Latvia & nearby
Autumn winds bring amber to Latvia's coast – but also the dangerous "fake amber"
Liepāja-based amber hunter Ilze Vainovska warns that alongside real amber, the Kurzeme coast still hides dangerous white phosphorus, which can cause severe burns.
Apollo.lv · 28 Sept, 00:46
Could you pass Latvia's citizenship exam? A newspaper offers a quick test
Under Latvia's Citizenship Law, naturalization applicants must pass a Latvian language test as well as a knowledge test covering the Constitution, the national anthem, and the basics of national history and culture. Latvijas Avīze has created a shortened quiz based on official sample questions.
Latvijas Avīze · 28 Sept, 00:44
Ukrainian journalist: The Baltics need more than evacuation plans — they must also help weaken Russia's economy
Ukrainian journalist Vitaliy Portnikov argues that the Baltic states should not only prepare evacuation plans but actively work now to undermine Russia's economy, reducing the aggressor's capacity to attack its neighbors.
Latvijas Avīze · 27 Sept, 23:48
Four years after the elections: what has really changed in Latvia
Ahead of new Saeima elections, the TV programme «Кейс» reviews with experts what has actually changed since 2022 in healthcare, education, social affairs and security.
LSM (rus) · 27 Sept, 22:48
Monday to bring air temperatures up to 18 degrees
Overnight into Monday, clear to partly cloudy skies with no precipitation and patchy fog are expected, while daytime temperatures will rise to 15-18 degrees.
ERR (rus) · 27 Sept, 22:47
Moose spotted calmly standing at bus stop in western Latvia
A passerby in Latvia's Kurzeme region filmed a large moose standing calmly right next to a public bus stop sign. The video went viral on social media, prompting a wave of jokes from commenters.
Latvijas Avīze · 27 Sept, 22:42
Latvian environment agency samples oil pollution washed up on Kurzeme coast
Latvia's State Environmental Service surveyed the coastline from Užava to Liepene and found oil product pollution along the entire stretch, taking samples to trace its origin. Ventspils has begun beach cleanup work.
Delfi · 27 Sept, 21:47
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"De facto": Candidates with criminal cases on lists of at least nine parties
Latvian public broadcaster's program "De facto" has found that nine out of 14 party lists registered for the Saeima election include candidates who face or have faced criminal proceedings or charges. Several lists reportedly include more than one such candidate.
Apollo.lv · 27 Sept, 21:44
Fog expected across much of Latvia overnight into Monday
Latvia's Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts fog in many parts of the country overnight into Monday.
TVNET · 27 Sept, 21:43
What Lithuanians admire most about Latvia — and why they keep coming back
Lithuanian travel blogs, media and accounts from Lithuanians who once lived in Latvia reveal recurring reasons the country keeps drawing them back. Several themes appear repeatedly, from rye bread to Riga's café culture.
Latvijas Avīze · 27 Sept, 21:43
Syrian national convicted of money laundering revealed among “Riga Waterfront” investors
An investigation by Latvian Television's “de facto” together with the EBU investigative journalism network found that a Syrian national living in Dubai and convicted in Denmark of laundering millions is among the investors in the large-scale “Riga Waterfront” development.
Jauns.lv · 27 Sept, 21:42
Estonian unions propose creating a dedicated labour dispute court
Trade unions in Estonia are pushing for a separate court to handle only labour disputes, arguing the current committee-based process is too difficult for workers to navigate. The Economy Ministry remains cautious about the idea.
ERR (rus) · 27 Sept, 21:41
Zoologists: young animals also must learn to survive from birth
On a Latvian Radio programme, zoologists and an ornithologist explained that nature has no days off — animal and bird young enter, from birth, an environment where learned skills are decisive for survival.
LSM (rus) · 27 Sept, 20:45
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Ahead of elections: reviewing what ruling parties actually did over the past four years
As election campaigns approach, attention turns to how governing parties have made decisions, managed public finances and handled responsibility for their mistakes over the past four years. Voters are reminded that before weighing politicians' promises for the future, it is worth looking back.
TVNET · 27 Sept, 20:42
Man convicted of money laundering in Denmark invested in Riga Waterfront project
A Syrian citizen living in Dubai, previously convicted in Denmark in a major money laundering case, has been revealed as an investor in the Riga Waterfront real estate project. Latvia's migration authority declines to confirm whether he obtained a residence permit.
LSM · 27 Sept, 20:41
Kristīne, missing for 16 years near Rēzekne river, subject of new search effort
Sixteen years after nine-year-old Kristīne Volkova disappeared near a river in Rēzekne, the organization Bezvēsts.lv has launched a new search, and spoken with the girl's mother, Natālija.
Apollo.lv · 27 Sept, 19:48
Coastline near Ventspils inspected after oil pollution found on shore
Latvia's State Environmental Service, working with the State Fire and Rescue Service, has inspected the coastline from Užava to Liepene and collected samples of oil pollution washed ashore.
TVNET · 27 Sept, 19:43
Two cars collide in Piņķi, one veers off the road
A Tesla and a BMW collided on Sunday on Priedaines Street in Piņķi, after which the BMW went off the roadway; no information on injuries has been released so far.
