Latvia & nearby
Dangerous 'chroming' trend spreads among Estonian teens; girl says she remembers nothing from school after months of inhaling deodorant
A dangerous trend of inhaling deodorants and air fresheners is growing among young people in Estonia. A 15-year-old girl says that after half a year of regular use she has no memory of her schoolwork.
Delfi · 2 Aug, 22:54
/nginx/o/2023/06/27/15416325t1h480d.jpg)
Latvian scientists investigate whether mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus
Latvian researchers are continuing to examine mosquito samples to determine whether the insects can transmit the West Nile virus. Mosquitoes collected in special traps last summer have been used for laboratory analyses, as reported by TV3 Ziņas.
Apollo.lv · 2 Aug, 22:52
Tartu's Nightlife Shifts as Big Clubs Close and Visitors Spend Less
Tartu's nightlife has seen major changes recently: large clubs are closing while visitors have become more cost-conscious. The scene now centers on Rüütli Street with smaller venues.
ERR (rus) · 2 Aug, 21:53
Storm lashes Vilnius, turning streets into canals and disrupting airport
A powerful storm that swept through Lithuania overnight caused major damage in Vilnius, with fallen trees, torn-off roofs and flooded streets. It also disrupted air traffic, forcing one flight to divert to Kaunas.
Jauns.lv · 2 Aug, 21:52
Riga closes Daugavpils Street section near building with dangerous structural damage
A section of Daugavpils Street in Riga has been closed over safety concerns after dangerous deformation was found in a building's load-bearing structure. Inspectors will assess the premises on Monday.
Delfi · 2 Aug, 20:55
Fewer than 800 signatures collected for making August 15 a public holiday
An initiative on the public participation platform “Manabalss.lv” has gathered fewer than 800 signatures over more than a year in support of making August 15 — the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary — an official public holiday in Latvia.
Apollo.lv · 2 Aug, 20:52
Šics: Latvia will never be fully ready for war, because warfare constantly changes
Disaster medicine expert and Riga City Council deputy Mārtiņš Šics says Latvia should not expect to ever be fully prepared for a crisis or war, since warfare constantly evolves. He highlights NATO-standard training in self-aid and the growing use of drones for evacuating the wounded in Ukraine.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Aug, 20:50
Ringo disputes study on environmental benefits of reusable tableware
Estonia's reusable tableware provider Ringo says its cups are used more times than suggested by a recent university study. The master's thesis argued that under current conditions, reusable dishes are not always greener than disposable ones.
ERR (rus) · 2 Aug, 20:50
Social media users agree: the tastiest cinnamon roll is at Gustava bakery
In a social media discussion, many food lovers agreed that the tastiest cinnamon roll in Latvia is available at Gustava bakery, which has locations in many parts of the country.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Aug, 18:51
Swedbank refuses to process €23.33 court-cost payment to Aivars Lembergs, citing sanctions
A court ruled that media group TV24/LA.LV must pay Aivars Lembergs €23.33 in litigation costs, but Swedbank blocked the transfer due to sanctions compliance; Lembergs called the situation a blow to Latvia's sovereignty.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Aug, 17:50
New Tallinn–Tartu–Riga service drives up Elron's Baltic ridership
Elron carried more than 19,000 passengers on its Baltic international routes in the first half of 2026, with the new direct Tallinn–Tartu–Riga link contributing a significant share.
ERR News · 2 Aug, 16:54
Traveling with a pet? Check destination rules early, says Latvian veterinarian
Veterinarian Lita Konopore advises pet owners to check destination country requirements well ahead of time, especially for trips outside the EU. In some cases, paperwork and mandatory procedures can take several months.
LSM (rus) · 2 Aug, 16:51
Travel Insurance Often Excludes Canceled Concerts Abroad
Estonian travelers heading to a Pitbull concert in Riga faced losses because standard travel insurance doesn't cover events canceled by organizers. Experts recommend adding extra coverage.
ERR News · 2 Aug, 15:54
Gardener surprised when cucumber seeds produce round lemon cucumbers
A Latvian woman who bought cucumber seeds in spring was surprised to find round, pale green fruits in her garden; experienced gardeners identified them as lemon cucumbers, also known as 'Lemon Cucumber' and 'Crystal Lemon'.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Aug, 15:51
Hiiumaa celebrates 20th annual Home Cafe Days with record number of pop-up cafes
Over the weekend, 39 pop-up cafes opened across Hiiumaa island, marking the 20th edition of the beloved local summer tradition.
ERR News · 2 Aug, 14:55
Several Trucks Stranded at Latvia–Belarus Border Checkpoint Due to System Failure
A technical fault at the Pāternieki border checkpoint has halted border control, leaving several trucks stuck at the Latvia–Belarus border. Border guards have advised travelers to use alternative crossing points in Lithuania while the checkpoint remains closed.
Jauns.lv · 2 Aug, 14:53
/nginx/o/2026/06/16/17721829t1h1a7d.jpg)
Monday to Be Sunny and Dry in Latvia
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts dry weather with a mix of sun and clouds on Monday.
