers a Quiz on Female Orgasm and Related Myths
The Latvian news portal TVNET has published an interactive quiz that lets readers test their knowledge of the female orgasm. The introduction says the topic is still surrounded by myths and stereotypes.
TVNET · 18 Oct, 07:33
Three Celebrities Date A.I. Avatars on a South Korean Reality Show
A reality show made in South Korea has three celebrities dating avatars created with artificial intelligence. A.I. is hugely popular in the country.
The New York Times · 18 Oct, 07:31
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Funding for school study materials in Latvia could shrink further next year
Latvia's Ministry of Education and Science admits it has not yet found extra money for school study materials. The sum per pupil could fall from 35.20 to 21.80 euros a year.
Apollo.lv · 18 Oct, 06:33
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Designers at Lisbon Fashion Week opt for bold and sensual looks
At Lisbon Fashion Week in Portugal's capital, designers showed collections that deliberately provoke and push past conventional fashion boundaries. The runways featured sheer lace, sculptural skirts and romantic dresses.
TVNET · 18 Oct, 06:33

Australian Latvian, a Global Culinary Judge, Explains How Food Is Assessed
In an interview in Riga, Australian Latvian Michael Strautmanis, a longtime head of international culinary competition juries, explains how taste, presentation and kitchen work are scored. He also discusses preserving national cuisines and a Latvian chef's 2024 entry in Singapore.
NRA · 18 Oct, 06:32

Jessica Alves, formerly known as the “Human Ken,” opens up about split from her partner
TV personality Jessica Alves has spoken openly about the heartbreak she went through after separating from her beloved partner Matías. She stresses that she regrets neither the time spent together nor her feelings.
Jauns.lv · 18 Oct, 06:31

RTU Scientist Kristaps Paļskis Researches More Precise Radiation Therapy for Cancer
Kristaps Paļskis, a young scientist at Riga Technical University, has defended a doctoral thesis on the future of radiation therapy against malignant tumours. He is looking for ways to use particle physics and accelerator technology to destroy tumour cells more effectively.
LSM · 18 Oct, 05:34

Uzbek-Style Plov: Recipe and Tips for Cooking in a Cast-Iron Kazan
Latvian daily Latvijas Avīze has published a recipe for Uzbek-style plov made with rice, lamb or chicken, and carrots. It also explains why the dish is best cooked in a cast-iron kazan.
Latvijas Avīze · 18 Oct, 03:33
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Horoscope for Sunday, 18 October: Stars Call for Decisive Action
The Sunday, 18 October horoscope on the Latvian portal Apollo.lv says the prevailing astrological energy calls for concrete steps and decisive action. The Moon is in its first quarter phase and forms a tense square with the Sun.
Apollo.lv · 18 Oct, 03:32

Latvian band Audiokvartāls releases new song “Pabraukājies līdz”
The Latvian pop band Audiokvartāls released the song “Pabraukājies līdz” (roughly “Come Along for a Ride”) with a music video on 12 October. The date matches the band’s 12th anniversary.
NRA · 18 Oct, 02:33

Teacher's Breast Cancer Found at Stage One in Screening Despite No Symptoms
Ilze Ščeglova, a 56-year-old preschool teacher in Latvia, was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer through screening in late August 2026, though she had no symptoms. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Latvia, yet many still put off check-ups.
Delfi · 18 Oct, 02:32

Harry Styles Debuts Song Dedicated to Late Liam Payne at New York Concert
British singer Harry Styles performed the unreleased song "What Is Enough" for the first time at a New York concert, written in memory of his former bandmate Liam Payne. The show fell on the second anniversary of Payne's death.
Jauns.lv · 18 Oct, 02:32
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Weekly Dinner Menu Planning for Week 43 of 2026: Recipe Ideas
The Latvian news portal TVNET has published dinner recipes for week 43 of 2026. It advises planning the menu ahead so people do not have to decide what to cook every day, and so they can save money.
TVNET · 18 Oct, 02:32

Documentary on Latvian mountaineer Teodors Ķirsis to premiere in November
The documentary “The Road Never Ends” about Latvian mountaineer Teodors Ķirsis will premiere on 12 November in Riga. It took four years to make and draws on more than 70 hours of archive material.
NRA · 18 Oct, 01:33

Quiz on Grandma Words: Do You Know Parpalas, Šepte and Ķēķis?
The Latvian newspaper Latvijas Avīze has published a 10-question online quiz testing how well readers know the vocabulary of older generations. Words such as "parpalas", "šepte" and "ķēķis" are mentioned.
Latvijas Avīze · 18 Oct, 01:32
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Quiz: Can you tell which birds fly and which do not?
The Latvian news portal Apollo.lv has published an online quiz about 20 birds, asking readers to decide which of them can fly. The publication notes that not all birds fly, even if it may seem so at first.
Apollo.lv · 18 Oct, 00:32