Lifestyle
August reading: new paperbacks from Adichie, Rushdie and more
The Guardian has rounded up notable August paperback releases, spanning Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's multi-voiced novel to Karl Ove Knausgård's supernatural saga.
The Guardian Culture · 20 Aug, 17:06
Latvia's Radio Naba turns its music chart into a set of riddles
Radio Naba's "Top 10" and "Top 25" music charts this time come wrapped in riddles, with the answers hidden among the featured songs and artists, including the bands "Aizliegtais Fredis" and "Sisenis".
LSM Kultūra · 20 Aug, 16:59
Daugavpils exhibition shows tapestries inspired by Rothko's watercolors
The Rothko Art Centre in Daugavpils has opened a solo exhibition by textile artist Iveta Vecenāne titled 'Transfer. Rothko Motif,' featuring tapestries inspired by Mark Rothko's watercolors.
LSM (rus) · 20 Aug, 16:58
New experimental vaccine may help prevent melanoma from returning
Pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Merck report promising results from a phase three trial in which a personalized mRNA vaccine combined with immunotherapy delayed melanoma recurrence in high-risk patients.
Jauns.lv · 20 Aug, 16:04
/nginx/o/2026/08/20/17859995t1h2909.png)
"Homo Novus" festival to bring theatre to unusual venues along the Daugava this September
The international new theatre festival "Homo Novus" will run from September 4 to 12, hosting events in various unusual locations from Krāslava to Riga. The full festival programme has now been announced.
TVNET · 20 Aug, 15:02
Knee Osteoarthritis Isn't Inevitable — Steps You Can Take
Doctors say knee osteoarthritis, which affects millions, isn't an unavoidable fate — lifestyle changes can ease pain and slow its progression. Regular exercise, healthy diet and weight control can meaningfully lower risk even for those with a family history.
ScienceDaily Veselība · 20 Aug, 15:02
Clothes that never go out of style, according to fashion experts
Fashion experts say certain clothing items, such as leather jackets, remain relevant for decades and easily adapt to new trends. Worn-out favorites should be professionally restored rather than thrown away.
Latvijas Avīze · 20 Aug, 15:01
/nginx/o/2026/08/20/17859783t1hc67c.jpg)
Online Quiz Tests Knowledge of Latvian Conjunction Spelling
A new online test lets anyone check whether they can correctly write Latvian conjunctions - as one word or as two separate words.
Apollo.lv · 20 Aug, 15:00
Textile artist Iveta Vecenāne turns Rothko's watercolors into tapestries in Daugavpils show
The Rothko Art Centre in Daugavpils is hosting textile artist Iveta Vecenāne's solo exhibition "Transfer. Rothko Motif," in which she recreates the color moods of Mark Rothko's watercolors as tapestries.
LSM Kultūra · 20 Aug, 14:58
Parents in Latvia voice frustration over paper straws causing hassle for kids
A discussion on the social network Threads has drawn attention to complaints from parents in Latvia about paper straws going soggy and being inconvenient for children. While some have found workarounds, others argue the issue is overstated.
Latvijas Avīze · 20 Aug, 13:03
Theatre festival "Theatre Close-Up" opens in Liepāja
This weekend, Liepāja hosts the theatre festival "Theatre Close-Up," featuring productions from several countries. Tickets for small-stage shows are already sold out.
LSM Kultūra · 20 Aug, 12:58
Cooking show "Dr. Sirmais" returns for a fourth season
Chef Mārtiņš Sirmais's cooking show returns with a new season in which celebrities from earlier seasons pay a repeat visit, focusing on holiday menus and more in-depth recipes. Guests include Ansis Klintsons, Ainars Bumbieris, Liene Šomase and others.
Jauns.lv · 20 Aug, 11:59
Researchers highlight mushrooms that may help slow the ageing process
Scientists are increasingly focused on ergothioneine, an antioxidant compound found in mushrooms, particularly in button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms and shiitake. Studies suggest it may support cell protection and healthy ageing.
Latvijas Avīze · 20 Aug, 11:01
Estonian singer Iiris makes debut at Hungary's Sziget festival with Night Tapes
Estonian performer Iiris and her London-based band Night Tapes made their debut at Hungary's Sziget festival, one of Europe's largest music events. She told Rus.ERR about the band's busy touring schedule and plans to record a new album.
ERR (rus) · 20 Aug, 11:00
/nginx/o/2026/08/20/17859500t1h3cb1.jpg)
Special stage being built for Gacho and MESA joint concert
Ahead of the Gacho and MESA joint concert set for Saturday, August 22, construction of a specially designed stage is already underway at the Mežaparks Great Bandstand. The concert will feature both a musical performance and an impressive technical and visual setup.
TVNET · 20 Aug, 10:02
Free open-air concert to mark Estonia's Day of Restoration of Independence
On August 20, Estonia's Day of Restoration of Independence, a free festival concert will be held in the Governor's Garden, blending traditional and electronic music. ERR channels will broadcast the event live.
ERR (rus) · 20 Aug, 08:59
Edinburgh Fringe sees a wave of shows built on frank sexual comedy
This year's Edinburgh Fringe features an unusually large number of shows centred on explicit sexual humour, including comedian Julian Clary's return after 17 years. Performers explain why openness about sex has become both popular and, for some, therapeutic on stage.
The Guardian Culture · 20 Aug, 08:05
89-Year-Old German Becomes TikTok Star by Hating Matcha but Loving Life
Werner Kalecinski, an 89-year-old German man, has become a social media sensation among young Germans, transforming from a grieving widower into a joyful internet personality, as reported by The New York Times.
