Latvia & nearby
Latvijas Avīze Publishes Quiz Testing Rural Skills
A new quiz from Latvijas Avīze claims that only people with "countryside DNA" can score 80%. The test challenges the difference between superficial nature appreciation and practical rural knowledge.
Latvijas Avīze · 7 Aug, 00:50
Exotic bird spotted strolling along a country road in Latgale
A TikTok video shows a large exotic bird, likely an emu or rhea, walking along a gravel road in the Šuškova area of Latgale. The driver who filmed it expressed surprise at the unexpected encounter.
Latvijas Avīze · 6 Aug, 23:52
Lithuanian prosecutors resume probe into pen dictaphone at Social Democrat meeting
Lithuania's prosecutor's office on Thursday resumed a pre-trial investigation into a voice recorder hidden in a pen that was left at a council meeting of the ruling Social Democratic Party in April.
TVNET · 6 Aug, 23:51
PTAC suspends tour operator Digitours licence over refund complaints
Latvia's Consumer Rights Protection Centre has received complaints that Digitours cancels booked trips and fails to refund payments, prompting the suspension of its tour operator licence. Affected customers are urged to keep all transaction documents.
Delfi · 6 Aug, 21:55
Narva to implement around 30 municipal projects
Narva is carrying out and preparing about 30 municipal projects worth nearly €70 million, including renovation of Stockholm Square and a historic port building.
ERR (rus) · 6 Aug, 21:50
LSM.lv publishes 'ObSudim vecherom' episode dated 06.08.2026
On 6 August, a new episode of the programme 'ObSudim vecherom' appeared on the LSM.lv platform; the announcement provides no details about the content of the discussion.
LSM (rus) · 6 Aug, 21:49
Four defendants deny guilt in shooting of three dogs in Bauska region
A court in Tukums has begun hearing a case over the killing of three dogs in Brunava parish; a former municipal police chief, two police officers and a hunter all pleaded not guilty.
Delfi · 6 Aug, 20:57
Concert ticket fees spark anger: €89 ticket ends up costing €96.51
Social media users are complaining about mandatory booking commissions on concert tickets, with a €89 Calvin Harris ticket ending up at €96.51. Latvia's Biļešu Serviss has yet to explain the extra charges.
Latvijas Avīze · 6 Aug, 20:53
Charity campaign in Riga to help families with school supplies
Until August 29, a charity campaign is taking place at Akropole shopping centers in Riga, where people can donate school supplies or money to low-income families. This year, 275 families have requested help – twice as many as last year.
LSM (rus) · 6 Aug, 20:51
58 babies born in Liepāja in July – mostly girls
In July, 58 newborns arrived at the Maternity Department of Liepāja Regional Hospital – 32 girls and 26 boys. The hospital offers free single rooms to new mothers and gives a commemorative gift to parents.
Jauns.lv · 6 Aug, 19:53
Mycologist Kuulo Kalamees dies at 93
Kuulo Kalamees, an Estonian scientist and mycologist, died on Thursday, August 6, at the age of 93. He is remembered for his research on Estonian fungal communities and his advocacy for fungal conservation.
ERR (rus) · 6 Aug, 19:52
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Latvian citizen extradited to UK over fatal dangerous driving
A 23-year-old Latvian citizen, Dolārs Aleksanders, detained last month, has been handed over to British authorities. He is suspected of dangerous driving that caused the death of a 12-year-old boy.
Apollo.lv · 6 Aug, 19:52
All four defendants plead not guilty in case of killing three dogs in Bauska municipality
On 6 August, the Zemgale Regional Court in Tukums began hearing a criminal case concerning the killing of three dogs in Brunava Parish, Bauska municipality. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty.
LSM (rus) · 6 Aug, 19:50
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Lithuania Holds State Funeral for Former PM Prunskienė
Lithuania held a state funeral on Thursday for politician Kazimira Prunskienė, the country's first prime minister after the restoration of independence. She was buried at the Hill of the Signatories of the Act of Independence in Vilnius' Antakalnis Cemetery.
Apollo.lv · 6 Aug, 18:56
Marta and Ronalds Burnicki: A love story leading to marriage within a year and a wedding budget surprise
Marta and Ronalds Burnicki got married on July 28 after being together for just over a year and are now on their honeymoon in Greece. The couple says their wedding costs significantly exceeded the original plans.
Delfi · 6 Aug, 18:50
Study: Estonia's personalized emergency alerts speed up delivery
A new study finds Estonia's EE-ALARM system, which sends emergency SMS in the recipient's preferred language, has cut delivery times from hours to about 40 minutes while improving comprehension.
ERR News · 6 Aug, 17:54
Impressive partial solar eclipse to be visible across Latvia on August 12
On Wednesday evening, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across Latvia, with the Moon covering up to four-fifths of the Sun’s diameter at its peak. Astronomers call it one of the most impressive such events in recent years.
Latvijas Avīze · 6 Aug, 17:53
NGOs received €168 million from state budget last year; most via Education and Science Ministry
According to aggregated information from the Ministry of Finance, non-governmental organisations received €168 million from the state budget last year, with the largest portion channelled through the Ministry of Education and Science.
