Lifestyle

"Backrooms": how one forum photo grew into a global horror phenomenon
A single photo posted on 4chan in 2019 spawned the "backrooms" internet horror phenomenon, which by 2026 has reached the big screen. The low-budget film is already nearing $400 million at the box office.
Delfi · 24 Aug, 00:42

Brooklyn duo tackle Gen Z emptiness in surreal late-night comedy rave
At the Edinburgh Fringe, Brooklyn performers Ashley Blair and Drew Reilly turn generational angst into a high-energy comedy show called Megasquirt: Fully Loaded. The late-night performance blends songs, sketches and satire about the search for meaning.
The Guardian Culture · 24 Aug, 00:42

Anesthesiologist: risk from anesthesia lower than car crash risk on the way to the beach
Edgars Krivmanis, an anesthesiologist and intensive care physician at Riga 1st Hospital, says patients often ask whether they will wake up after anesthesia, but stresses that modern anesthesia is far safer than common myths suggest.
TVNET · 24 Aug, 00:38

Anesthesiologist: fear of not waking up is one of the most common questions doctors hear
Edgars Krivmanis, an anesthesiologist and intensive care doctor at Riga 1st Hospital, says patients often fear not waking up after anesthesia, even though modern anesthesia is far safer than commonly believed myths suggest.
Apollo.lv · 24 Aug, 00:37

Baltic street art festival "Row Baltics" takes place in Sarkandaugava
The Baltic street art and culture festival "Row Baltics" is being held in Sarkandaugava on Sunday until 10 p.m., bringing together street artists, skateboarders and musicians. This year's event runs with support from Riga City Council as part of the Street Art Month programme.
Jauns.lv · 23 Aug, 19:37

Key Alzheimer's risk gene may shrink and overexcite brain cells years before symptoms appear
Gladstone Institutes researchers found that in mice, the APOE4 gene variant drives overproduction of a protein called Nell2, which shrinks and overactivates neurons long before memory problems emerge — and that lowering Nell2 partly reverses the effect.
ScienceDaily Veselība · 23 Aug, 18:39

"Theatre Close-Up": festival's third day marked by storm and beach-heat theme
The third day of the "Theatre Close-Up" theatre festival brought a marathon-like feeling for participants and audiences, but it will also be remembered for the weather.
LSM Kultūra · 23 Aug, 15:35

Theatre festival «Teātris tuvplānā» hits marathon mood on a storm-hit third day
The theatre festival «Teātris tuvplānā» has reached its third day, when participants and audiences already feel a marathon-like fatigue, while a storm makes the day especially memorable.
LSM · 23 Aug, 15:35

Young saxophonist Patrīcija Anna Doniņa brings pink and sparkle to jazz
Saxophonist Patrīcija Anna Doniņa and her band "Pink Funk" are performing in Riga, Ventspils and the Liepāja area, blending jazz with a disco sound and a bold visual style.
LSM Kultūra · 23 Aug, 14:35
Response Priorities Outlined for the Deadliest Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak
An Al Jazeera analysis highlights three priorities for containing what is described as the deadliest outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola: reaching every affected area, protecting frontline health workers, and converting pledges into concrete action.
Al Jazeera · 23 Aug, 13:41

Jeremy Vine shares his personal playlist of musical memories
BBC presenter Jeremy Vine reveals the songs that shaped his life, from teenage heartbreak to dancing with Rylan Clark, in an interview with the Guardian. He is set to appear at BBC Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling this September.
The Guardian Culture · 23 Aug, 11:39

Ķekava municipality among Latvia's leaders in share of children
According to the latest Central Statistical Bureau data, children under 17 make up 24.4% of Ķekava municipality's population at the start of 2026 — the third-highest share in Latvia. The local government is investing in education and sports infrastructure to keep pace.
Jauns.lv · 23 Aug, 10:36

Krāslava municipality's amateur art groups receive new Abrene wedding costumes
Amateur art groups in Krāslava municipality have received new authentic folk costumes, with the folk dance ensemble "Dagda" gaining the largest addition.
LSM Kultūra · 23 Aug, 10:35

British travellers share their fondest memories of holidays closer to home
Several British writers recount their most memorable UK holidays, from rowing the Thames to gravel biking in Scotland and hiking in Wales and Yorkshire. Their stories show that trips close to home can rival far-flung adventures.
Guardian Travel · 23 Aug, 09:41

Doctor: At least one child admitted to Estonian hospital daily after e-scooter falls
An Estonian emergency doctor says 80% of serious e-scooter accidents are caused by loss of balance and falling rather than collisions. Tallinn Children's Hospital reportedly admits at least one such case almost daily.
ERR (rus) · 23 Aug, 09:39

Valmiera Theatre stages play about race walker Jānis Daliņš
Valmiera Theatre has premiered the play «Daliņš», dedicated to race walker Jānis Daliņš, who won silver at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Seven actors of different generations and genders portray Daliņš in the production.
LSM Kultūra · 23 Aug, 09:35

“Liquid salads” gaining popularity as new food trend, experts urge caution
Blended fruit-and-vegetable drinks known as “liquid salads” are becoming more popular worldwide, but nutrition experts warn they are not a full substitute for a balanced meal.
Latvijas Avīze · 23 Aug, 08:39

