Latvia & nearby
Brunava dog-shooting case: defendants plead not guilty
A trial has begun in Tukums over the shooting of three dogs belonging to egg producer Modris Konovalovs' brand "Modra olas" in Brunava parish; the accused officials and hunter deny wrongdoing.
Žurnāls Ir · 13 Aug, 04:04
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Apollo.lv commentary: why "Suverēnā vara" is gaining ground and what's holding back the National Alliance
A commentary published by Apollo.lv reviews Latvia's current political landscape, covering politician Kulbergs' strong momentum, the rising support for the "Suverēnā vara" party, and difficulties facing the National Alliance, while urging citizens not to skip voting.
Apollo.lv · 13 Aug, 03:06
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Puntulis and state media funding: what does "depoliticization" actually mean?
In discussions about state support for media, the term "depoliticization" has emerged — the idea that politicians should not decide which outlet receives funding. The question is what Culture Minister Nauris Puntulis is actually proposing.
TVNET · 13 Aug, 03:03
National Guard officer: Latvia's border defence needs multiple fortified lines, not just one
Armed Forces major Jānis Slaidiņš says a single defensive line along Latvia's eastern border would not be enough to stop a serious threat, arguing for a multi-layered system similar to Ukraine's approach.
Latvijas Avīze · 13 Aug, 02:05
Police search for missing Valdis Matuļavičs in Riga
Latvian State Police are asking for public help in locating Valdis Matuļavičs, born in 1984, who was last in contact on August 4 and whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Jauns.lv · 13 Aug, 00:03
Dog named Tango becomes online star playing volleyball with owners in Lithuania
A video from Lithuania showing a border collie named Tango enthusiastically playing volleyball with its owners on a beach has gone viral on TikTok. Viewers online have expressed delight at the dog's skill and engagement in the game.
Latvijas Avīze · 12 Aug, 23:00
Human remains pulled from canal near Riga's Opera House
Passers-by in Riga spotted a human body in a canal near the Latvian National Opera, the programme "Degpunktā" reported.
Apollo.lv · 12 Aug, 22:59
What happened in Latgale this week? LSM rounds up the region's main news
LSM's Latgale desk has compiled the week's key regional events — from the first tunnel found being used by illegal migrants at the border to questions about disappearing night pharmacies and flower theft in Rēzekne.
LSM (rus) · 12 Aug, 22:58
Lithuania to dig defensive trenches along border with Russia and Belarus
Lithuania's government has decided to create an anti-mobility defense zone along its border with Russia's Kaliningrad region and Belarus, following a proposal from the Defense Ministry.
LSM · 12 Aug, 22:58
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Partial solar eclipse to be visible across Latvia shortly before sunset
A partial solar eclipse will be visible across all of Latvia this evening, shortly before sunset. Astronomers describe it as one of the most impressive such events in recent years.
Apollo.lv · 12 Aug, 22:03
Latvians gather to watch partial solar eclipse — first sight like this in 15 years
On the evening of Wednesday, August 12, residents across Latvia watched a partial solar eclipse as the Moon covered part of the Sun's disc, a sight not seen in the country for 15 years.
Jauns.lv · 12 Aug, 21:59
Former defence procurement chief alleges irregularities in drone tender
Former VALIC head Ervīns Kopeika claims he uncovered forged documents and a rigged drone procurement process back in 2024. His claims have not been independently confirmed.
Latvijas Avīze · 12 Aug, 21:05
Jelgava Municipality named Latvia's Youth Capital for 2027
Jelgava Municipality has been chosen as Latvia's Youth Capital for 2027, the Ministry of Education and Science announced.
TVNET · 12 Aug, 21:01
Riga residents gather to watch partial solar eclipse
On August 12, many Riga residents, including crowds near the Stone Bridge, gathered to watch a partial solar eclipse that coincided with sunset. At its peak, 84 percent of the Sun's diameter was covered.
Delfi · 12 Aug, 20:59
Saeima committee rejects PM's and economy minister's residency-for-investment proposals
On Wednesday, August 12, the Saeima's Defense and Internal Affairs Committee rejected proposals from both Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and Economy Minister Viktors Valainis to grant foreigners residence permits in exchange for investment.
LSM (rus) · 12 Aug, 20:58
Latvia witnesses partial solar eclipse at sunset
On Wednesday evening, a partial solar eclipse was visible in Latvia, with the Moon covering 84% of the Sun's diameter at its peak. The phenomenon was made especially striking by the fact that it coincided with sunset.
LSM · 12 Aug, 20:58
Sprūds: PM's claim that anti-drone charges were 'forgotten' is disinformation
Former defence minister Andris Sprūds has rejected Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' claim that necessary charges for anti-drone systems were forgotten, calling it disinformation.
Apollo.lv · 12 Aug, 19:03
Bergmanis: Latvia and India have broad cooperation potential
Chairman of the Saeima's Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee Raimonds Bergmanis says Latvia and India have wide-ranging opportunities for cooperation, though realizing them will depend on Latvia itself.
TVNET · 12 Aug, 18:01
What you need to watch tonight's solar eclipse in Latvia
A solar eclipse will be visible in Latvia this evening, and viewing it requires only a simple set of preparations. The key conditions are proper eye protection and clear skies to the west.
