Latvia & nearby
Calls to Estonia's child helpline up 20% over the year
The number of contacts to Estonia's Lasteabi child helpline has grown 20% over the past year, with more children reaching out online. Specialists urge adults not to stay indifferent to children in danger.
ERR (rus) · 7 Aug, 23:20
Dombrava's remark on border cameras catches Saeima committee head off guard
Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava said on television that surveillance cameras installed on the Latvia-Belarus border had not been connected. The news came as a surprise to the head of the responsible Saeima committee, which now plans to seek further explanation.
LSM (rus) · 7 Aug, 23:18
Eggplants bloom but bear no fruit: gardeners search for reasons flowers keep dropping
Several Latvian gardeners report this summer that their eggplants bloom abundantly but the flowers or tiny fruit buds fall off before fruit develops. A gardening forum discussion has surfaced likely causes and practical fixes.
Latvijas Avīze · 7 Aug, 23:16
Latvia's Society of the Blind marks its centenary at Strazdumuiža
The Latvian Society of the Blind, whose community hub in Strazdumuiža has stood for nearly 150 years, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Chairman Kaspars Biezais describes daily operations and his own work coaching children's judo.
Delfi · 7 Aug, 22:16
Saturday brings changeable clouds and scattered showers to Estonia, highs up to +23
Estonian meteorologists forecast variable cloud cover with brief rain and some thunderstorms for August 8, with daytime temperatures reaching up to +23 degrees.
ERR (rus) · 7 Aug, 22:16
Lawmakers propose extending eastern Latvia development law to several Vidzeme municipalities
Members of the Saeima's Latgale subcommittee are proposing to extend the planned Eastern Territory Development Law to cover several Vidzeme municipalities, including Jēkabpils, Alūksne, Gulbene, Madona, Smiltene and Valka. The bill currently covers the Latgale region and Alūksne municipality.
Delfi · 7 Aug, 21:21
Coalition divided over future of Latvia's 'golden visas'
Coalition partners hold differing views on the future of so-called 'golden visas' — residence permits granted in exchange for investment — as Saeima prepares to reconsider the Immigration Law at the request of President Edgars Rinkēvičs.
LSM · 7 Aug, 21:15
Riga holds military mobility exercise to test readiness for security threats
Metal anti-tank obstacles made from old tram rails, concrete blocks and heavy military vehicles briefly appeared on Riga's streets today as part of a military mobility exercise. Part of the city was turned into a training ground to test how the capital would respond if a security threat became reality.
LSM (rus) · 7 Aug, 21:14
Estonian coalition parties confident Madise could be elected president in Riigikogu vote
Estonia's ruling parties and the opposition Social Democrats say Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise has a real chance of being elected president directly by parliament, though this claim currently rests only on an arithmetic count of potential votes.
ERR (rus) · 7 Aug, 20:16
Saeima committee to seek clarification on minister's remarks about border cameras
Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava's statement that surveillance cameras on the Latvia–Belarus border were installed but not connected has surprised the head of the relevant Saeima committee, who plans to request an explanation.
LSM · 7 Aug, 20:14
Paldiski to celebrate city day with Anne Veski and Meie Mees concert
On Saturday, August 8, the Estonian town of Paldiski will hold its city day celebrations, culminating in a concert featuring Anne Veski, the bands Meie Mees and Triibupasta, and rapper Hunt. Admission is free.
ERR (rus) · 7 Aug, 19:18
Man in wheelchair stopped in traffic lane with blood alcohol of 5.49 promille
Latvian State Police stopped an aggressive man born in 1985 who was moving through a traffic lane in a wheelchair; a breath test showed 5.49 promille of alcohol. An administrative violation case has been opened against him.
Delfi · 7 Aug, 18:22
Estonia detains 99 illegal migrants in two weeks, disputes reported at holding facility
Estonian police have caught 99 people believed to have no legal grounds to stay in the country over the past two weeks, while officials say minor conflicts keep breaking out at the facility holding them.
ERR News · 7 Aug, 17:21
Estonia detains almost a hundred illegal migrants in two weeks
Estonian border guard officials say police detained 99 people over the past two weeks who are suspected of lacking legal grounds to stay in the country, describing it as a hybrid threat rather than ordinary migration.
ERR (rus) · 7 Aug, 17:16
Public transport lane to be added at Ulmaņa gatve and Lielirbes iela junction in Riga
Riga city authorities plan to create a dedicated public transport lane at the junction of Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve and Lielirbes iela to help buses avoid traffic jams. The changes are to be completed by August 30.
Delfi · 7 Aug, 17:15
Saeima debates law on developing Latvia's eastern region
Latvian parliament members met in Krāslava to discuss a bill supporting businesses and investment in Latgale and the Alūksne region, but disagreements remain over how wide the law's territory should be. The debate is complicated by requests from Jēkabpils and several Vidzeme municipalities to be included.
LSM (rus) · 7 Aug, 17:14
Police seek charges against organized group over illegal cigarette trade in Latvia and Scandinavia
Latvia's Tax and Customs Police have completed an investigation into an organized group that distributed illegal cigarettes in Latvia and Scandinavian countries, requesting prosecution of five suspects. More than 3.8 million cigarettes were seized during the probe.
Delfi · 7 Aug, 16:19
Storm damages Lithuania's UNESCO-listed Kernavė archaeological site
A powerful storm that hit Lithuania on Thursday damaged the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kernavė archaeological site, officials confirmed on Friday. Cleanup is underway with staff and student volunteers from Vilnius University.
