Latvia & nearby

Estonian hospital says at least one child arrives daily after e-scooter accidents
An Estonian ER doctor says Tallinn Children's Hospital now sees at least one electric scooter injury a day, with most serious accidents caused by riders losing balance rather than collisions.
ERR News · 22 Aug, 10:39

Powerful storm to cross Latvia on Saturday, may reach Riga by evening
Meteorologists warn that a strong storm will sweep across Latvia on Saturday and could reach Riga around 9 p.m. Forecasts about its exact strength still vary.
Jauns.lv · 22 Aug, 10:38
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Forecasters: storm may hit Riga late Saturday evening
Meteorologists say a storm could reach Riga around 9 p.m. on Saturday, though forecasts still differ on how strong it will be. Residents are advised to keep checking weather updates.
Apollo.lv · 22 Aug, 10:37
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Cell broadcast alert system activated in Latvia on Saturday morning over heavy rain warning
Latvia's cell broadcast alert system was activated on Saturday morning after the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre issued a red warning for very heavy rain. Residents are being warned of hazardous weather through Saturday and into the night before Sunday.
TVNET · 22 Aug, 10:37
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Fire breaks out at exclusive Jūrmala villa once rented by Alla Pugacheva
A fire broke out overnight on Friday at the villa "Garden" near the "Baltic Beach Hotel & SPA" in Jūrmala. Latvian TV3 program "Degpunktā" reported further details on the incident.
Apollo.lv · 22 Aug, 09:41

CSDD IT department head earned over €77,000 last year
As Latvia's road traffic authority CSDD deals with the fallout of a major data breach, it has emerged that its IT department head, Māris Puriņš, earned €77,221 from the company in 2025, according to his state official's declaration.
Latvijas Avīze · 22 Aug, 09:37

Passport by appointment: In Krāslava, the migration office operates twice a month
Since the local Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) branch closed in April 2022, residents of Krāslava can only renew passports or ID cards when a mobile service visits twice a month. An LSM programme examined how locals have adapted to the new arrangement.
LSM (rus) · 22 Aug, 09:35

Estonian Reform Party founder Siim Kallas dies
Former Estonian Prime Minister and European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas has died at the age of 77 during the night of August 22. His daughter, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, announced his death on social media.
ERR (rus) · 22 Aug, 09:02

How to know the right time to harvest vegetables this autumn
Gardeners advise judging harvest timing by specific signs rather than the calendar alone, since this year onion tops remain green even though tradition says it's already time to dig them up. Timely harvesting is key to good winter storage.
Latvijas Avīze · 22 Aug, 09:02

Latvia's grid operator raises alert level ahead of Saturday storm
Heavy, at times extreme rain and gusts up to 25–32 m/s are forecast to hit Latvia on Saturday, August 22, prompting grid operator "Sadales tīkls" to boost operational readiness and urge residents to take precautions.
Jauns.lv · 22 Aug, 09:01

Renouncing Russian citizenship now far pricier in Estonia
Since August, giving up Russian citizenship in Estonia has cost several times more than before, and the interior minister says it's too early to tell if this will discourage applicants.
ERR News · 22 Aug, 08:59

Forecasters warn of harsh Saturday in Latvia, with locally extreme rainfall possible
A cyclone moving in from the east is set to bring Latvia prolonged and locally extreme rain along with strong wind gusts on Saturday, prompting an orange weather warning for part of the country.
BNN · 22 Aug, 08:04
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Latvia's weather service warns of Saturday storm and heavy rain, events cancelled
Latvia's Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts a storm and very heavy rain for Saturday, August 22, prompting the cancellation of several planned events.
TVNET · 22 Aug, 08:03

A Fifth of Latvia's Economy Still in the Shadows – What's Going Wrong
A new survey shows Latvia's shadow economy reached 21.8% of GDP last year and has barely shrunk in recent years. Experts say enforcement alone isn't enough — legal work also needs to become more rewarding.
Bauskas Dzīve · 22 Aug, 08:01

Creating a flower bed beneath a large tree
Horticulture experts explain how homeowners can still create a thriving flower bed under the shade of large, established trees in their yards. The key lies in choosing plants suited to lower light and root competition.
LSM · 22 Aug, 07:58

Lielvārde to mark start of new school year on September 1
On September 1, Lielvārde's Lāčplēša Square will host a free celebration marking the start of the new school year, featuring activities for the whole family.
OgreNet · 22 Aug, 07:04

Svetlana Vāverniece to temporarily lead Bauska Primary School
The Bauska municipality has appointed Svetlana Vāverniece as acting principal of Bauska Primary School. She takes up the role on August 22 and will serve until the council appoints a permanent director.
Bauskas Dzīve · 22 Aug, 07:02

airBaltic denies fears over cancelled flights amid financial concerns
airBaltic's CFO Vitolds Jakovļevs has rejected public concerns that discounted flight tickets could be cancelled next year, insisting the airline only sells flights it actually plans to operate.
Delfi · 22 Aug, 07:00