Jauns.lv · 27 Sept, 18:41
Abandoned orchard in Latvia may be one of the country's most bear-frequented spots
A bountiful fruit harvest this autumn has drawn wild animals, including a bear, to an abandoned apple orchard in Latvia that researchers consider possibly the most bear-rich site in the country. During a visit with a bear researcher, a DNA sample was also collected.
LSM · 27 Sept, 17:44
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Forecasters predict calm start to October
Latvia's Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts stable, calm weather for early October, with light winds and no significant precipitation expected.
Apollo.lv · 27 Sept, 16:47
Ventspils warns beachgoers to stay away after oil pollution washes ashore
Ventspils Municipal Utility Board warned on Sunday that oil pollution has washed up along the entire length of the city's beach, urging residents and visitors to avoid walking there for now.
Delfi · 27 Sept, 16:44
Estonian comedian and teacher Popov: my mental health is completely destroyed
Estonian comedian and teacher Alexander Popov spoke about a dark period in his life when his students were the only reason he got out of bed, and explained why so few men work as teachers.
ERR (rus) · 27 Sept, 16:44
Political scientist Kažoka: parties now chase social media reactions instead of long-term planning
Political scientist Iveta Kažoka says parties increasingly focus on social media reactions rather than long-term strategy, which she argues is destabilizing the political environment. She discussed the topic on Latvian Radio's programme "Brīvības bulvāris".
LSM (rus) · 27 Sept, 16:42
Data authority: relatives may receive personal data of a missing person to settle their affairs
Latvia's Data State Inspectorate has clarified that relatives of a person declared missing are entitled to receive that person's personal data in order to settle matters related to them.
Apollo.lv · 27 Sept, 15:48
Narva renames "Tsar's Road" tourist route after Tallinn deputy mayor's criticism
Narva's city council has decided to rename a planned tourist route called "Tsar's Road" after Tallinn deputy mayor Riina Solman criticized the idea during a visit, prompting a wider debate about how the city should use its historical heritage.
ERR (rus) · 27 Sept, 15:44
After rainy days, Latvia set for calmer, sunnier weather
Following a cloudy, rainy week, Latvia will see improving weather as an anticyclone moves in, bringing calmer and largely dry conditions into early October.
Jauns.lv · 27 Sept, 15:43
Latvian women dismiss one-time €5,000 birth bonus as fix for falling birth rate
An online poll asking Latvian women whether a one-time €5,000 payment per child would encourage them to have more children drew an overwhelmingly negative response. Most respondents said long-term stability, not a single payment, is what families actually need.
Latvijas Avīze · 27 Sept, 15:41
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Kadžulis's representative appeals ruling in dispute with "Vienotība" party
The authorized representative of Soaar head Renārs Kadžulis has appealed a first-instance court ruling that upheld the "Vienotība" party's claim against Kadžulis over statements deemed damaging to its honor and dignity, news agency LETA has learned.
TVNET · 27 Sept, 14:49
Representative of Soaar Head Kadžulis Appeals Ruling in Vienotība Case
The authorized representative of Renārs Kadžulis, head of the company Soaar, has appealed a first-instance court ruling that upheld a claim by the Vienotība party demanding the retraction of statements it says damaged its honor and reputation.
LSM · 27 Sept, 14:45
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Monday forecast: mostly sunny and dry, with some clouds
Meteorologists forecast a mostly sunny and dry Monday, though clouds will occasionally cover the sky.
Apollo.lv · 27 Sept, 14:45
ETV+ talk show to tackle disputes between neighbors
On Monday, September 28, the Estonian Russian-language channel ETV+ will air a new episode of "Своя правда" focused on conflicts between neighbors, hosted by Elena Solomina.
ERR (rus) · 27 Sept, 14:43
Estonian Lego enthusiast completes model of St. Nicholas' Church after 18 months
Tallinn hobbyist Nikolai Mordan has spent a year and a half building a Lego model of St. Nicholas' (Niguliste) Church, now on display at an exhibition, and plans further landmark projects.
ERR News · 27 Sept, 14:43
Plan to erase Russian and Belarusian place names from road signs sparks online debate
A Transport Ministry proposal to fix or replace 235 road signs in order to remove Russian and Belarusian place names has triggered mixed reactions online. The work is estimated to cost around €120,000, and the government has postponed approving the plan.
Latvijas Avīze · 27 Sept, 13:45
Ape hosts autumn market with over 350 traders
An annual autumn market is taking place today in Ape, drawing more than 350 traders from Latvia and Estonia. The town's streets are filled with crowds, music and the scents of the season.
Ziemeļlatvija · 27 Sept, 12:49
Estonian police: repeated neighbor disturbances warrant a call every time
A representative of Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board says residents should call police every single time neighbors cause repeated disturbances, since all calls to an address are logged and help build a case for the local officer. The topic will be featured on the show "Своя правда" on September 28.
ERR (rus) · 27 Sept, 12:47
Imanta construction removes free parking, municipality offers no alternative
Major construction work in Riga's Imanta district has eliminated free parking spaces, and the municipality has not yet offered residents an alternative solution.
LSM · 27 Sept, 12:44