The New York Times · 20 Aug, 08:03
Theatre TV series "Teātris.zip" returns for its 15th season
On August 22, Latvia's public broadcaster launches the 15th season of "Teātris.zip" on LTV1 and REplay.lv, featuring acclaimed Latvian theatre productions including "Bezkaunīgais vecis," "Visas viņas" and "Daliņš."
LSM Kultūra · 20 Aug, 07:58
What does "foļvarks" mean? Latgale heritage behind the Foļvarka prayer house
An LSM Culture series on Latvia's sacred heritage explains the origin of the term "foļvarks," tied to the Old Believers' prayer house in Foļvarka, Latgale. The word traces back to a manor farming system worked by corvée peasants.
LSM Kultūra · 20 Aug, 06:59
Princess Diana's brother to publish book on her life and death
Earl Charles Spencer will release a new book next month about his sister Princess Diana's life and the events following her death. The author says he aims to reveal the truth and dispel long-standing myths.
Jauns.lv · 20 Aug, 06:59
Seeing a doctor with a "ChatGPT" diagnosis: how AI is changing patient habits
A survey shows nearly a quarter of young people in Latvia would turn to artificial intelligence first when facing a health problem, and doctors increasingly find themselves working with patients who arrive with an AI-suggested diagnosis already in hand.
LSM · 20 Aug, 06:58
Study reveals how the brain's frontoparietal cortex adapts under uncertainty
University of Iowa researchers found that the brain's frontoparietal cortex, its central information hub, dynamically shifts its connections to other brain regions depending on the task at hand rather than simply working harder. The discovery could inform future research into conditions such as ADHD and schizophrenia.
ScienceDaily Vecāki · 20 Aug, 06:03
Singer Elīna Gluzunova: after a turbulent period, she finally feels happy
Former "X Factor" winner Elīna Gluzunova says that following her split from husband Artjoms and a turbulent stretch in the public eye, she now feels calm, free and happy.
Delfi · 20 Aug, 05:05
Four Years After His Death, Chef Mārtiņš Rītiņš's Spirit Lives On Through New Excellence Award
Four years after the passing of prominent Latvian chef Mārtiņš Rītiņš, a new "Excellence of the Year" award has been created in his honor, keeping his legacy alive in Latvia's culinary world.
TVNET · 20 Aug, 05:03
Horoscope for Thursday, August 20: Moon Joins Leo Planetary Cluster
On August 20, the Moon moves into Sagittarius, joining a cluster of planets in Leo that includes the Sun, Mercury and Jupiter. Astrologers link the day to optimism, boldness and a craving for freedom.
Apollo.lv · 20 Aug, 05:02
Singer Brigita Reisone Opens Up in Rare Candid Interview
Latvian singer Brigita Reisone has given what may be one of the most candid interviews of her career, discussing both her difficult past and a new chapter that has just begun.
TVNET · 20 Aug, 04:04
Latvian magazine "Ir" publishes new joke collection with a summer theme
Latvian magazine "Ir" has published a new set of jokes in its regular humor section, opening with a reference to hay bales in the fields as a symbol of summer. The collection brings together short everyday humor pieces on various topics.
Žurnāls Ir · 20 Aug, 04:03
/nginx/o/2026/08/19/17857787t1he3f1.png)
Apollo.lv publishes quiz on archaic Latvian and dialect words
News portal Apollo.lv has released a quiz inviting readers to guess the meaning of once widely used old Latvian and dialect words. The initiative aims to raise interest in a fading part of the language's heritage.
Apollo.lv · 20 Aug, 04:02
Singer Brigita Reisone opens up in one of her most candid interviews yet
Latvian singer Brigita Reisone has given an interview described as one of the most open and honest of her career, discussing both her past and a new chapter of her life.
Apollo.lv · 20 Aug, 03:05
Miniature House opens in Riga, showcasing hand-crafted tiny worlds
A new Miniature House opened to visitors in Riga in early August, created by artists Jana and Edgars Brieži, who build dollhouse-scale scenes at a 1:12 ratio. The site has already drawn strong interest from children, adults and seniors alike, some spending hours exploring the details.
Žurnāls Ir · 20 Aug, 03:05
New Latvian animated film "Laimīgie" tells story of a girl's rainforest adventure
Director Edmunds Jansons has released a new full-length animated film "Laimīgie", following a nine-year-old girl's adventures in the rainforest. The story draws inspiration from the life of Latvian traveler Aleksandrs Laime and a book by Luīze Pastore.
Žurnāls Ir · 20 Aug, 02:05
Documentary on mother who faked son's illnesses raises questions about how hard it presses her
New documentary Love You to Death revisits the case of Lisa Hayden-Johnson, convicted of child cruelty after years of fabricating her son's illnesses. The review says the film restores nuance lost in tabloid coverage but fails to challenge Lisa with tough enough questions.
The Guardian Culture · 20 Aug, 02:05
Filming Instead of Helping? First Aid Instructor Speaks Out on Social Media Fame at Accident Scenes
First aid instructor Alise Jonāte discusses why bystanders increasingly reach for their phone cameras instead of helping accident victims. She calls for more respect for victims' dignity, warning that footage of the injured can end up online without their consent.
TVNET · 20 Aug, 02:04
Giraffe at Edinburgh Fringe: solo show turns a sociopath into an unexpectedly moving character
A one-woman show at the Edinburgh festival follows a young woman racing to collect support letters to avoid a permanent restraining order and homelessness. Critics praise performer Abigail Weinstock for a striking, original portrayal.
The Guardian Culture · 20 Aug, 00:05
Clancy trial brings postpartum psychosis into the spotlight
A US murder trial against Lindsay Clancy, accused of killing her three children, has renewed attention on postpartum psychosis after her defence argued she suffered from the condition. The case has sparked wider debate about maternal mental health care.
BBC World · 19 Aug, 20:04