Latvia & nearby
Families urged to dine out on September 1 to support SOS Children's Villages kids
The Latvian SOS Children's Villages Association is inviting families to mark the start of the school year on September 1 by dining at over 80 participating restaurants and cafés, which will donate part of the day's revenue to support foster children's schooling. In Bauska, the «Rija Bauska Hotel» restaurant «Mūza» has taken part since 2018.
Bauskas Dzīve · 31 Aug, 06:26
Calendar summer to end with mostly sunny, warm weather in Latvia
The last day of calendar summer in Latvia is expected to be mostly sunny and warm, though light rain is forecast in some areas. Forecasts suggest no dramatic weather shift as autumn begins.
LSM · 31 Aug, 06:25
Estonia to add extra screening for emails from .ru domains reaching state agencies
From 31 August, emails sent from Russian servers or .ru addresses to Estonian state institutions will first be quarantined and screened before delivery, a move Justice and Digital Affairs Minister Liisa Pakosta says strengthens cybersecurity.
ERR (rus) · 31 Aug, 05:33
Latvia's Supreme Court rules on tax authority's data collection before formal audits
Latvia's Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling addressing how much information the State Revenue Service may gather about a taxpayer before formally notifying them that an audit has begun.
TVNET · 31 Aug, 05:30
A day in Krāslava: ornate carved window frames and a surprise — a worm vending machine
The town of Krāslava on the Daugava River draws visitors with its colorful carved wooden window frames and heritage of five local ethnic communities, while a modern touch has arrived in the form of a vending machine selling worms.
LSM (rus) · 31 Aug, 04:33
After the storm: nearly 90% of Latvia's fuel stations lack backup generators, communications held only hours
A recent storm exposed that most fuel stations in Latvia have no backup generator and mobile networks can only run a few hours without power, prompting the state to consider mandatory resilience requirements for critical infrastructure.
LSM · 31 Aug, 04:32
Rainy, cooler weather forecast for Latvia in early September
Low atmospheric pressure will bring mostly rainy weather to Latvia in the first week of September, with temperatures gradually dropping. Forecasters also warn of thunderstorms and stronger winds later in the week.
Delfi · 31 Aug, 03:31
Silence on air during storm triggers resignation at Latvian Radio, editor-in-chief's post also in question
Latvian Radio's News Service head Uģis Lībietis stepped down on Monday at the request of Latvian Public Media (LSM) leadership after news broadcasts were too infrequent during last weekend's storm. TV programme "De facto" reports that LSM editor-in-chief Anita Brauna's position may also be at risk.
LSM · 31 Aug, 03:30
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Community asked to help 45-year-old Jurijs, fighting cancer, who is raising his daughter alone after his wife's death from cancer
A 45-year-old man named Jurijs from Augšdaugavas municipality needs public support to continue his cancer treatment. He has been raising his 10-year-old daughter alone since his wife died of cancer.
Apollo.lv · 31 Aug, 03:29
Evelin Poolamets re-elected chair of EKRE's council of representatives
The council of representatives of Estonia's Conservative People's Party (EKRE) held its first meeting after the party congress in Paide, re-electing Evelin Poolamets as chair and electing Külli Lumi as deputy chair.
ERR (rus) · 31 Aug, 02:31
Poverty threshold in Latvia remains out of reach for many, but election programs barely address it
More than a fifth of Latvia's population lives below the poverty risk threshold, and the country continues to rank among the EU's worst performers on poverty and income inequality. The upcoming Saeima election programs give the issue little attention.
LSM · 31 Aug, 02:30
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Horoscope for Monday, August 31: The Moon brings calm and stability
On August 31, the Moon moves from Aries into Taurus, encouraging people to slow down and appreciate what they already have. The day is expected to feel calmer than recent ones.
Apollo.lv · 31 Aug, 02:29
Latvia's party manifestos: what they promise on education and science
Ahead of the October 3 Saeima elections, Latvian political parties outline differing positions on the "Skola 2030" reform, language of instruction, grading systems and higher education. LV portāls has compiled the parties' pledges in this area.
LV portāls · 31 Aug, 02:27
Mamikins won't vote in Saeima election, citing fear for his life at Latvia's embassy
Former European Parliament member Andrejs Mamikins, who fled to Russia, says he will skip the upcoming Saeima election because he fears for his safety if he visits Latvia's embassy in Moscow. He is urging his supporters not to vote for any party either.
Jauns.lv · 31 Aug, 02:25
In Valmiera region, Alise Zariņa runs a goat farm on the banks of the Ruja
In the Kēņi parish, Alise Zariņa has established the organic farm Pilsgravas, keeping 30 goats and making cheese and ice cream from their milk. Her products have won medals at the Novada garša competition.
LSM (rus) · 31 Aug, 01:32
Supreme Court weighs in: can tax authority collect data before an audit begins
Latvia's Supreme Court has ruled on a dispute over income from puppy sales, addressing the fundamental question of whether the State Revenue Service may collect data on a person's bank accounts and social media posts before formally notifying them of a tax audit. The ruling is reported to be unwelcome news for tax inspectors.
Apollo.lv · 31 Aug, 01:29
Several new education rules take effect with new school year
Latvia's new school year brings multiple regulatory changes, from assessment rules and foreign language requirements to a teacher pay model and support for students with special needs. Some decisions, including exam thresholds, still await government approval.
LV portāls · 31 Aug, 01:25
Anti-corruption bureau flags conflict of interest when officials vote for themselves as agency heads
Latvia's KNAB has found a conflict of interest when members of independent institutions vote for themselves as chair, already fining the National Electronic Mass Media Council's leadership and now examining the Constitutional Court's leadership election.