Jauns.lv · 12 Aug, 18:00
Government to seek ways to significantly cut Rail Baltica costs
Following an in-depth review of the Rail Baltica project, Latvia's government has concluded that the current implementation model cannot continue, and by mid-September it must find ways to reduce both technical requirements and costs. Shortening the main first-stage route in Latvia is not currently planned.
LSM · 12 Aug, 17:58
Foreigner who caused crash on Pērnavas Street in Riga has no valid residence permit
In the early hours of Wednesday, August 12, a driver under the influence of alcohol caused a traffic accident near the Zemitāns bridge in Riga; he is an Indian citizen without a valid residence permit in Latvia.
LSM (rus) · 12 Aug, 17:58
Truck from Latvia stopped near Kaunas with over €2 million in illegal cigarettes
Lithuanian customs officers stopped a truck from Latvia near Kaunas, discovering illegal cigarettes worth more than two million euros. The Lithuanian Customs Department reported the seizure on Wednesday.
Apollo.lv · 12 Aug, 17:03
Two men accused of thefts worth over €3,000 in Liepāja
Latvia's State Police have moved to charge two men suspected of stealing from garages and a new building under construction in Liepāja, with damages exceeding €3,000.
TVNET · 12 Aug, 17:02
Riga bids farewell to climber Inese Pučeka after Denali tragedy
On Wednesday, August 12, family and colleagues gathered at the Riga crematorium to say goodbye to alpinist Inese Pučeka, who died in May while climbing North America's highest peak, Denali. Her remains were brought home on August 10.
Jauns.lv · 12 Aug, 17:02
Estonia tightens accessibility requirements for new buildings
New accessibility requirements for buildings took effect in Estonia this month, and starting next January at least one-tenth of apartments in new residential buildings must be easily adaptable for people with special needs.
ERR News · 12 Aug, 17:00
PM: Rail Baltica requirements must be cut to an acceptable minimum
The main Rail Baltica line will still be built as planned from Latvia's southern to northern border, but by mid-September responsible agencies must decide which project requirements can be dropped to deliver a functional railway the country can actually build.
LSM (rus) · 12 Aug, 15:58
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Legendary "Auto Union" race car to appear on Riga's streets during city festival
As part of Riga's 825th anniversary celebrations on August 15, the Riga Motor Museum, together with the city council, will let residents and visitors view the historic "Auto Union Type C" race car.
Apollo.lv · 12 Aug, 15:04
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Thursday to bring mostly dry weather in Latvia, temperatures up to 23 degrees
Meteorologists forecast mostly dry weather across Latvia on Thursday, with air warming up to 23 degrees Celsius. Light, brief rain is possible in some areas.
TVNET · 12 Aug, 15:02
Saeima moves to spread illegal-migration detention cases across all district courts
A Saeima committee has backed Justice Ministry amendments aimed at easing the overload on Latgale District Court by distributing foreign nationals' detention-extension cases across courts nationwide. The bill has been given urgent status.
Jauns.lv · 12 Aug, 15:01
Sunny spells expected in Latvia on Thursday, air warming up to 23°C
Latvia will see mostly dry weather on Thursday with temperatures rising to 23°C, while forecasters predict even warmer conditions over the weekend.
Latvijas Avīze · 12 Aug, 15:00
Kulbergs government has fully completed seven of 61 priorities
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs says the government has fully completed seven of 61 set priorities, with dozens more in progress and at least three delayed.
LSM (rus) · 12 Aug, 14:59
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Man breaks into flat via roof, attacks partner and children in Jēkabpils
In Jēkabpils, a man climbed onto a building's roof to enter a flat through the balcony and attacked his partner and children before being detained by police.
Apollo.lv · 12 Aug, 14:04
Man breaks into flat via balcony, assaults ex-wife in front of children in Jēkabpils
Police in Jēkabpils detained a man who climbed through a balcony door into his estranged wife's flat and physically assaulted her while their two young children were present, also treating the children cruelly. He now faces multiple criminal charges.
Jauns.lv · 12 Aug, 14:01
In Jēkabpils, man breaks into ex-wife's apartment via balcony and attacks her in front of children
On August 11 in Jēkabpils, a man climbed onto a building's roof and entered his estranged wife's apartment through the balcony, assaulting her while her two young children were present; a criminal case has been opened on multiple charges.
Delfi · 12 Aug, 14:00
Shoe thrown from car window causes over €2,000 in damage to another vehicle
A customer of insurance company Balcia experienced an unusual incident when a shoe thrown from another vehicle struck his car's roof, causing over €2,000 in damage. The case illustrates that comprehensive car insurance covers more than just traffic accidents.
TVNET · 12 Aug, 13:01
Riga begins partial demolition of ED dam to host more cruise ships closer to city centre
Partial demolition of the ED dam in the southern part of Riga's Export Port began this week, aiming to let the city accommodate more cruise ships closer to its centre. The Freeport of Riga authority says the works could spur improvements to the Andrejsala waterfront and its public space.
LSM (rus) · 12 Aug, 12:58