Lifestyle

Edinburgh fringe performers push physical limits with gym equipment on stage
Several shows at this year's Edinburgh fringe put performers on stationary bikes and treadmills to authentically portray the physical and emotional toll of endurance sport. The actors cycle or run real distances during every performance, with no understudy if injury strikes.
The Guardian Culture · 18 Aug, 20:05

Marupe municipality sees growing child numbers — new schools and kindergartens needed
While many Latvian municipalities are closing schools due to falling pupil numbers, Marupe municipality faces the opposite problem, with a rising child population creating a shortage of places in kindergartens and schools. A new kindergarten opens there this autumn, and the municipality also plans to expand its school network.
LSM (rus) · 18 Aug, 19:58

How post-war disagreements set the stage for the Berlin Wall
A historical overview recalls that the WWII victors — the United States, Britain, France and the Soviet Union — could agree only on occupying Germany, not on its future. That unresolved question became the root of tensions that eventually led to the building of the Berlin Wall.
LSM (rus) · 18 Aug, 17:59

Katrina Barbala releases second studio album «less than three»
Singer Katrina Barbala has released her second studio album, «less than three», whose creation took longer than usual as she struggled to find the right way to record it. She eventually decided to produce it entirely on her own.
LSM Kultūra · 18 Aug, 17:58

Actor Phyllida Law dies aged 94
British actor Phyllida Law, known for a long career across stage, television and film including several projects alongside her daughters Emma and Sophie Thompson, has died aged 94. Her manager said she died peacefully at home surrounded by family.
The Guardian World · 18 Aug, 16:03

Singer Ieva Sutugova reveals why she and her husband briefly split in their youth
Singer Ieva Sutugova said on the show "Slavenības. Bez filtra" that she and her husband Jānis Miltiņš briefly separated in their youth before finding their way back to each other. Today the couple is raising two children and describes themselves as a strong team.
Jauns.lv · 18 Aug, 15:59

From Krāslava to Rīga: New Theatre Festival 'Homo Novus' Unveils Program
The international new theatre festival 'Homo Novus' will run from September 4 to 12, with events staged along the Daugava River from Krāslava to Rīga. Organizers have announced the full lineup.
LSM Kultūra · 18 Aug, 15:58

Latvian health agency urges parents not to delay children's HPV vaccination
Latvia's Disease Prevention and Control Centre is urging parents to use the last weeks of summer to vaccinate children against human papillomavirus, which can prevent several cancers. National vaccination coverage still lags behind other European countries.
BNN · 18 Aug, 14:04
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Online quiz tests knowledge of Latvian words "ka" and "kad"
A new online quiz lets anyone check how well they understand the rules governing the use of the Latvian words "ka" and "kad" in sentences.
TVNET · 18 Aug, 14:02

Latvia submits Viesturs Kairišs' "Ulja" for Oscar consideration
Latvia's National Film Centre has selected Viesturs Kairišs' feature film "Ulja" as the country's submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. The film has already received recognition at A-list international festivals.
LSM (rus) · 18 Aug, 12:58

Cultural scholar warns declining reading habits threaten society's ability to cope
Estonian writer and cultural scholar Maarja Vaino warns that fewer people are reading complex literature, risking a society that loses attention, memory and empathy.She urges parents to pick up demanding books alongside their children instead of resenting mandatory summer reading.
ERR News · 18 Aug, 12:04
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"Ķepu patruļa," "Astrāls" and more: August's new film releases
Cinema chains Forum Cinemas and Apollo Kino have refreshed their August film lineup, including the titles "Ķepu patruļa" and "Astrāls".
TVNET · 18 Aug, 12:03

Latvia submits Viestus Kairišs' film «Uļa» for Oscar consideration
Latvia has selected director Viestus Kairišs' feature film «Uļa» as its candidate for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The decision was made by a national panel of experts.
LSM · 18 Aug, 11:58

Why we feel sleepy after eating
Physician Pēteris Apinis explains why people often feel drowsy after meals and shares traditional Chinese medicine recommendations for countering it.
Latvijas Avīze · 18 Aug, 11:02
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Dinner-party show "Almost Perfect Dinner" returns to TV screens on August 31
The popular hosting show "Almost Perfect Dinner" returns to television on August 31, following participants as they try to host near-perfect dinners despite unexpected surprises.
TVNET · 18 Aug, 09:59

Over 400 students fail Latvia's first mandatory secondary school science exams
Last school year was the first in which Latvian secondary school students were required to pass an optimal-level science exam, and more than 400 of them failed it. Most were in the second-to-last year of school, so they will be able to retake the exam next year.
LSM · 18 Aug, 08:58

Latvia conducts its first underwater archaeological excavation
Archaeologists carried out Latvia's first underwater excavation at Lake Indzers near Cepurīte island in Alūksne district, uncovering finds that point to a previously unknown type of settlement in Vidzeme.
LSM (rus) · 18 Aug, 07:58
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Plum season: tips for baking flavorful cakes
Plum season has arrived, making the fruit a versatile ingredient for various cakes. Choosing the right variety for each recipe is key to the best result.
TVNET · 18 Aug, 07:04

