Latvia & nearby
LSM talk show «So, What a Week!» discusses migration disputes, CSDD data leak and school phone ban
Guests on LSM's weekly talk show «So, What a Week!» discussed why migration has divided politicians, whether people should demand compensation from CSDD over a data leak, how the mobile phone ban in schools works in practice, and why Latvians remain reluctant to send children to former «Russian» schools.
LSM (rus) · 3 Sept, 22:31
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One dead, four injured in three-vehicle crash near Ikšķile
A serious three-vehicle collision occurred on highway A6 near Ikšķile on Thursday afternoon, September 3, killing one person and injuring four others.
TVNET · 3 Sept, 22:27
Concerns raised over IT security ahead of Saeima elections
A month before Latvia's 15th Saeima elections, an expert has voiced concerns about the security of election IT systems, while the responsible minister says he has no reason for doubt.
Delfi · 3 Sept, 22:26
LSM hosts pre-election debates in Zemgale ahead of 15th Saeima vote
Ahead of the 15th Saeima elections, LSM and Latvian Television are continuing their "Choose the Future!" debate series, with the latest round held in Zemgale. The series covers all five electoral districts.
LSM (rus) · 3 Sept, 21:31
Estonia weighs giving apartment associations power to ban renting out units
Estonia's Union of Apartment Associations wants apartment owner associations to be able to ban renting out a unit or an entire building by majority vote. Experts warn the move could unjustifiably restrict owners' rights and may conflict with the law.
ERR (rus) · 3 Sept, 21:25
Cert.lv explains how attacker breached Latvian consumer rights agency's system
Latvia's cybersecurity agency Cert.lv detailed how an attacker exploited a public-facing flaw in the Consumer Rights Protection Centre's system to extract contact data of hundreds of people. Officials say no personal ID codes or sensitive data were exposed.
Latvijas Avīze · 3 Sept, 20:26
LSM.lv Russian service publishes new episode of «Obsudim vecherom»
On September 3, 2026, LSM.lv published a new episode of its Russian-language discussion program «Obsudim vecherom» («Let's Discuss This Evening»).
LSM (rus) · 3 Sept, 20:25
Preiļi Municipality Guardianship Court to suspend key function indefinitely
Starting September 15, the Preiļi Municipality Guardianship Court will indefinitely suspend the issuing of certifications and preparation of document drafts. No reasons have been disclosed.
Jauns.lv · 3 Sept, 19:24
Lithuania sounds alarm: much of its recyclable waste ends up burned or landfilled
An audit by Lithuania's State Audit Office finds that despite growing waste sorting habits, a large share of recyclable materials still ends up incinerated or landfilled instead of being recycled. Authorities call for expanding recycling infrastructure.
Delfi · 3 Sept, 18:31
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ECHR finds no violations by Latvia in forced labour case on a farm
The European Court of Human Rights has found no shortcomings in the actions of Latvian authorities in a case involving allegations of forced labour and servitude on a farm. The announcement was made by Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
TVNET · 3 Sept, 18:30
Rezekne SPA centre finally finds a tenant
An oral auction for the lease of the Rezekne recreation, or SPA, centre concluded successfully on Thursday, September 3, after long-standing difficulties finding a tenant for the facility.
LSM (rus) · 3 Sept, 17:29
No school bus for Biķernieki school leaves Daugavpils parents scrambling
About 60 children from Daugavpils have no school bus to Biķernieki primary school in Augšdaugava municipality, forcing parents to arrange transport themselves while officials trade blame.
LSM · 3 Sept, 17:25
Mesurme Pisareva elected new leader of Narva Reform Party branch
Members of the Narva branch of Estonia's Reform Party have elected Mesurme Pisareva as their new leader, replacing Veronika Berzin who headed the branch since its founding in 2024.
ERR (rus) · 3 Sept, 17:24
Rēzekne finally finds tenant for spa centre after more than 20 auctions
The Rēzekne municipality has concluded an oral auction for the lease rights to the city's recreation, or spa, centre, finally finding a tenant for the long-sought-after property.
LSM · 3 Sept, 16:31
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Suspended state secretary Balševics still receiving salary
Edvīns Balševics, the VARAM state secretary suspended on April 9 pending a service inquiry, continues to receive his salary, the ministry confirmed.
Apollo.lv · 3 Sept, 16:28
Heavy Downpours and Thunderstorms Forecast Across Latvia on Friday
Meteorologists warn that Friday will bring an unusually rainy day across Latvia, with heavy rain and localized thunderstorms expected, particularly in Kurzeme and Vidzeme. A yellow warning for high water levels is in effect in Kurzeme until Monday.
Latvijas Avīze · 3 Sept, 15:30
One dead in three-car crash on Daugavpils highway, traffic blocked near Ikšķile
A three-vehicle collision occurred on Thursday on the Daugavpils highway between Ikšķile and Ogre, killing one person and injuring two others, the State Police told LETA.
LSM · 3 Sept, 15:28
Lidl invites shoppers to guess a mystery ice cream flavor
Latvian supermarket chain Lidl is offering customers ice cream with an undisclosed flavor, encouraging them to guess what it is and enjoy the surprise.