TV tonight: hit horror series The Terror returns with Dan Stevens
Tonight's TV highlights include a new standalone story in the horror anthology The Terror starring Dan Stevens, plus nature-disaster and climate documentaries, music programming and the finale run-up of The Piano.
The Guardian Culture · 23 Aug, 08:39

Medieval pharmacies in Riga sold more than medicine — including wine and spices
A Pharmacy Museum educator says medieval pharmacies in Riga carried a far wider range of goods than today's, including wine and spices. Wine at the time was prescribed by physicians as a health remedy.
LSM · 23 Aug, 08:35
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Week 35: seeing out August with seasonal dinners
As the last week of August, week 35, approaches, it's suggested that each day's dinner feature a dish made from vegetables, fruits and mushrooms typical of the month.
TVNET · 23 Aug, 07:43

This shark can live 400 years — and its eyes barely seem to age
New research suggests Greenland sharks, which can live for centuries, retain remarkably healthy retinas, likely thanks to a DNA repair mechanism. The findings could offer clues for treating age-related vision loss in humans.
ScienceDaily Veselība · 23 Aug, 07:42

RSU researchers examine why people choose to self-treat
Researchers at Riga Stradiņš University are studying which residents are more likely to self-medicate for minor health complaints and what factors drive that choice.
LSM · 23 Aug, 07:36

Lawyer explains what schools cannot force parents to buy for children's education
Attorney Jānis Dzanuškāns explains where the law draws the line between what schools must provide free of charge and what parents must buy themselves. In case of disputes, parents are advised to first ask the school in writing for the legal basis of a requested purchase.
Latvijas Avīze · 23 Aug, 06:36

DR Congo receives Ebola vaccines as outbreak grows 'exponentially'
The Democratic Republic of Congo has received new shipments of Ebola vaccines as it battles a rapidly growing outbreak of the virus's Bundibugyo strain. Médecins Sans Frontières is training health workers to reinforce the region's response capacity.
France 24 · 23 Aug, 04:43

Speaking multiple languages may keep the brain up to 13 years younger
New research suggests people who speak several languages have brains that appear younger than their actual age, with the gap reaching as much as 13 years. The findings were presented at the FENS Forum 2026.
ScienceDaily Veselība · 23 Aug, 04:42

Madara on ovarian cancer, a medical error and starting life over
39-year-old Madara Veidemane has shared her story of fighting ovarian cancer and the difficult road to recovery. The diagnosis changed her outlook on life and values.
Delfi · 23 Aug, 04:40

Opera stars gather at Dzintari for "Baltic Awards" concert
On the evening of August 22, the Dzintari Concert Hall hosted "GALA GALANTE. Viva La Musica!", a concert dedicated to the laureates of the international Baltic Awards, bringing together several renowned opera and classical music performers.
Jauns.lv · 23 Aug, 04:38
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New quiz challenges readers to identify objects from close-up photos
An online quiz asks readers to guess what is shown in photographs where everyday objects are captured in extreme close-up.
Apollo.lv · 23 Aug, 04:38
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The Legend of the 'Yellow Tavern': Tales of Horror on the Road to Jūrmala
In the early 20th century, a notorious establishment known as the 'Yellow Tavern' stood near the road from Riga to Jūrmala, linked to murders, accidents and a strange bird-hunting society. The tavern burned down under mysterious circumstances in 1935.
TVNET · 23 Aug, 04:37

Pianist raised in Latvia returns home with Canadian Armed Forces band
Nathalie Lerner, a pianist with the Canadian Armed Forces Central Band who grew up in Riga, will perform at a National Guard anniversary concert by the Freedom Monument on August 23. She teaches her bandmates Latvian and shares stories about the country's history.
Delfi · 23 Aug, 03:39
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10 surprising facts about Anne Hathaway: from fashion assistant to Catwoman
Actress Anne Hathaway has played remarkably varied roles on screen, from a fashion magazine editor's assistant to a princess and Catwoman, and her life off camera has proven just as noteworthy.
TVNET · 23 Aug, 03:38

Sun Moves Into Virgo, Signaling a More Practical Period
On August 23, the Sun shifts from Leo into Virgo, an astrological transition marking a move toward a more practical and structured phase. The shift will last for a month.
Apollo.lv · 23 Aug, 03:38

Study suggests exercise helps keep weight off more than it helps lose it
New research indicates physical activity has little effect on initial weight loss but strongly supports keeping lost weight off long-term, while also improving overall health markers.
ScienceDaily Veselība · 23 Aug, 02:43

Latvian adventurer Alexander Laime's life inspires new animated film
Director Edmunds Jansons and artist Elīna Brasliņa's new animated feature "Laimīgie" draws on the true story of Latvian traveler Alexander Laime, who spent half a century in Venezuela's jungles. The film has already screened at the Annecy festival in France and will reach audiences in over 25 countries after its Latvian premiere.
Delfi · 23 Aug, 02:40
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"Brother, Where Did You Go?" — Bartender's Story About a Cat Named Boris Wins Online Followers
Bartender Andžejs says he has two cat stories — one fairly positive, the other tragic — but it is his story about a cat named Boris that has drawn a steady following on X for nearly two years.
Apollo.lv · 23 Aug, 02:38

New language quiz tests knowledge of Latvian parts of speech
Latvijas Avīze has published a new quick quiz that asks readers to identify parts of speech in Latvian. The test evokes memories of school-day language lessons.
Latvijas Avīze · 23 Aug, 00:36