Latvia & nearby

Fewer than half of Estonian youth vote — experts point to trust, not apathy
Only 46 percent of Estonians aged 18 to 24 voted in the last Riigikogu elections. Experts say the main causes are declining trust in political parties and politics feeling disconnected from young people's everyday lives.
ERR News · 11 Sept, 09:09

eTwinning offers teachers free training and resources on inclusive education
Latvia's Agency for International Programs for Youth is running an eTwinning campaign from September 8 to 30, giving teachers free access to training and tools for building inclusive classrooms. The offer includes webinars, partner-finding events and in-person training.
Ziemeļlatvija · 11 Sept, 09:08

Valmiera's Strauta Street wins two second-place awards at national construction contest
The rebuilt Strauta Street in Valmiera received two second-place awards — in the "Engineering Structure" and "Landscape Structure" categories — at the final of the "Best Building in Latvia 2025" competition held in Riga on September 10, 2026.
Valmieras Ziņas · 11 Sept, 09:08

After record daily heat, Latvia's weather turns noticeably cooler
Latvia's weather service forecasts that following recent record daily temperatures, the country will see markedly cooler conditions over the weekend and into next week, along with recurring rain and locally strong wind.
BNN · 11 Sept, 08:13

Sunny spells expected in Latvia as working week ends
Friday will bring variable, partly sunny weather across Latvia with temperatures reaching up to +20 degrees. Brief rain is still possible in some areas in the morning before conditions turn drier.
Latvijas Avīze · 11 Sept, 08:13

Two markets to take place simultaneously in Vecumnieki on Saturday – an autumn fair and a retro tech market
On Saturday, September 12, an Autumn Fair and a Retro Technology and Antiques Market will be held simultaneously in Vecumnieki by Jaunais Lake, with more than 80 traders already registered.
Bauskas Dzīve · 11 Sept, 08:12
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Lielupe bridge on Liepāja highway to close overnight for repairs
The Lielupe bridge on the Liepāja highway will be closed to traffic overnight over the next two weeks due to repair work, the state roads operator has announced.
TVNET · 11 Sept, 08:11

Beneath Tallinn lie 50 kilometres of pipes tall enough to walk through upright
A Tallinna Vesi official said around 3,000 kilometres of pipelines run beneath Tallinn, about 50 kilometres of which are large enough for a person to walk through standing upright. Extensive underground works are currently underway at a crossing near the city's hippodrome.
ERR (rus) · 11 Sept, 08:09

Smiltene library hosts exhibition of Little Prince books in various European languages
From September 14 to 30, Smiltene library's Children's Department is showing an exhibition featuring a European Commission collection of "The Little Prince" books in different languages, marking European Day of Languages.
Ziemeļlatvija · 11 Sept, 08:08

Living on a €301 disability pension: Aija's story from Rembate parish
Former nurse Aija Štenerte from Rembate parish lives on a category II disability pension of €301 a month after a workplace injury and worsening health, splitting the sum between bills, medicine and food.
Latvijas Avīze · 11 Sept, 07:10

Lielupe bridge on Liepāja highway to close nightly from Monday over damage
From September 14 to 25, the Lielupe river bridge on the Liepāja highway (A9) will be closed to traffic each night due to damage found in its steel structure. Drivers are advised to use detour routes.
Delfi · 11 Sept, 07:10

Family in Ērģeme grows sweet watermelons in Latvia's climate for six years running
The Plūme family from Ērģeme has been successfully growing watermelons for six consecutive years, though this year's harvest turned out smaller than hoped. They are happy to share their fruit with others.
Ziemeļlatvija · 11 Sept, 07:09

Sunshine expected across Latvia on the last workday of the week
Friday will bring mostly sunny weather across Latvia, with only brief rain in some areas in the morning. Temperatures will rise up to 20 degrees.
Jauns.lv · 11 Sept, 07:07

Aizkraukle municipality to allow free collection of logging residue
The Aizkraukle municipality will let residents collect logging residue free of charge from its clear-cut forest plots, provided they obtain a permit. Applicants must be adults registered in the municipality who plan to use the wood for household needs.
Staburags · 11 Sept, 07:06

Video captures dangerous overtaking by five trucks on A-7 near Cerauksti
A dashcam recording on the A-7 highway near Cerauksti shows five trucks overtaking one after another despite oncoming traffic. The incident was reported by the portal sadursme.lv.
Bauskas Dzīve · 11 Sept, 07:06

How burglars spot an empty home in the first 30 seconds
Latvia's State Police point out that criminals often rely on everyday, easily noticeable signs to determine that a home is empty. An overflowing mailbox, consistently dark windows, or vacation photos shared online can all give the game away.
Latvijas Avīze · 11 Sept, 06:10

Bauska municipality producers featured at “Riga Food 2026” exhibition
Bauska municipality is broadly represented at “Riga Food 2026”, the largest food industry exhibition in the Baltics, taking place in Ķīpsala until September 12. The event showcases food producers from Latvia and abroad.
Bauskas Dzīve · 11 Sept, 06:08

Rain expected only in parts of Vidzeme and Latgale on Friday
Weather forecasts indicate that most of Latvia will stay dry on Friday, with only isolated rain showers possible in parts of Vidzeme and Latgale.
LSM · 11 Sept, 06:06