Jauns.lv · 3 Sept, 15:26
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Progressives propose scrapping residence permits granted for investments
The Progressives political alliance has submitted amendments to the Immigration Law in the Saeima that would remove the option for foreigners to obtain a temporary residence permit in Latvia in exchange for investments.
TVNET · 3 Sept, 14:30
Latvian municipalities largely abandon state rental housing program for specialists
Of 14 Latvian municipalities that initially agreed to join a state program for building rental housing to attract specialists, 13 have withdrawn, citing high costs and long-term financial risks. Local governments say private investment may be a more viable path forward.
Latvijas Avīze · 3 Sept, 14:30
Latvia hands school holiday and calendar decisions to education minister
Latvia's parliament has passed amendments allowing the education minister to independently set school year dates, holidays and state exam schedules, a task previously handled by the full Cabinet of Ministers.
Jauns.lv · 3 Sept, 14:27
Estonia's Reform Party to begin search for new defense minister next week
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has ruled out Reform Party Secretary General Kristo Enn Vaga as the next defense minister following Hanno Pevkur's resignation, with candidate discussions to begin next week.
ERR News · 3 Sept, 14:27
Court ruling against inventor Skuruls over demand for reward following CSDD security flaw discovery takes effect
A Vidzeme Regional Court ruling fining inventor Raimonds Skuruls 4,290 euros for extortion has entered into force. The case relates to a security vulnerability he discovered in the Road Traffic Safety Directorate's (CSDD) IT system.
LSM · 3 Sept, 14:27
Nature agency asks for donations to repair storm-damaged trails
A recent storm caused significant damage to nature tourism infrastructure in Latvia, prompting the Nature Conservation Agency to call on residents to donate toward repairs.
LSM (rus) · 3 Sept, 14:26
Estonia: two-thirds of deregistered jobless found employment
Over 90,000 people were removed from Estonia's unemployment register over the past 12 months, with 67% of cases due to finding a job. The Economic Affairs Ministry describes the labour market as stable.
ERR (rus) · 3 Sept, 14:25
Estonia's solar power boom comes to an end
Estonia's grid operator Elering says demand for new standalone solar parks has sharply declined as developers turn to hybrid projects with energy storage, data centers and wind power. A failed solar park procurement in Lääneranna Municipality illustrates the shift.
ERR News · 3 Sept, 13:28
Estonian government sees no grounds to dismiss defence investment agency head Elmar Vaher
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal and outgoing Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said they see no need to dismiss Elmar Vaher, head of the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (RKIK), despite identified problems in defence procurement.
ERR (rus) · 3 Sept, 13:26
Frustration grows over Lithuania's slow progress in mending ties with Beijing
Lithuanian lawmakers pushing to normalise relations with China are criticising the government's slow pace and plan to travel to Brussels at their own expense to meet Chinese diplomats after parliament refused to fund the trip.
LRT English · 3 Sept, 12:31
How Do Baby Animals Learn to Fly, Swim and Hunt in the Wild?
Latvian Radio's programme "Zināmais nezināmajā" featured experts explaining how, from birth, wild animal and bird offspring must learn the skills needed for survival.
LSM · 3 Sept, 12:30
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Saeima majority rejects motion to dismiss Interior Minister Dombrava
On Thursday, a majority of Saeima lawmakers rejected an opposition motion calling for the resignation of Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava (National Alliance). The minister keeps his post.
Apollo.lv · 3 Sept, 12:28
Re:Baltica examines whether governing parties kept their promises ahead of Saeima elections
Ahead of the 15th Saeima elections, investigative journalism outlet Re:Baltica has begun assessing whether parties that governed over the past four years delivered on their promises to voters, focusing on four areas including economy and good governance.
TVNET · 3 Sept, 12:27
Estonia's Center Party weighs no-confidence vote against PM Michal
Estonia's opposition Center Party is opening talks with other parties on a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Kristen Michal after the defense minister resigned over a munitions procurement scandal. The party argues the government has lost public trust.
ERR News · 3 Sept, 12:26
Latgale weekly roundup: new school year, border operation and kindergarten concerns
LSM's Latgale desk has compiled the region's main news of the week — the start of the school year, an extended border security operation, and Rēzekne parents' worries over their kindergarten's future.
LSM (rus) · 3 Sept, 12:25
Debate over journalism award nomination for “Timber Barons” reports while legal case remains open
Ilze Jaunalksne-Rēdere's report series “The Timber Barons Case” has been nominated for the Journalists' Association's “Excellence Award 2026,” but “Jēkabpils Laiks” questions whether honoring the work is appropriate before related legal proceedings conclude.
Jauns.lv · 3 Sept, 12:25
Estonia's average monthly wage climbs to €2,243 in second quarter
Statistics Estonia reports the average gross monthly wage rose 5.5 percent year-on-year to €2,243 in the second quarter, while the median wage reached €1,840.
ERR News · 3 Sept, 11:29
Magazine "Pastaiga" names Businesswoman of the Year 2026
Latvian magazine "Pastaiga" has released its annual women's achievement ranking, highlighting business leaders, financiers and entrepreneurs named by experts as top figures in Latvian business for 2026. This year's overall list includes 161 women.
Jauns.lv · 3 Sept, 11:26