Latvia & nearby
Rusty barrier in Riga's Sarkandaugava left unrepaired for months, endangering pedestrians
In Riga's Sarkandaugava district, a rusty metal barrier that is the only thing separating pedestrians from busy traffic on Tvaika Street has recently been broken and remains unrepaired, a television investigation found.
TVNET · 16 Aug, 08:02
Latvian veteran athlete wins two gold medals at Baltic Championship
Andris Dainis, a veteran athlete from Valka municipality, won two gold medals in the 800m and 5000m at the Baltic Open Masters Athletics Championship in Pärnu, Estonia. The event drew athletes from 15 countries, with more than 100 competitors representing Latvia.
Ziemeļlatvija · 16 Aug, 08:02
Pärnu Literature Festival may have held its final edition amid funding woes
Estonia's Pärnu hosted its literature festival for the sixth time on Saturday, but organizers warn it may have been the last due to a lack of funding.
ERR News · 16 Aug, 07:58
Aglona pilgrims face airspace alert overnight as drone shot down in Balvi district
About 1,500 pilgrims gathered in Aglona experienced an airspace threat alert overnight into Friday, while allied fighter jets shot down a drone that had entered Latvian airspace near Lake Boževa in Balvi district.
OgreNet · 16 Aug, 07:07
Seaweed pile-up on Liepāja beach sparks social media debate
A social media video showing large amounts of seaweed on Liepāja's beach sparked discussion, but city officials say cleanup has been carried out regularly since June.
Latvijas Avīze · 16 Aug, 07:00
Sunday, August 17: warm to hot weather with isolated light showers
Latvia's Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts variable cloudiness for Sunday, with brief showers possible in eastern areas, while the day overall will be warm to hot.
LSM (rus) · 16 Aug, 06:58
Ogre police warn dog owners: fine for a stray pet can reach €1,750
Ogre municipal police are urging dog owners to check their fences and gates, warning that violating animal welfare rules can lead to a fine of up to €1,750. Residents are also asked to report stray dogs, especially those on roadways.
OgreNet · 16 Aug, 06:04
Eel catch on Lake Võrtsjärv drops sharply after last year's record
Fishermen on Estonia's Lake Võrtsjärv have caught only 18 tonnes of eel this season, a steep fall from last year's record of over 50 tonnes. The overall fish catch, however, remained stable at 133 tonnes.
ERR (rus) · 16 Aug, 06:02
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Wood pellet prices surge in Latvia amid high demand
Although the heating season has not yet begun, demand for wood pellets in Latvia is very high, pushing prices up by roughly 50% since last summer. Industry representatives stress there is no physical shortage of pellets in the country.
Apollo.lv · 16 Aug, 06:01
Columnist: Simply criticizing illegal migration now gets you branded a racist
TVNET columnist Lūsis writes that he is equally annoyed by actual racists and by people who label anyone opposing illegal migration as racist. He calls for distinguishing between the two.
TVNET · 16 Aug, 06:01
Can part of annual leave be swapped for cash? Latvia's labour inspectorate explains
A reader asked whether she could take only half of her paid annual leave and receive money for the rest. Latvia's State Labour Inspectorate says this is not allowed under the Labour Law.
Latvijas Avīze · 16 Aug, 05:58
About 14,000 people attend Aglona festival
The annual Feast of the Assumption celebrations in Aglona have concluded, drawing around 14,000 visitors from Latvia and abroad. Attendance was similar to last year, despite clergy hoping for a larger turnout.
Apollo.lv · 16 Aug, 04:59
Vet: a cat's nose alone can't reveal its full health picture
A veterinary expert explains that the common belief linking a cat's nose moisture and temperature to its health is oversimplified. Other symptoms and, if needed, a rectal temperature reading give a far more reliable picture.
Ziemeļlatvija · 16 Aug, 04:05
Stojtšesku: Kunnas would be a good candidate to lead Estonia's national defence committee
Former head of the Riigikogu's National Defence Committee, Kalev Stoicescu, has backed independent MP Leo Kunnas as a fitting candidate for the chairmanship. A formal vote is set for September 14.
ERR (rus) · 16 Aug, 04:01
761 inmates were employed in Latvia last year
In 2025, 761 inmates were employed in Latvia's places of detention, an increase of nearly 12% compared to the previous year, according to the State Prison Administration.
Apollo.lv · 16 Aug, 04:00
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Aloja actors launch “Aktieri Pipari” pepper brand as spicy rival to garlic and horseradish
Two actors from Aloja have created a hot pepper product brand called “Aktieri Pipari,” hoping to introduce Latvians to chili peppers as a new alternative to the traditional garlic and horseradish.
TVNET · 16 Aug, 02:03
Riga's Central Market vs. Āgenskalns Market: Where Are Autumn Vegetables Cheaper?
As autumn harvest season begins, Riga's Central Market and Āgenskalns Market were compared for their offerings and prices. The two markets differ both in atmosphere and in the cost of goods.
Delfi · 16 Aug, 01:05
LA.lv creates quiz testing basic knowledge about Latvia
The Latvian news portal LA.lv has published a ten-question quiz testing basic facts about Latvia, including a question on the country's official language. The outlet suggests this is knowledge anyone identifying as Latvian by nationality should have.
