Latvia & nearby
No illegal migrants or smugglers detained since Vilkatis operation began, says defence minister
Defence Minister Raivis Melnis says that since the start of the border-security operation Vilkatis, not a single illegal migrant or smuggler has been detained in the border zone.
LSM (rus) · 17 Aug, 09:58
Year-round outdoor swimming complex planned for Tallinn's Kalasadam
A new year-round outdoor swimming and leisure complex is set to be built at Tallinn's Kalasadam, next to Linnahall, run by a Finnish operator with a similar site in Helsinki. Construction is expected to start late this year and finish in 2028.
ERR News · 17 Aug, 09:04
First-Ever Catholic Missal in Latgalian Released – Welcomed, but Room for Refinement Remains
For the first time, the Catholic Missal has been published in the Latgalian written language this spring, replacing the earlier practice of priests translating liturgical texts from Standard Latvian on their own. Linguists and clergy call the translation largely positive but point to several passages needing further refinement.
LaKuga · 17 Aug, 09:03
Allied fighter jets down drone near Boževa Lake in Balvi region
Early Friday morning, allied fighter jets shot down a drone that had entered Latvian airspace near Rugāji in Balvi municipality. No residents or property were harmed, and the drone's country of origin is still being determined.
Delfi · 17 Aug, 09:03
Melnis: drone shot down in Latvia on Friday flew in from Belarus
Defence Minister Raivis Melnis said the drone that entered Latvian airspace on Friday and was subsequently shot down came from Belarus, though its country of origin is still being confirmed.
Latvijas Avīze · 17 Aug, 09:01
Rain expected early this week, active cyclone possible by weekend
Latvia's environment and meteorology agency forecasts a rainy start and middle of the week, while an active cyclone could bring intense downpours by the weekend.
BNN · 17 Aug, 09:01
Minister: Friday's drone entered Latvia from Belarus
Defence Minister Raivis Melnis confirmed that the drone which entered Latvian airspace on Friday came from Belarus, while its country of origin is still being determined. Allied aircraft shot it down near Lake Boževa in Balvi municipality, causing no damage.
OgreNet · 17 Aug, 09:01
Two people killed in Latvia's road traffic accidents on Sunday
Two people died and 15 others were injured in road traffic accidents across Latvia on Sunday, the State Police reported.
Apollo.lv · 17 Aug, 08:58
No detained illegal migrants or their transporters since start of operation "Vilkatis"
Defence Minister Raivis Melnis said that since the launch of the operation "Vilkatis", stepped-up border monitoring has not led to the detention of any illegal migrants or people transporting them.
LSM · 17 Aug, 08:58
Parents share views on what makes a school good for children
The newspaper "Zemgales Ziņas" surveyed parents and public figures on what qualities make a school suitable for children. Responses highlighted distance, teacher attitude, and learning environment as key factors.
Zemgales Ziņas · 17 Aug, 08:03
Organic farmland continues to expand in Latvia, Madona region leads the way
For the first time, organic farmland has exceeded 40% of agricultural land in two Latvian regions, according to the Bio Top 500 ranking compiled by the Latvian Association of Organic Agriculture. Nationally, organic farming now covers about a fifth of all agricultural land.
Kurzemnieks · 17 Aug, 08:03
Estonia's Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise announces bid for presidency
Estonia's Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise announced on 17 August that she will run for the presidency of Estonia. She said she is ready to meet Riigikogu members in the coming days to present her vision of the president's role.
ERR (rus) · 17 Aug, 08:02
Estonian Justice Chancellor Ülle Madise announces presidential bid
Estonia's Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise officially declared her candidacy for president on Monday, with the parliamentary election set for September 2.
ERR News · 17 Aug, 08:00
Traffic reopened on Ventspils highway after Sunday accident
Traffic on the Ventspils highway, which was blocked following a traffic accident on Sunday, has been reopened as of Monday morning, according to state road operator Latvijas Valsts ceļi.
Apollo.lv · 17 Aug, 07:58
Opinion: how everyday language reveals invisible ageism toward older people
Commentator Anna Žabicka points out that while society's ageing is often described with alarming terms, everyday expressions actually reveal ageism that goes unnoticed.
TVNET · 17 Aug, 07:03
What to know before buying an insurance policy in Latvia
The Bank of Latvia and the Latvian Insurers Association explain what information policyholders are entitled to before signing a contract and how to compare offers. The article stresses carefully reading policy terms before signing.
LV portāls · 17 Aug, 07:02
Saeima Speaker Mieriņa tops July pay among lawmakers
Newly published payroll data shows Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa earned the most among lawmakers in July 2026, followed by Jānis Grasbergs and Antoņina Ņenaševa. The base monthly salary for an MP this year is 4,330 euros before tax.
Bauskas Dzīve · 17 Aug, 06:58
Monday, August 17: Rain expected across Latvia, possible thunderstorms
On Monday, August 17, rain clouds will form over most of Latvia, bringing heavy downpours and possible thunderstorms in some areas, according to forecasters.
