Latvia & nearby
28 Previously Convicted Individuals Allowed to Teach in Latvia Last Year
Last year, Latvia's education quality authority reviewed 31 applications from previously convicted individuals seeking teaching positions and granted permission to 28. Three were denied, and no restrictions were placed on the types of student groups the approved teachers may work with.
Delfi · 2 Aug, 09:52
19 insect houses installed in Rēzekne Municipality for environmental education
Nineteen insect houses have been installed in the Malta territorial unit of Rēzekne Municipality as part of an Environmental Protection Fund project, serving both as shelter for insects and a tool for environmental education.
LSM · 2 Aug, 09:51
Guide: Viivikonna should stop longing for Soviet past
The former mining town of Viivikonna is gradually changing, and guide Priit Orav says it is time to end nostalgia for the Soviet era and create a new image.
ERR (rus) · 2 Aug, 09:51
Sunday to be warm in Latvia, but showers possible in places
Latvia is set for a warm Sunday with a mix of sun and clouds, though some areas may see brief rain.
Jauns.lv · 2 Aug, 08:56
Last year 28 previously convicted persons allowed to work as teachers in Latvia
According to the State Education Quality Service’s annual review, 28 out of 31 applicants with prior convictions were granted permission to work as teachers in 2025, while three were refused.
Bauskas Dzīve · 2 Aug, 08:56
Olga set to be the most popular name next week, PMLP data shows
Next week's name-day names in Latvia are led by Olga, with 15,442 people carrying this name, while Dzelde is the rarest, with only three.
Staburags · 2 Aug, 08:53
Latvia U16 team with Ogre players defeats Lithuania
Latvia's U16 basketball team, featuring players from Ogre, beat Lithuania 80:71 on Saturday. Bendžamins Jānis Beruē led all scorers with 24 points.
OgreNet · 2 Aug, 08:52
Online debate flares over NMPD ambulance parked near Āgenskalns market
A social media user's post about an Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) vehicle parked by Āgenskalns market sparked a broad discussion, with most commenters defending the medics.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Aug, 08:51
Sunday, August 2: Cloudy but with clear spells
Variable cloudiness and sunshine are expected on Sunday afternoon. Only a few places in Vidzeme may see light short-term rain.
LSM (rus) · 2 Aug, 08:50
After Storm, Rescuers in Ogre District Had to Clear Roads of Fallen Trees
A thunderstorm in central and eastern Latvia on Friday night and early Saturday caused fallen trees on roads in several districts, including Ogre. In Krimulda Parish, ten broken trees were found blocking the roadway, and all were cut and removed.
OgreNet · 2 Aug, 07:57
Dozens still waiting at closed Latvia–Belarus checkpoint Pāternieki
The Pāternieki border checkpoint on the Latvia–Belarus border remains closed due to technical problems, yet dozens of people, including truck drivers and private individuals, are still waiting there. Latvia’s Interior Ministry advises using alternative routes or postponing the trip.
Apollo.lv · 2 Aug, 07:56
Smiltene dance studio’s summer masterclasses teach more than just dancing
Nearly 40 contemporary dancers from the dance studio ‘Kristāls’ took part in a five-day workshop at Blome Community House in July. The sessions aim to build leadership, communication and other life skills in addition to dance technique.
Ziemeļlatvija · 2 Aug, 07:53
Initiative to make August 15 a public holiday in Latvia gathers under 800 signatures
An initiative on the Manabalss.lv public petition platform has collected fewer than 800 signatures in more than a year to make the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary an official public holiday in Latvia. The initiative’s representative proposes dedicating the day to family, spirituality and community activities.
Bauskas Dzīve · 2 Aug, 07:50
Viljandi Folk Music Festival draws 15,500 visitors, highlights youth engagement
The 33rd Viljandi Folk Music Festival brought together 15,500 visitors over four days, with a notable surge in young attendees. The programme featured over 70 concerts and a new Instrument Village where guests could try traditional instruments.
Ziemeļlatvija · 2 Aug, 06:55
Latvia–Belarus Border Crossing at Pāternieki Remains Shut
The Pāternieki border crossing point on the Latvia-Belarus border remains closed because of technical failures in information systems, and travellers are being directed to the nearest alternative checkpoints in Lithuania. The government has extended the reinforced border security regime until the end of the year.
Delfi · 2 Aug, 06:54
Mondo and history teachers call for stronger role of global education in curricula
Estonian NGO Mondo and the History and Social Studies Teachers' Society say state curricula should more clearly define global citizenship competencies, arguing the current approach is fragmented and depends too much on individual teachers. Education authorities maintain the principles are already embedded in the national curriculum.
ERR (rus) · 2 Aug, 06:53
Gardener shares photos of bizarre tomatoes; experts explain fasciation phenomenon
A woman posted photos online of severely deformed tomatoes from three of her plants. Gardeners say the cause is fasciation, a physiological disorder linked to temperature swings, excess nitrogen or variety traits, and the fruits are safe to eat.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Aug, 06:50
A garden in Bieriņi becomes a haven for bees, hedgehogs and birds
Painter Francesca Kirke and cinematographer Andrejs Silenieks have created a garden in Bieriņi where nature-friendly choices coexist with a romantic aesthetic, offering shelter to bees, hedgehogs and birds.