Around 1,700 households in Riga left without power on Thursday evening
A power supply disruption hit several neighborhoods in Riga on Thursday evening, leaving roughly 1,700 customers of grid operator AS "Sadales tīkls" without electricity, the company reported.
Apollo.lv · 11 Sept, 05:12
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Riga hosts annual Royal Corgi Walk in memory of Queen Elizabeth II
For the fourth year running, central Riga is hosting the Royal Corgi Walk, honouring Queen Elizabeth II's fondness for corgis. The event includes a group walk followed by a British-style tea picnic.
TVNET · 11 Sept, 05:10

Sociologist Kaktiņš: Latvia has not yet reached a development turning point
Sociologist Arnis Kaktiņš expressed skepticism on the TV24 show 'Latvijas labums' that Latvia is currently experiencing any major breakthrough in development. He argued real change requires concrete tax and legal reforms, not just new strategy documents.
Latvijas Avīze · 11 Sept, 04:14

LHV co-owner: Estonia argues too much over dividing the pie, not enough about growing it
LHV bank co-owner Rain Lõhmus says Estonian society has lost focus, spending its energy on debating how to redistribute existing resources rather than how to grow the economy. He also warns against excessive state control over private life.
ERR (rus) · 11 Sept, 03:16

11-year-old girl dies in scooter crash in Smiltene municipality
An 11-year-old girl died after losing control of a scooter on a dirt road in Smiltene municipality near Ape, close to the Estonian border, prompting a criminal investigation. Police stressed parental responsibility for how the child gained access to the vehicle.
Latvijas Avīze · 11 Sept, 03:15
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At Riga Food, all of Latvia's flavors meet — from lecho to crab-flavored ice cream
Riga is hosting Riga Food, the largest food exhibition in the Baltic states, showcasing flavors from every Latvian region and abroad, including unusual pairings such as quail egg lecho and ice cream with a crab salad flavor.
TVNET · 11 Sept, 03:13

Power supply issues resolved in Riga's Purvciems and Pļavnieki districts
On Thursday evening, around 1,700 customers in Riga experienced a power outage, which was fully resolved by 10:15 pm.
Jauns.lv · 11 Sept, 02:14

Expert warning: extreme speeding is this year's most dangerous trend on Latvia's roads
Road safety expert Oskars Irbītis warns that in 2026 excessively high driving speed has emerged as the standout factor in severe road accidents in Latvia, with crash forces strong enough to break cars into several pieces.
Latvijas Avīze · 11 Sept, 02:12
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Riga resident takes municipality to court over welfare benefit conditions
Riga's Social Service and a long-term benefit recipient have ended up in court, unable to agree on the recipient's obligations, including job-seeking requirements.
Apollo.lv · 11 Sept, 02:12

11-year-old moped rider's death in Smiltene municipality reveals grim road statistic
An 11-year-old girl died while riding a moped on a dirt road in Ape parish, Smiltene municipality, near the Estonian border. A television program revealed she is the second-youngest driver to die in a Latvian road accident since 2000.
Jauns.lv · 10 Sept, 23:11

Nine candidates apply for vacant seat on Latvia's media watchdog NEPLP
Latvia's Saeima Press Service has announced that nine candidates have applied for the vacant seat on the National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP).
Apollo.lv · 10 Sept, 20:08

Swedbank and Citadele offer relief to clients missing after Nepal-China border floods
Swedbank and Citadele have announced support measures for clients who went missing in the catastrophic August 26 floods on the Nepal-China border, where 33 Latvian citizens are among the missing. Both banks are suspending loan payments and urging relatives to arrange temporary guardianship.
Jauns.lv · 10 Sept, 20:07

Latvian government postpones decision on involvement in airBaltic bridge financing
At an unexpectedly convened Cabinet meeting this evening, ministers did not reach a decision on possible state participation in securing bridge financing for airBaltic. The matter remains open.
LSM · 10 Sept, 20:06

Contract Signed for €38 Million Reconstruction of Zaķusala TV Tower
A construction contract worth more than €38 million was signed on Thursday for a major overhaul of Riga's Zaķusala television tower, with completion planned for 2029.
LSM · 10 Sept, 19:07

Experts: Both Modern Technology and Attentiveness Can Help Prevent Getting Lost in the Forest
Latvian rescue services search for dozens of people lost in forests every year, so experts invited onto the programme "4. studija" explained how to prepare before entering a forest and what to do if you do get lost.
LSM · 10 Sept, 18:12
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LVRTC signs contract to rebuild Riga's radio and TV tower
State company LVRTC has signed a contract with a consortium of companies for the reconstruction of Riga's radio and television tower. The agreement was reached with a group comprising SIA "3A", SIA "Argus" and SIA "AB-rent".
Apollo.lv · 10 Sept, 18:11

Extra fees on online event tickets catch buyers off guard
A social media post about unexpected extra charges on top of ticket prices has sparked discussion, after a buyer paid nearly €19 in additional fees for three tickets costing €147.
Latvijas Avīze · 10 Sept, 17:12

Valmiera Technical School named in Ata Kronvalds Foundation's top schools ranking
Valmiera Technical School is the only vocational education institution included in the Ata Kronvalds Foundation's 2026 "Great Owl" ranking of top schools. The ranking assesses student achievements in olympiads and scientific research conferences.
Jauns.lv · 10 Sept, 17:11