Delfi · 31 Aug, 00:33
Bulk of sports event funding goes to bridge championship
Government funding earmarked for unnamed international sports events in Latvia has largely gone to a bridge championship, despite the new prime minister's criticism prompting a more formal competitive process.
LSM · 30 Aug, 23:28
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Latvian Radio news chief resigns after criticism over crisis coverage
The head of Latvian Radio's News Service, Uģis Lībietis, has resigned following heavy criticism of insufficient news coverage during a recent crisis. Public broadcaster LSM is now also reviewing the responsibility of other senior staff, including editor-in-chief Anita Brauna.
Apollo.lv · 30 Aug, 23:28
Monday to bring brief showers, temperatures of +13 to +18 degrees
Overnight and during the day on Monday, changeable weather with rain in many areas is expected, while daytime temperatures will reach up to +23 degrees.
ERR (rus) · 30 Aug, 22:29
International gas balloon race passing through Latgale
An international gas balloon race running from August 28 to September 5 is crossing Latvian airspace, with several crews expected to land in Latgale near Rēzekne. Latvia is represented by a two-person crew.
Delfi · 30 Aug, 21:31
De facto: Storm exposes lack of backup generators at nearly 90% of Latvia's fuel stations
A recent storm revealed that most of Latvia's critical infrastructure is unprepared for prolonged power outages, with almost 90% of fuel stations lacking backup generators and communication networks holding out only a few hours without electricity. The Latvian Television programme "De facto" found there have been no unified minimum requirements in this area until now.
Apollo.lv · 30 Aug, 21:27
Storm exposes Latvia's lack of rules for communications, fuel supply during power cuts
A recent storm showed how quickly a power outage can disrupt mobile communications, fuel supply and water services in Latvia. Latvian Television's "de facto" found that the state has not set minimum requirements for mobile operators and fuel stations to keep functioning without electricity.
TVNET · 30 Aug, 21:26
Anti-corruption bureau fines officials for voting for themselves — decision sparks controversy
Latvia's anti-corruption bureau KNAB has fined the chair and deputy chair of the national media council €500 each for voting for their own appointment, and is investigating a similar case involving the Constitutional Court leadership. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from affected officials and other court leaders.
Latvijas Avīze · 30 Aug, 21:25
Anti-corruption bureau flags conflict of interest in independent institution leadership votes
Latvia's anti-corruption bureau KNAB has found a conflict of interest when candidates for leadership of independent institutions vote for themselves, resulting in fines for the media regulator's chair and deputy chair, while a similar review is underway at the Constitutional Court.
Apollo.lv · 30 Aug, 20:28
Anti-corruption bureau flags conflict of interest in votes for independent bodies' leaders, Constitutional Court objects
Latvia's anti-corruption bureau KNAB says candidates voting for their own election as heads of independent institutions creates a conflict of interest, having already fined NEPLP's leadership and now examining the Constitutional Court's leadership vote. The judiciary strongly rejects this interpretation.
Jauns.lv · 30 Aug, 20:28
Teen gangs attack people in central Riga parks, videos surface on social media
Several videos circulating on social media this past weekend show Russian-speaking teenage gangs violently attacking other young people in parks in central Riga. State Police say they are aware of the incidents and are working to identify those involved.
Latvijas Avīze · 30 Aug, 20:26
Lithuania suspects Russian provocation after mourning wreaths appear at defence firm
Nearly simultaneous incidents in Vilnius and the Czech Republic saw mourning wreaths and black-ribboned photos of executives placed outside defence-industry companies, which authorities call an intimidation attempt; Lithuanian police have already detained one suspect.
Ukrainska Pravda · 30 Aug, 20:25
Estonian opposition demands Michal government's resignation, but lacks votes
Isamaa, the Centre Party and EKRE are demanding the resignation of Kristen Michal's government and early elections, but the Social Democrats refuse to back a no-confidence vote, leaving the opposition short of votes.
ERR (rus) · 30 Aug, 20:25
TV programme «Case»: experts examine rising hostile rhetoric toward migrants in Latvia
A new episode of the LSM programme «Case» looks at why insults, suspicion and accusations directed at migrants are becoming louder in Latvia, and what role politicians play in fuelling this rhetoric.
LSM (rus) · 30 Aug, 19:30
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Hot air balloons spotted over Ilūkste, aviation agency says no cause for concern
Residents of Ilūkste noticed several hot air balloons in the sky, but the Civil Aviation Agency confirmed the flights had been approved in advance. The agency urged the public not to worry.
Apollo.lv · 30 Aug, 19:26
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Police begin efforts to identify attackers targeting people in Riga's central parks
The State Police have launched procedures to identify individuals who have attacked people in Riga's central parks. Authorities say the necessary steps are underway to determine who is responsible.
Apollo.lv · 30 Aug, 18:32
Police begin identifying attackers after teenagers beaten in Riga parks
Latvia's State Police have launched the necessary procedures to identify individuals who attacked people in parks in central Riga. Efforts are underway to determine the identities of those involved.
LSM (rus) · 30 Aug, 18:28
Old Riga celebrates Aristotle Days for the 60th time
On Sunday, August 30, the University of Latvia is holding Aristotle Days in Old Riga for the 60th time. The event traditionally gathers people in the university's historic quarter.
LSM · 30 Aug, 18:24
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Forecasters: Early September to bring rain and cooler weather to Latvia
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts rain in many parts of the country during the first week of September, along with a gradual drop in temperature. This signals the end of the warm summer weather period.
TVNET · 30 Aug, 17:31