LSM · 2 Aug, 06:50
Rajevskis: alcohol test is not a magic wand — police drunk incidents require solving root causes
After two high-profile cases of State Police officers under the influence of alcohol within a week, political scientist Filips Rajevskis says tests alone will not help; stricter controls and addressing causes are needed.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Aug, 05:52
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NEPLP to Spend Nearly €42,000 on Travel Services for Business Trips
The National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) has selected SIA "Averoja" to provide travel services for business trips over the next two years. The contract is worth €41,999.
Apollo.lv · 2 Aug, 05:52
Poll: 'United List' remains most popular party in Latvia; ZZS support drops to 2.9%
A SKDS survey conducted in July shows that the 'United List' is the most popular political force in Latvia with 12.2% support, while ZZS has dropped to 2.9%. Six parties would likely clear the 5% threshold.
Bauskas Dzīve · 2 Aug, 05:51
Bauska Town Hall cat Rūdis received care; farewell came on 1 August
The ginger cat Rūdis, a symbol of Bauska's Town Hall square, sparked public concern in recent weeks. His caretaker Santa Rimševica has now revealed that the cat received veterinary care and lived indoors, but on 1 August she had to say goodbye to him.
Bauskas Dzīve · 2 Aug, 04:54
AHHAA science centre shop sold pens with globes showing Baltic states and Ukraine as part of Russia
Pens with miniature globes depicting the Baltic countries and Ukraine as Russian territory have been removed from the Tartu AHHAA science centre shop after visitors flagged the errors.
ERR (rus) · 2 Aug, 04:53
Estonian police unhappy with new rules for placing mobile speed camera warning signs
As of August 1, Estonia requires police to place warning signs before mobile speed cameras. Police say signs can be blown over or moved, leaving it unclear whether fines will be valid if a sign is missing at the time of an offence.
ERR (rus) · 2 Aug, 03:53
Children's Hospital Foundation looks back on 25 years: donations exceed €37 million
Over the past 25 years, the Children's Hospital Foundation has collected more than €37 million in donations and helped thousands of children. To mark the anniversary, the foundation held a family day called "Healthy Together" in Uzvaras Park.
LSM · 2 Aug, 02:52
Stork's hearty meal in a yard sparks debate about bird's usefulness online
A video shared on Facebook shows a stork eating a rat in a yard, prompting comments about the bird's role in rural properties. Viewers shared stories of storks eliminating moles and other pests.
Latvijas Avīze · 2 Aug, 02:52
Tallinn overhauls 43% of public transport routes; all new trolleybuses hit the streets
On 1 August, Tallinn changed 43% of its public transport routes, and trams again serve the airport after a long pause, now from both Tondi and Kopli. All 35 new trolleybuses were deployed without problems, although final schedules will be confirmed only by 1 September.
ERR (rus) · 2 Aug, 01:56
Travelers Wait at Closed Latvia–Belarus Border as 'Pāternieki' Remains Shut
The Pāternieki border checkpoint on the Latvia–Belarus border remains closed due to technical issues with information systems, leaving people who want to cross waiting. Officials say border control procedures cannot be carried out at the moment.
LSM · 2 Aug, 01:55
Ilma Nereta: 45 Years at the Botanical Garden, Roses and Deer Damage
Ilma Nereta, a gardener at the National Botanical Garden who has spent 45 years with roses, shares her career memories, rose breeding insights and the unusually severe deer damage this year.
Delfi · 1 Aug, 23:56
Experts warn: Politicians' hateful statements fuel aggression in society
Experts say that hateful and racist statements by politicians, especially ahead of elections, can have dangerous consequences and increase aggression in society.
LSM · 1 Aug, 23:55
Thunderstorms Possible in Eastern Estonia on Sunday
Forecasters say thunderstorms are possible in eastern Estonia on Sunday, with rain expected in many places overnight and daytime temperatures of 19–24°C.
ERR (rus) · 1 Aug, 22:53
State writes off 390 study loans, debt collection continues in 186 cases
Latvia's state wrote off 390 study loans last year, while 186 cases remained under debt collection. Most write-offs were linked to work in state and municipal institutions.
Delfi · 1 Aug, 21:53
United List tops July party ratings in Latvia; ZZS falls below 5% threshold
A July SKDS survey shows the United List remains Latvia's most popular party, while the Greens/Farmers' support has dropped. Six parties would clear the 5% election threshold if voting took place now.
Latvijas Avīze · 1 Aug, 21:51
Latest party ratings show two clear frontrunners, ZZS support drops sharply
The latest SKDS ratings indicate that five parties would enter the Saeima, with the United List and Sovereign Power/New Latvians as the leading forces, while ZZS has seen a significant drop in support.
Delfi · 1 Aug, 20:55
Large residential building engulfed by flame in Vääna-Jõesuu
A large multi-storey residential building in Vääna-Jõesuu village, Harku Parish, caught fire on the evening of 1 August; all residents left the building in time and no injuries have been reported.
ERR (rus) · 1 Aug, 20:52
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SKDS: 'United List' top in July; ZZS falls below 5%
According to SKDS, the United List’s backing rose to 12.2% in July, while the Union of Greens and Farmers slipped under 5%.
Apollo.lv · 1 Aug, 20:51