Extreme downpours and storm expected in Latvia on Saturday
On Saturday, August 22, heavy and prolonged rain is forecast across Latvia, with extreme downpours expected in the central part of the country, prompting a red warning. A red warning may also be issued for strong wind, currently at orange level.
LSM (rus) · 22 Aug, 06:58

Liepāja's week of August 24–30: teacher conferences, sports festival and road works
The Liepāja municipality has released its weekly schedule for August 24–30, covering council leadership meetings, teacher training days, sports events and ongoing municipal road works.
irLiepāja · 22 Aug, 06:04

Teenager in Jelgava region grows thousands of watermelons on 1.6 hectares
Still a schoolboy, Emīls Nils Gaišprātis manages a 1.6-hectare watermelon field near Jelgava, saying the business can turn a profit in Latvia but will never make anyone a millionaire.
Delfi · 22 Aug, 06:03

Ķegums to celebrate Knowledge Day festival
On September 1, Ķegums Park will host a Knowledge Day festival for children and young people with creative activities and entertainment. The event starts at 1 PM.
OgreNet · 22 Aug, 06:01

Why Latvians guard their mushroom spots as closely as family recipes
In a LETA podcast, mycologists explain why Latvian mushroom pickers never reveal their favorite spots and how to safely identify what they find. Experts warn that if there's any doubt about a species, it should not be eaten.
Bauskas Dzīve · 22 Aug, 05:59

“Priekule/Ruģi” crowned Liepāja amateur football champions
“Priekule/Ruģi” beat “Liepāja Beach Cafe” 1:0 in the final to win the WindUp.lv Liepāja city amateur football championship, with several of their players also picking up individual awards.
irLiepāja · 22 Aug, 05:05

Estonia to see heavy rain and possible thunderstorms on Saturday, up to +21C
Estonian forecasters expect heavy rain and possible thunderstorms across the country on Saturday, with daytime temperatures reaching up to +21 degrees Celsius.
ERR (rus) · 22 Aug, 05:03

Ogre to Screen Animated Film "The Happiest" With Creative Team Visit
On September 8, the Ogre Municipality Culture Centre will screen the animated film "The Happiest," followed by a meeting with the film's creative team.
OgreNet · 22 Aug, 05:01

Liepāja's 'Pegaza Pagalms' to host five events as summer winds down
From August 26 to 30, the Liepāja venue 'Pegaza Pagalms' is hosting five varied events, ranging from international jazz and funk concerts to a bingo night, a summer closing dance and a youth concert.
irLiepāja · 22 Aug, 04:06

Analyst: Russia keeps spreading disinformation about Latvia
Political scientist Andis Kudors says Russia has continued an active disinformation campaign against Latvia in 2026, including publishing a state-funded book that distorts Latvian history. He views this as part of hybrid warfare aimed at creating tension and undermining support for Ukraine.
Delfi · 22 Aug, 04:05

Ogre to host creative morning event on knitting and Christmas decor ideas
On September 12, the Ogre Municipality Culture Centre will host "Morning with Knitting," a free session focused on Christmas gift and decoration ideas. Participants will craft snowflakes together.
OgreNet · 22 Aug, 04:00
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A simple way to preserve a large quantity of tomatoes for winter
With a greenhouse full of ripe tomatoes, people usually eat, share, or spend hours canning them, but there is a simpler method to store them.
TVNET · 22 Aug, 03:04

Valmiera prison chief urges employers to judge ex-inmates by skills, not their past
At an open house event, Valmiera Prison director Indulis Ceriņš called on employers to evaluate former inmates based on their skills and motivation rather than their criminal record.
TVNET · 22 Aug, 00:00

CSDD launches dedicated webpage on cyberattack, as blame debate with Tet continues
Latvia's Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) has created a single web section gathering all information about the recent cyberattack on its systems, while responsibility for the breach is still being debated with tech company Tet.
Jauns.lv · 21 Aug, 23:06

Musician Lauris Reiniks shares storm footage from Slovakia as Latvia braces for severe weather
Latvian musician Lauris Reiniks posted video of a powerful storm in Slovakia, saying he understands the decision to cancel many concerts in Latvia ahead of expected extreme weather. Latvia's central region has been placed under a red warning for extremely heavy rain.
Latvijas Avīze · 21 Aug, 23:00

Estonia's Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise announces presidential bid
Estonia's Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise officially confirmed on Monday that she will run for president, ending weeks of speculation. She is the preferred candidate of ruling coalition parties Reform and Eesti 200.
ERR News · 21 Aug, 22:03

Alika Milova and Zetod to headline Maardu's autumn ethnic fair on September 12
Maardu's Kellamäe park will host the traditional autumn ethnic fair on September 12–13, with Saturday's highlight being concerts by folk group Zetod and singer Alika Milova, capped off with fireworks.
ERR (rus) · 21 Aug, 22:02
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Second underground migrant tunnel discovered on Belarus border
Latvian border guards in Krāslava detained 28 people on Thursday who illegally crossed the border from Belarus through a dug underground tunnel. An LSM journalist documented what the tunnel looks like.
Apollo.lv · 21 Aug, 22:02