TVNET · 6 Aug, 17:52
Tallinn plans to relocate tram stops on Pärnu Highway
Tallinn's city government plans to reposition tram stops on Pärnu Highway, but the Union of Architects warns distances may become too large. Construction could begin in late 2027.
ERR (rus) · 6 Aug, 17:52
Rasima: KNAB has not yet approached me with questions
Saeima deputy Rasima says the anti-corruption bureau KNAB has not yet contacted her in its review of her housing compensation, adding that she understands why the check was launched.
Delfi · 6 Aug, 17:49
Creator of banned sex crimes database skeptical of Justice Ministry's criminal records reform
Estonian content creator Mallukas, whose self-made public criminal registry was shut down, doubts the Ministry of Justice's planned reform of the criminal records database, while the minister warns about risks of identifying victims.
ERR News · 6 Aug, 16:50
Around 300 women bikers from 25 countries take part in WIMA rally in Estonia
Around 300 women motorcyclists from more than 20 countries, including Australia, Japan and Curaçao, gathered in Pärnu, Estonia, for an international WIMA rally organized by the Estonian chapter of the Women's International Motorcycle Association.
ERR News · 6 Aug, 15:58
AirBaltic Optimizes Winter Schedule, Suspends Tallinn–London Route
AirBaltic will suspend its Tallinn–London Gatwick service for the winter season and adjust frequencies on some other routes from Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius. The airline says the changes are part of routine schedule optimization.
ERR (rus) · 6 Aug, 14:55
Dombrava adds about 90 foreign nationals to entry ban list
Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava has included about 90 foreign nationals in a list of people banned from entering Latvia, based on assessments by state security institutions.
TVNET · 6 Aug, 13:55
KNAB: Current Corruption Investigation Model in Private Sector Is Effective
In a report submitted to the government, Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) concluded that the existing framework for investigating corruption in the private sector is effective and that no expansion of its investigative powers is needed.
Jauns.lv · 6 Aug, 13:51
Endangered European minks on Saaremaa show first proof of breeding in wild
The first conclusive evidence shows that European minks relocated to Estonia's Saaremaa island are reproducing in the wild. This spring, 22 kits were born to females from Tallinn Zoo.
ERR News · 6 Aug, 13:50
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Lithuanian customs seize truck with 500,000 illegal cigarette packs
Lithuania’s Customs Criminal Investigation Service announced on Thursday the seizure of a freight truck that had entered the country from Latvia. Around 500,000 illegal cigarette packs worth 2.4 million euros were found in its semi-trailer.
TVNET · 6 Aug, 12:53
Estonia and Sweden finalize rules for Swedish inmates in Tartu
A newly signed memorandum sets out how Swedish prisoners will be held in Tartu Prison. The first roughly two dozen inmates are expected to arrive in mid-August, though the exact date remains undisclosed.
ERR News · 6 Aug, 12:51
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BMW driver loses licence for a year after speeding at 170 km/h in Jelgava municipality
Police in Cenu parish, Jelgava municipality, spotted a BMW travelling at 170 km/h in a 90 km/h zone. The driver exceeded the limit by 80 km/h and had their driving licence revoked for one year.
Apollo.lv · 6 Aug, 11:55
Tragedy on Lake Usma: One Dead After Jet Ski Collision; Acquaintance Points to Possible Causes
A fatal jet ski collision on Lake Usma earlier this week claimed the life of one person. Police are investigating, and a friend of the victim suggests alcohol, excessive speed, and inadequate rescue efforts may have played a role.
Jauns.lv · 6 Aug, 11:54
Expert: top appointments suffer from vague tasks and overreliance on resumes
Olga Dzene, leadership development expert at Figure Baltic Advisory, says selecting senior executives requires more than CVs and interviews; organizations must define the role and unacceptable risks in advance. The debate was sparked by changes to Latvia's State Civil Service Law.
Delfi · 6 Aug, 11:53
Head of State Chancellery department leaves post for academic career
Solvita Denisa-Liepniece, who headed the State Chancellery's Strategic Communication and Coordination Department and was responsible for information space security, left her post on 6 August to focus on academic work and research.
LSM · 6 Aug, 11:51
Several road accidents in Aizkraukle; truck driver injured
Several road traffic accidents have been recorded in the Aizkraukle region over the past days, including a collision with a cyclist and a truck overturn.
Staburags · 6 Aug, 10:55
Two men detained in Riga over series of fuel thefts from petrol stations
Police in Riga have arrested two previously convicted men for a series of fuel thefts from petrol stations; both have been remanded in custody.
Bauskas Dzīve · 6 Aug, 10:55
First motorcycle orienteering event held in Kuldīga region
Motorcycle club Kumo organised its first orienteering ride on its first anniversary, attracting 53 participants. Roberts and Baiba from Saldus emerged as the winners.
Kurzemnieks · 6 Aug, 10:54
Erik Gamzejev: What will happen to Ida-Viru County after the 340 million euros are spent?
University of Tartu researchers warn that after the Just Transition Fund money runs out, Ida-Viru County's future remains uncertain, and preparations for further support stages should begin already.
ERR News · 6 Aug, 10:53