RSU Anatomy Museum exhibition explores the line between beauty and ugliness
An exhibition by artist Linda Jākobsone-Viškere is on display at the Rīga Stradiņš University Anatomy Museum until the end of October, inviting visitors to reflect on the subjectivity of perception. Viewers may see painful imagery or beauty in the same works.
LSM Kultūra · 18 Aug, 06:58
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Geishas: Japan's centuries-old art tradition behind white makeup and elaborate kimono
Geishas remain one of the most romanticized yet misunderstood figures in Japanese culture, as years of rigorous training in art and tradition lie behind their striking appearance.
TVNET · 18 Aug, 06:03
Dolphin Sunset: Hong Kong's Hidden Harbour View
Atop a busy ferry terminal in Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui district lies a little-known rooftop deck with a dolphin statue, offering quiet sunset views over Victoria Harbour.
Atlas Obscura · 18 Aug, 05:06

Iveta Vecmane to release new autumn/winter collection in September
Latvian fashion designer Iveta Vecmane will present a new autumn/winter 2026/27 collection titled MELANCHOLIA XV: MORPHINE, available from September 7. The collection continues the brand's ongoing narrative.
TVNET · 18 Aug, 04:01

Horoscope for Tuesday, August 18: Sun in Leo, Moon in Scorpio
On August 18, the Sun remains in Leo while the Moon moves through Scorpio, creating tension between the desire to shine and deep hidden emotions. The day is marked by strong willpower and a need for truth.
Apollo.lv · 18 Aug, 03:02

Riga hosts Unicon, a gathering point for youth culture
Riga this past weekend hosted Unicon, one of the Baltics' largest geek culture festivals, drawing more than 20,000 visitors over three days. The event was covered by LSM's program «Обсудим вечером».
LSM (rus) · 18 Aug, 02:04

Parasites in the body: how to recognize and avoid them
A family doctor explains what parasites can threaten human health and how they enter the body. Infection is possible not only from pets or kindergartens, but also in everyday situations.
Delfi · 18 Aug, 02:04
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Quiz tests how much school knowledge you still remember
An online outlet has published an entertaining quiz inviting readers to check how much of what they learned in school they still remember.
Apollo.lv · 18 Aug, 02:01
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Helsinki's Flow Festival: High Prices Extend Beyond the Ticket
Visitors to Finland's Flow music festival in Helsinki found that enjoying the event fully required spending well beyond the cost of admission, with food, drinks and other necessities adding significantly to the bill.
TVNET · 18 Aug, 02:00

LA.lv releases quiz on recognizing Latvian films from a single frame
Latvian news portal LA.lv has published an entertainment quiz challenging readers to identify 21st-century Latvian films from a single screenshot, featuring titles such as "Tēvs nakts," "Dvēseļu putenis" and "Rīgas sargi."
Latvijas Avīze · 18 Aug, 01:59

Buried With Michael Sheen digs into Wales's toxic chemical dumping scandal
A new BBC documentary fronted by Michael Sheen investigates how Monsanto's PCB waste was dumped in south Wales quarries decades ago, drawing links to a similar contamination case in Alabama.
The Guardian Culture · 18 Aug, 01:03

Trial begins in Las Vegas over 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur
A Las Vegas trial began on Monday for former gang leader Duane Davis, accused of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. Davis has pleaded not guilty but acknowledged a role in the shooting in his 2019 memoir.
The Guardian Culture · 17 Aug, 22:02

Bauska dance ensemble “Jandāls” charms Portugal with eight performances
Folk dance ensemble “Jandāls” took part in an international folklore festival in Portugal in early August, giving eight concerts and representing the Bauska municipality and Latvia. The group received a warm welcome and formed new friendships with dancers from other nations.
Jauns.lv · 17 Aug, 21:00

29th Sacred Music Festival begins, new work by Pēteris Vasks to be performed
The 29th Sacred Music Festival has begun, with the State Choir Latvija this year led not by artistic director Māris Sirmais but by three other conductors. The programme also includes newly composed works, among them a piece by Pēteris Vasks.
LSM (rus) · 17 Aug, 20:58

At 84, Harrison Ford Returns to the Role of Indiana Jones
At age 84, actor Harrison Ford will once again portray Indiana Jones, this time for a new Disney attraction at the Animal Kingdom park. He served as the model for the character's animatronic figure.
Jauns.lv · 17 Aug, 20:00

29th Sacred Music Festival opens in Riga, featuring new work by Pēteris Vasks
The 29th Sacred Music Festival has opened in Riga with an opening concert dedicated to new compositions, including one by Pēteris Vasks. This year the State Choir Latvija will be led by three conductors instead of usual artistic director Māris Sirmais.
LSM · 17 Aug, 19:58

Hundreds gather in Swansea to bid farewell to Bonnie Tyler
A public farewell service was held in Swansea for singer Bonnie Tyler, who died in July aged 75 in Portugal. Hundreds of people, including visitors from Germany and Austria, watched the procession and the service broadcast on a screen in the square.
The Guardian Culture · 17 Aug, 19:03

Hayden Panettiere: the actor entire shows were rewritten for
A new profile traces actor Hayden Panettiere's career from Heroes to Nashville, alongside the personal struggles she has faced in recent years.
The Guardian Culture · 17 Aug, 18:06