Latvia & nearby (141)

Online debate erupts over bringing children and pets to gyms

A discussion on the social network Threads has sparked debate over whether small children or pets should be brought to gyms. Opinions are split between safety concerns and parents' right to bring their kids along.

Latvijas Avīze · 7 Sept, 07:11

Brief rain showers expected in parts of Latvia on Monday

On Monday, September 7, brief rain showers are expected in some areas of Latvia, according to a forecast from the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.

LSM (rus) · 7 Sept, 07:11

Valka to hold Forest Day and open new rest spot

On September 9, Valka will host the educational event “Forest Day 2026,” teaching residents about forest care and restoration while unveiling a newly built rest area, “Līras kalniņš.”

Ziemeļlatvija · 7 Sept, 07:09

Monday to bring air temperatures up to +21°C in Latvia

Forecasters say air temperature across Latvia will reach +17 to +21°C on Monday afternoon, with a mix of sun and clouds expected in Riga along with a chance of brief rain.

Jauns.lv · 7 Sept, 07:08

Roadworks continue on 50 sections of Latvia's state road network, some delays up to 45 minutes

State road operator LVC reports ongoing repair works on 50 sections of the national road network, with waiting times reaching up to 45 minutes at some sites. Drivers are advised to check current traffic restrictions before travelling.

Bauskas Dzīve · 7 Sept, 07:08

Lawyer: switching to e-voting in Latvia would risk voter data security

Lawyer Kalvis Vītoliņš says it is fortunate that Latvia has not adopted electronic voting like Estonia, since a cyberattack could expose sensitive voter data. His comments follow a string of data security incidents at Latvian state institutions.

Latvijas Avīze · 7 Sept, 06:12

TV3 show investigates emergency government funding for Catholic church restoration

Latvian investigative programme "Nekā personīga" is examining a government decision made this summer to allocate emergency-reserve funds to help restore a Catholic church, questioning a possible link to the head of the Prime Minister's office. Historic church restoration in Latvia faces chronic underfunding, with only a fraction of the more than seven million euros needed covered this year.

Apollo.lv · 7 Sept, 06:11

Jaunmārupe hosts annual 'Dog Gathering' event promoting responsible pet ownership

On Sunday, September 6, the town of Jaunmārupe held its fifth annual 'Dog Gathering' event, bringing together hundreds of dogs and their owners. The event combined leisure activities with practical guidance on pet care and responsibility.

LSM · 7 Sept, 06:11

Financial sector head Cērps: outgoing Saeima has piled excessive burdens on the industry

The head of Latvia's Financial Sector Association, Uldis Cērps, says the outgoing Saeima has added extra duties and a solidarity levy on the financial sector that need to be eased going forward. He also addresses gaps in critical infrastructure exposed by the recent storm.

Bauskas Dzīve · 7 Sept, 06:08

Liepāja hosts record number of cruise ships in 2026 season

Seven cruise ships called at the Port of Liepāja in the 2026 season, bringing over 4,200 passengers — a new season record. Eleven ship visits are already booked for 2027.

irLiepāja · 7 Sept, 05:16

Latvian government order to fund only Catholic church repairs was withdrawn after questions

A draft government order this summer would have granted emergency restoration funding solely to a Catholic church, breaking with the usual practice of splitting aid among denominations, but it was revised after officials raised concerns. Investigative show "Nekā personīga" links the episode to the prime minister's chief of staff having ties to the Catholic Church.

Delfi · 7 Sept, 04:15

Jelgava festival gathers practical aid for Ukraine

A festival in Jelgava marking Ukraine's Independence Day and the anniversary of the Baltic Way included organizing a ten-car convoy carrying food and other essential supplies for Ukraine.

LSM · 7 Sept, 04:13

Shorter hours at Narva border point reshape demand for overnight stays

Since mid-June the Narva-1 border crossing has operated only until 7 p.m., pushing travellers who miss the cut-off to seek overnight accommodation in Narva. This has shifted demand at the city's hotels and short-term rental market.

ERR (rus) · 7 Sept, 04:12

Concerns grow that government's careless approach could hurt investment rating

Concerns have been raised that an inconsistent and careless government attitude toward economic growth and attracting investors could lead to a decline in the country's investment rating.

TVNET · 7 Sept, 04:11

Poetry Days in Liepāja to open with Jānis Akuraters' poetry read by Gundars Āboliņš

On September 10, a literary-musical evening at the "Wiktorija" cultural centre in Liepāja will open this year's Poetry Days, marking the 150th anniversary of writer Jānis Akuraters. Actor Gundars Āboliņš will read his works, accompanied by harpist Dārta Tisenkopfa-Muselli.

irLiepāja · 7 Sept, 03:14

Defence minister Melnis questions costly "Archer" howitzer choice, government to decide on next steps

Latvia's Defence Minister Raivis Melnis says the Swedish "Archer" artillery system chosen under his predecessor Andris Sprūds is too expensive and would arrive too late. The government will decide next week in a closed session whether to proceed or switch to a cheaper Czech alternative.

Latvijas Avīze · 7 Sept, 03:13

Tax authority challenges scheme of unpaid breaks for shop staff in court

A court is hearing a dispute between a shop owner and Latvia's State Revenue Service over a working-time scheme that let employees take unpaid breaks of up to four hours when no customers were present. Tax officials view the practice as an attempt to avoid paying taxes.