Latvijas Avīze · 16 Aug, 01:00
Germany struggles to staff brigade for Lithuania, may resort to forced deployment
Germany's Bundeswehr is short about 2,000 soldiers needed to fully staff its permanent brigade in Lithuania by the end of 2027, and the defense minister has raised the possibility of mandatory assignment.
Jauns.lv · 15 Aug, 23:59
Sunday brings changeable cloud cover across Latvia, up to 26°C
Latvia will see variable cloudiness on Sunday with the sun periodically obscured, and light rain possible in eastern areas. Riga will warm up to 24-26°C.
Delfi · 15 Aug, 23:03
Sigulda Zoo welcomes two Amur tigers rescued from Lithuania
Two male Amur tigers removed from Klaipėda Zoo over inadequate conditions have found a new home at Sigulda Zoo in Latvia. The animals now need time to adjust before visitors will be able to see them.
LSM (rus) · 15 Aug, 23:02
Latvia plans priority system for emergency medical calls and new state-funded health services
Latvia's Health Ministry has proposed amendments that would sort emergency medical service calls into three priority levels based on severity, alongside new state-funded health services. Public consultation on the changes runs until September 12.
Delfi · 15 Aug, 22:02
Estonia to see warm but unsettled weather with brief showers and thunderstorms
Over the next 24 hours Estonia will experience warm but unstable weather, with scattered rain and possible thunderstorms during the day. Air temperatures will climb as high as +26°C.
ERR (rus) · 15 Aug, 21:58
Police search for missing young man in Vaiņode parish
Latvian State Police are asking the public for help locating a young man who left his home in Vaiņode parish, South Kurzeme municipality, on August 14 and has not been in contact since. He may be traveling by bicycle.
Delfi · 15 Aug, 21:02
Aglona feast draws 14,000 pilgrims, faithful pray for peace
The Feast of the Assumption celebrations in Aglona have concluded, drawing around 14,000 visitors from Latvia and abroad over five days. Amid threats to airspace, pilgrims prayed not only for their loved ones but also for peace in Latvia and the world.
LSM (rus) · 15 Aug, 20:58
Two Amur tigers rescued from Klaipėda zoo find new home at Sigulda Zoo
Two male Amur tigers previously removed from Klaipėda Zoo over inadequate conditions have joined the animal family at Sigulda Zoo in Latvia. Visitors will likely be able to see them only after the tigers settle into their new surroundings.
LSM · 15 Aug, 20:58
Tallinn's street debate: is a city a magnet or a pipe?
A dispute over rebuilding Tallinn's Pärnu highway has exposed a deeper question about what a city street should be — a high-capacity throughway or a place for encounters. Researcher Indrek Ibrus argues that urban prosperity depends on density and chance meetings, not road capacity.
ERR (rus) · 15 Aug, 20:01
Riga City Day F1 show sparks online debate — some thrilled, others outraged
The first-ever “Red Bull Showrun” held during Riga's 825th anniversary celebrations has drawn mixed reactions online, with some residents delighted and others questioning the event's relevance and organization.
Latvijas Avīze · 15 Aug, 19:59
Police remind: cyclists under 17 must wear a helmet
Latvia's State Police is reminding cyclists and scooter users to follow safety rules, noting that helmets are mandatory for those under 17 and that a cycling permit is required from age 10 for independent riding.
LSM (rus) · 15 Aug, 19:58
Small aircraft falls into bay near Jūrmala
A small aircraft has fallen into a sea bay near Jūrmala, according to a report by Latvijas Avīze. Further details about the circumstances and any possible injuries are not yet known.
Latvijas Avīze · 15 Aug, 19:00
Police remind: helmets mandatory for cyclists under 17
The State Police is reminding the public about safety rules for cyclists and scooter users, noting that children under 17 must wear a helmet while riding. Officers also point out that a cycling license is required for children starting at age 10.
LSM · 15 Aug, 18:58
Riga marks its 825th anniversary with music, sport and street art
On Saturday Riga is holding large-scale celebrations for the city's 825th anniversary, with concerts, circus shows, a craft fair and other events across several city locations.
LSM (rus) · 15 Aug, 18:58
After serious Riga bus crash, many bystanders filmed instead of helping the injured
On Friday evening a police car, a trolleybus and two cars collided at a Riga intersection. A witness says dozens of onlookers filmed the scene on their phones instead of helping the seriously injured.
Jauns.lv · 15 Aug, 17:59
Estonia warns AI-enhanced ID photos could get documents cancelled
Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board says it is seeing a growing number of identity document photos edited with artificial intelligence or beauty filters, warning such documents can be annulled. Officials note an even bigger risk arises when travelling abroad, where automated border systems may flag the mismatch.
Delfi · 15 Aug, 17:58
Criminal case opened over Friday crash involving police car
A criminal case has been launched after a road accident in Riga on Friday, in which nine people were injured and a State Police service vehicle was involved, police told LETA.
LSM (rus) · 15 Aug, 17:58
Small aircraft crashes into sea near Jūrmala, one person rescued
A small aircraft went down in the Gulf of Riga near Jūrmala on Saturday afternoon, several hundred metres from shore. One person was pulled from the water.
LSM · 15 Aug, 17:58