LSM (rus) · 17 Aug, 06:58
Drivers over 60 must undergo health checks every three years
Latvia's Health Inspectorate has clarified that vehicle drivers who reach 60 years of age must have health checks more frequently — every three years instead of the previous longer intervals. The exact date of the next check depends on the driver's age at the time of the last examination.
Ziemeļlatvija · 17 Aug, 06:04
/nginx/o/2026/08/11/17841576t1he84a.jpg)
Government explores measures to stabilize airBaltic's finances
Latvian public broadcaster LTV's "De facto" reports that the government is considering steps to stabilize the finances of national airline airBaltic, including delaying bond interest payments and raising new capital.
Apollo.lv · 17 Aug, 06:01
Hope grows that Latvia can do without Kulbergs' proposed 'golden visas'
Financial signals suggest Latvia's economic situation could improve without a controversial proposal to grant residence permits in exchange for a 100,000-euro investment.
TVNET · 17 Aug, 06:01
Next week's weather in Latvia to turn rainier and slightly cooler
Forecasters say next week will bring more rain and slightly cooler temperatures to Latvia.
LSM (rus) · 17 Aug, 05:03
New week to open with rain and thunderstorms, stronger downpours possible by weekend
Forecasters say cyclones will bring frequent rain and slightly cooler weather to Latvia in the second half of August, with more intense rainfall possible by the end of the week.
Bauskas Dzīve · 17 Aug, 04:05
Narva-Jõesuu opens new breakwater protecting river mouth and beach
The Estonian town of Narva-Jõesuu has opened a new sea breakwater replacing a structure that had been crumbling since the late 1980s. Residents and visitors have praised the renewed waterfront.
ERR (rus) · 17 Aug, 04:03
Riga's municipal transport company sells nearly half of bus station shares to private firm
Riga's municipal company Rīgas satiksme, via its subsidiary Rīgas acs, has sold a 49.99% stake in the Riga International Bus Station to private company Rivaro Holding for €3.82 million. The government approved the deal in June since the bus station is classified as critical infrastructure.
Jauns.lv · 17 Aug, 04:02
Latvian care homes to hold open days inviting volunteers to help seniors
On Saturday, September 12, several social care centres across Latvia will simultaneously hold open days for the first time, inviting people to learn about volunteering opportunities with elderly residents. The initiative aims to raise awareness of seniors' social isolation.
Delfi · 17 Aug, 03:03
De facto: PM's Liepāja visit was effectively organised by United List office and Uldis Sesks
Latvian Television's programme 'de facto' found that Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' official working visit to Liepāja was in fact organised by the United List party office and its local leader Uldis Sesks.
LSM · 17 Aug, 03:02
/nginx/o/2026/07/31/17818579t1h2098.jpg)
Fact-check: No, Latvia has not banned Raimonds Pauls' songs
Social media posts claiming Latvia's parliament passed a law banning several songs, including works by composer Raimonds Pauls, are false, according to TVNET's fact-checking project "Faktomāts".
Apollo.lv · 17 Aug, 03:02
Drone incidents expose weak spot in Latvia's crisis readiness
Recent drone incidents in Latvia have again highlighted gaps in the country's crisis preparedness, particularly around evacuating residents. Although new civil protection mechanisms have been built in recent years, experts warn they remain largely untested in practice.
Jauns.lv · 17 Aug, 03:02
Home canning remains popular in Latvia despite wide store selection
Although shops offer a wide range of pickled and preserved products from local and foreign producers, home canning in Latvia continues to be popular across all age groups.
TVNET · 17 Aug, 03:01
Riga residents on immigration: caution over control and skepticism toward politicians
Delfi took to the streets of Riga to gauge public attitudes toward immigration after the new interior minister named it a top priority. Responses ranged from personal caution to general indifference.
Delfi · 17 Aug, 02:04
Latvia's civil protection readiness still lags behind plans, experts say
Recent drone incidents in Latvia have renewed questions about the country's readiness for a serious threat, with experts noting that practical capacity still falls short of existing plans. The State Fire and Rescue Service acknowledges possible shortages of resources and trained personnel in a large-scale crisis.
LSM · 17 Aug, 02:04
Mūrniece: autumn will be tough, Latvia must urgently reinforce eastern border
Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee chair Ināra Mūrniece warns that Russia may launch a new military offensive in Ukraine after its state Duma elections, and urges Latvia to urgently strengthen its border. She also calls for closer cooperation among Baltic states.
Latvijas Avīze · 17 Aug, 02:01
Serious crash on Ventspils highway, injuries reported
A serious traffic accident occurred on the Ventspils highway near the Straupciems turnoff this afternoon, leaving people injured.
LSM (rus) · 17 Aug, 01:05
SKDS poll: party supporters sharply divided over Latvia's support for Ukraine
A survey commissioned by news portal Delfi shows Latvians' views on aid to Ukraine split strongly along party lines, with some prospective voters wanting more support and others wanting it stopped entirely.
Delfi · 17 Aug, 01:03
Court proceedings begin over fatal reversing garbage truck accident in Purvciems courtyard
In April, a garbage truck reversing in a residential courtyard in Riga's Purvciems district fatally struck an elderly woman. The criminal case has now reached court.
Apollo.lv · 17 Aug, 01:01