TVNET · 2 Aug, 14:51
KNAB chief Straume steps down before term ends, triggering rumours and anger
KNAB chief Jēkabs Straume left office on 1 August and went on a service pension, having led the bureau since 2017. His departure sparked a wave of anger and rumours on social media.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Aug, 14:50
PM's promised simplification of construction approvals still delayed
Almost two months after Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the United List promised to quickly simplify construction approval procedures, no concrete solution or implementation deadline has been presented.
LSM · 2 Aug, 13:54
Several trucks stuck at Pāternieki border checkpoint due to technical failure
The Latvian–Belarusian border crossing point at Pāternieki has been temporarily closed after information systems malfunctioned, leaving several trucks waiting. Authorities suggest using the nearest crossing points in Lithuania.
Delfi · 2 Aug, 13:51
/nginx/o/2025/03/17/16717534t1hf4a1.jpg)
Several truck drivers stuck at Pāternieki border checkpoint due to suspension of operations
Several lorry drivers are stuck at the Latvia-Belarus border checkpoint Pāternieki because operations have been suspended and their documents require them to cross the border at this specific point, the State Border Guard has confirmed.
Apollo.lv · 2 Aug, 13:50
Estonian opposition leader backs temporary Schengen border checks amid migration concerns
Center Party chair Mihhail Kõlvart said Estonia should support temporarily restoring border controls in the Schengen area, citing the migrant surge in Spain's Ceuta. Prime Minister Kristen Michal opposes the move, defending free movement as a key value.
ERR News · 2 Aug, 12:55
/nginx/o/2025/05/11/16837851t1hc5f0.jpg)
40 teachers from 12 lists to run for 15th Saeima
According to information provided by the Central Election Commission, 40 teachers are running for the 15th Saeima from 12 candidate lists.
TVNET · 2 Aug, 12:52
Video of police failing to detain suspect sparks mockery and criticism online
A video showing Latvian police officers arriving in three cars but failing to stop a suspected offender has gone viral. The suspect drives away while officers struggle to break a car window, prompting ridicule and calls for review.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Aug, 12:52
Travel insurance may not cover costs if overseas concert is cancelled
Estonians planning to attend Pitbull concert in Riga found that their travel insurance did not cover expenses after the show was cancelled. Experts advise checking policy terms and buying additional coverage if needed.
ERR (rus) · 2 Aug, 12:51
Setos elect new leader at annual Seto Kingdom Day
Ingrit Kala has been chosen as the new leader of the Seto people at the 33rd Seto Kingdom Day, defeating Rain Oper and pledging to focus on preserving the Seto language.
ERR News · 2 Aug, 11:55
Study: excess weight and obesity cost Estonia more than €120 million a year
Research by Estonia's Institute for Health Development finds that overweight and obesity cause direct and indirect costs exceeding €120 million annually, with cardiovascular disease as the biggest share.
ERR (rus) · 2 Aug, 11:54
PM proposes reviving investor residence permit program with stricter terms
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has proposed keeping the residence permit scheme for foreign investors but with significantly higher budget payments and stricter conditions.
Jauns.lv · 2 Aug, 11:53
12-year-old girl brutally attacked by teenagers in Lithuanian park; petition gathers over 66,000 signatures
A 12-year-old girl was severely beaten and humiliated by a group of teenagers in Marijampolė, Lithuania, with the attack filmed and posted online. Her mother has started a petition urging stronger liability for minors.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Aug, 11:53
Estonia Now Requires Warning Signs Ahead of Mobile Speed Cameras
Estonia now requires police to place advance warning signs before mobile speed cameras. Officials disagree on what happens if signs are missing or damaged.
ERR News · 2 Aug, 10:52
/nginx/o/2023/12/27/15801649t1h6140.jpg)
Saturday: 16 drunk drivers and six under the influence of drugs caught on Latvian roads; two vehicles to be confiscated
Latvian police caught 16 drunk drivers and six drivers under the influence of narcotics on Saturday. Two of these drivers will have their cars confiscated.
Apollo.lv · 2 Aug, 10:51
Latvian Saeima members received over EUR 22,000 in compensations in June
In June, Saeima deputies received EUR 22,419.53 in housing and transport compensations; the available total was almost three times larger.
Jauns.lv · 2 Aug, 10:50
Vecāki’s sea memory: rescue stations from two eras
Two rescue stations in Vecāki, built almost a century apart, preserve the area’s memory of the sea. The first dates back to the tsarist era, the second to the 1970s.
LSM (rus) · 2 Aug, 10:49
Four Easy Recipes: Chicken, Smoothie, Salad and Lavash Pizza
The article shares four simple recipes, from chicken fillet with garlic butter sauce to a no-dough lavash pizza. It also includes a refreshing blueberry smoothie.
Staburags · 2 Aug, 09:56
BVKB warns: education break may temporarily suspend power discount for large families
The State Construction Control Bureau reminds large families that electricity support may be temporarily interrupted if a child over 18 is not registered at an educational institution during summer. Once the data is updated, the status is restored automatically and compensation for the gap can be received until the end of the year.
Ziemeļlatvija · 2 Aug, 09:55
Jūrmala residents to be allowed to buy fallen and damaged trees from municipal forests for firewood
The Jūrmala City Council has approved a procedure allowing residents registered in Jūrmala to purchase up to 10 cubic metres of fallen or damaged trees from municipal forest land for heating.
Jauns.lv · 2 Aug, 09:52