Apollo.lv · 7 Sept, 03:11

Court examines shop's scheme of paying staff only when customers are present

A Latvian court is hearing a dispute between a business owner and the State Revenue Service over a work-time scheme where shop staff go unpaid during breaks with no customers present. Tax officials view it as an attempt to avoid paying taxes.

TVNET · 7 Sept, 03:11

Security service warns: Latvians who relocated to Belarus may be used in hybrid war tactics

Latvia's State Security Service has warned of a new hybrid warfare tactic — a wave of complaints and lawsuits aimed at burdening supporters of Ukraine, allegedly organized by Latvian nationals who have moved to aggressor states. Public broadcaster's program "De facto" linked the scheme to former detainee Dmitry Matajev.

LSM · 7 Sept, 02:14

Riga police: adults caught helping minors buy alcohol during test purchases

Test purchases by Riga municipal police revealed that minors are not only sometimes sold alcohol directly by retailers, but are also helped by random adults on the street willing to buy it for them. Police say more work is needed to raise adult awareness of their responsibility.

Latvijas Avīze · 7 Sept, 02:14

Quiz: can you spot the city name hidden on the Latvian map?

A new attention test invites readers to study a fragment of a Latvian map and find a city name hidden within it.

Apollo.lv · 7 Sept, 02:12

Estonia temporarily closes Luhamaa border point after Iranian citizens' repeated illegal crossing attempts

The Luhamaa border crossing point in Estonia was closed earlier than usual on Sunday after two Iranian citizens repeatedly tried to enter from Russia without valid travel documents. The point will remain closed until Russia resolves the situation on its side.

ERR (rus) · 7 Sept, 01:13

NBS Industry Day in Rēzekne spotlights Latvian-made defense technologies

On Sunday, the National Armed Forces Industry Day took place in Rēzekne by Lake Kovšu, with 70 Latvian companies presenting military and dual-use technologies.

Delfi · 6 Sept, 23:14

Latvia debates why financial support alone fails to boost birth rates

A discussion on Latvia's demographic policy highlights that financial benefits alone do not decisively influence family decisions to have children, and that state support mechanisms currently fail to adequately reach those already motivated to become parents.

LSM · 6 Sept, 22:08

Monday to bring scattered short showers, temperatures up to +19 degrees

Variable cloudiness with scattered short-lived rain showers is forecast for Monday, September 7, with daytime temperatures reaching up to +19 degrees.

ERR (rus) · 6 Sept, 22:07

Meliss: Predecessor Sprūds ignored military's advice on weapons procurement

Defence Minister Raivis Melnis claims his predecessor Andris Sprūds disregarded the army's recommendations when choosing Sweden's 'Archer' howitzers, a contract for which still hasn't been signed. Sprūds denies the accusations.

Apollo.lv · 6 Sept, 21:10

Defense Minister Melnis Faults Predecessor Sprūds Over Costly Swedish Howitzer Deal

Latvia's Defense Minister Melnis has criticized his predecessor Andris Sprūds for choosing Sweden's 'Archer' artillery howitzers at what he calls an excessive price, even though a final supply contract has still not been signed.

TVNET · 6 Sept, 21:09

In Saulkrasti, an old fishing-net shed is being turned into a hotel as the mayor seeks municipal funds for surrounding infrastructure

An entrepreneur is converting an old fishing-net drying shed on the Saulkrasti beach into a hotel, while the local government head is pushing to have the surrounding infrastructure built with municipal money. The story was reported by Latvian Television's 'De facto' program.

LSM · 6 Sept, 21:07

Kulbergs on Carnikava dog attack: dangerous dogs should be euthanised

Responding to the dog attack in Carnikava, Andris Kulbergs says dogs that bite children should be euthanised if their owners cannot ensure safe supervision. He also recalls his own childhood experience of being attacked by a dog.

Latvijas Avīze · 6 Sept, 20:11

Transit of Russia's "blood grain" through Latvia surges in August

Russia is increasingly rerouting its grain exports away from the threatened Black and Azov Seas toward the Baltic Sea, causing a marked rise in Russian grain cargo transiting Latvia in August. Analysts warn volumes could return to early-war levels in September and October.

TVNET · 6 Sept, 20:09

Why some in Latvia choose not to vote

A new LTV programme 'Keiss' examines why young people, lower-income residents and part of the Russian-speaking population vote less often in Latvia. As a result, their views remain largely unheard in politics.

LSM (rus) · 6 Sept, 19:08

PM: Dogs that bit children in Carnikava should be put down

After a dog attack at a Carnikava kindergarten left six children and a teacher injured, Prime Minister Kulbergs said the animals must be euthanized, though he stressed the process must follow legal procedure.

Delfi · 6 Sept, 18:13

PM Kulbergs Questions State Funding for NGOs Involved in Lobbying

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has publicly criticized the current system of state funding for non-governmental organizations, questioning whether groups that represent members' interests and meet with officials and politicians should receive budget money for doing so.

LSM (rus) · 6 Sept, 18:11

Commentator praises Estonia's new president as contrast to Latvia's election debates

Public relations specialist Kristians Rozenvalds writes that Estonia's parliament elected a new president, Ille Madise, with broad consensus, contrasting the choice with Latvia's ongoing parliamentary election debates.

Delfi · 6 Sept, 17:12