LRT English · 7 Aug, 16:19
Riga again eases traffic rules for farm cargo heading to the port
As the new harvest season begins, Riga has reactivated last year's traffic scheme that eases the movement of agricultural cargo trucks heading to the Port of Riga. Carriers must register in the “i.rop” electronic system to use designated street sections with less congestion.
Latvijas Avīze · 7 Aug, 16:19
Photo exhibition-installation on defense of Ukraine's Chasiv Yar opens in central Tallinn
A traveling photo exhibition-installation created by Ukrainian soldiers, dedicated to the defense of the city of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk region, has opened at Uus-turg square in central Tallinn. It will remain open until mid-August.
ERR (rus) · 7 Aug, 16:15
National Guard to hold drone exercises in Garkalne on August 8–9
A National Guard unit will conduct training exercises in Garkalne, Ropaži municipality, on August 8 and 9, using drones and training ammunition.
LSM (rus) · 7 Aug, 16:14
Estonia's Defence Ministry vows to protect Aidu groundwater from planned explosives plant
Estonia's Climate Ministry wants a planned explosives factory at the former Aidu oil shale quarry to avoid harming groundwater and a newly recovered ecosystem there. The Defence Ministry says it will factor in the new findings but does not expect the construction timeline to change.
ERR (rus) · 7 Aug, 15:19
"Modra olu" owner questions deer-attack theory after court hearing
Egg farm owner Modris Konovalovs said after an August 6 court hearing that case materials do not support the original claim his three dogs, later shot dead, attacked a roe deer. Four people face charges in the criminal case over the dogs' killing.
Delfi · 7 Aug, 15:17
Latvian Language Agency has taught the state language to hundreds of newcomers
Over the past three years, more than 650 people who recently arrived in Latvia have learned Latvian through a project run by the Latvian Language Agency (LVA). The agency has also published new learning materials on its website.
LSM (rus) · 7 Aug, 15:14
Estonia launches review to map gaps in children's mental healthcare
Estonia's Ministry of Social Affairs is commissioning an 11-month study to identify gaps in children's mental health services and design a better care pathway across health, education and social care.
ERR News · 7 Aug, 14:17
New FIBA-standard basketball court opens in Raiskums
A new outdoor basketball court built to FIBA standards has opened next to Aleksandrs Bieziņš Raiskums primary school with support from the Latvian Basketball Union. It is part of a wider program bringing similar courts to over 30 Latvian towns this year.
Jauns.lv · 7 Aug, 14:16
Riga City Council corruption scandals: where the key figures are now
For years, media outlets including Re:Baltica have reported signs of corruption and nepotism in Riga City Council administration under the Harmony and Honor to Serve Riga parties. Five people linked to these cases are now running in Saeima elections.
LSM · 7 Aug, 14:16
Riga Deputy Mayor Praises Anti-Mobility Obstacle Installation Drill
Riga Deputy Mayor Edvards Ratnieks positively assessed a drill held in the capital on Friday, August 7, testing the installation of anti-mobility obstacles in the urban environment.
LSM (rus) · 7 Aug, 14:14
New podcast urges even the politically disengaged to vote
TVNET has launched a podcast called "Don't Tune Out. Vote!" aimed at people who feel disconnected from politics, arguing that skipping elections means losing influence rather than staying neutral.
TVNET · 7 Aug, 13:22
Suspect detained over ATM thefts in Riga and Jelgava sent for prosecution
A member of an organized crime group linked to ATM cash cassette thefts in Riga and Jelgava this spring has been detained in Lithuania and referred for prosecution. Police are still searching for the remaining members of the group.
Jauns.lv · 7 Aug, 13:19
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Children's Hospital to Open New Facilities
The Children's Clinical University Hospital will open a new Neuropsychiatric Development Centre, a simulation training room, and a renovated operating unit on 19 August.
TVNET · 7 Aug, 12:22
Can remotely-read electricity meters show inaccurate readings?
A reader raised concerns after an unexplained rise in his electricity bill despite unchanged consumption. Grid operator Sadales tīkls explains possible causes and how to check.
Latvijas Avīze · 7 Aug, 12:18
Estonian commentator: switching to Estonian-language education is a matter of will, not ability
Estonian journalist Õnne Pillak criticizes Tallinn's city government for repeatedly delaying the transition to Estonian-language schooling, arguing children's education cannot wait for adults' excuses.
ERR (rus) · 7 Aug, 12:17
Survey: Ida-Viru residents' real concerns go beyond politics — health, youth exodus, weak leadership
A large survey by University of Tartu sociologists of over 1,200 Ida-Viru residents found that mental health access, dental care shortages, youth emigration and fragile community leadership worry locals more than the political debates dominating headlines. Researchers urge decision-makers to address these underlying issues for the region's and Estonia's benefit.
ERR (rus) · 7 Aug, 11:16
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Motorcyclist fined €1,400 for riding 125 km/h in a built-up area
Latvian State Police stopped a motorcyclist on Thursday who was riding at 125 km/h in a populated area; he was fined €1,400 and stripped of his driving licence for a year.
Apollo.lv · 7 Aug, 10:20
"Tavi draugi" launches support campaign "Raise Your Voice" after arson
Charity association "Tavi draugi" has launched the support campaign "Raise Your Voice" after a malicious arson attack at its Riga base in July, inviting residents to submit audio messages.
TVNET · 7 Aug, 10:16