Latvia & nearby
Serious head-on collision involving car and truck near Vecumnieki
A serious head-on collision between a truck and a passenger car occurred on highway P89 near Vecumnieki; the car ended up in a ditch. Further details are not yet available.
Latvijas Avīze · 31 Jul, 15:50
Estonian interior minister: detained illegal migrants will not remain in Estonia
Estonia has detained 128 illegal migrants this year, with 111 currently in detention. The interior minister said all will be sent back and announced help from Finland and Latvia to manage the migration pressure.
ERR (rus) · 31 Jul, 15:50
Consumer advisor: money back for canceled concert even with second-hand ticket
Estonia's consumer protection authority says attendees can reclaim money for a canceled show even if they bought the ticket from someone else, and explains passenger rights for flights and package tours.
ERR (rus) · 31 Jul, 14:50
Intoxicated driver detained in Dzirciems after crashing into barrier and trying to flee
Riga municipal police officers detained a man in the early hours of 26 July after he crashed a Volvo into a barrier in Dzirciems and attempted to run away. The suspect refused officers' orders and tried to escape from a police vehicle before state police took over the case.
Jauns.lv · 31 Jul, 13:53
New pedestrian crossings to be installed in several places in Riga
The Riga City Council plans to create new pedestrian crossings in several locations across the city to improve safety and convenience for pedestrians. The work is scheduled to be completed by September 5.
LSM (rus) · 31 Jul, 13:50
Two Men Sentenced to 15 and 14 Years for Murdering Three People
The Kurzeme Regional Court in Liepāja sentenced two men to 15 and 14 years in prison, respectively, for the murder of three people, with probation supervision.
LSM · 31 Jul, 13:50
Swimming banned in Daugava section in Ķengarags opposite Latgales Street 320
Riga City Council has announced a swimming ban in the Daugava opposite Latgales Street 320 in Ķengarags, while two other unofficial swimming spots have deteriorated water quality and are not recommended.
Jauns.lv · 31 Jul, 12:50
Krištopans: Several election promises already advancing in EP; main struggle is against bureaucracy
MEP Vilis Krištopans says progress has been made on migration, climate, auto industry, deforestation and wolf protection issues, while he criticises the European Commission's bureaucratic approach.
Latvijas Avīze · 31 Jul, 11:56
Riigikogu Council of Elders to Discuss Presidential Election in Early August
Estonia's parliament speaker is optimistic about a new head of state being elected in early September, with the Council of Elders set to meet within two weeks to discuss candidates.
ERR News · 31 Jul, 11:53
Narva sports hall tender dispute: winner retains status, committee partly upholds complaint
A procurement disputes committee partially upheld Innopolis Insenerid’s complaint over the sports hall design tender in Narva, but confirmed SIRKEL&MALL’s qualification. The contracting authority must repeat part of its exclusion-basis check before signing the contract.
ERR (rus) · 31 Jul, 11:52
Rannarootsi's Controversial Ad Has Not Yet Affected Sales
A controversial Estonian meat company ad referencing the war in Ukraine and a slur for Russian speakers has not led to any notable changes in sales, despite drawing significant attention and debate.
ERR News · 31 Jul, 10:53
Estonia sees rise in detected human trafficking cases
Estonia recorded 22 human trafficking cases in 2025, up by seven from the previous year. Authorities say criminals increasingly recruit victims via social media, and legislation has been expanded to cover new forms of exploitation.
ERR (rus) · 31 Jul, 10:51
Lithuania’s First Prime Minister Kazimira Prunskienė Dies
Kazimira Prunskienė, the first prime minister of restored Lithuania and a signatory of the Act of Re-Establishment, passed away on Thursday, prompting former colleagues to reflect on her legacy as a state-builder and democratic leader.
LRT English · 31 Jul, 09:52
Forecasters: August weather in Latvia to remain close to long-term average
The next few days will bring a mix of rain and sunshine with moderate temperatures, while August as a whole is expected to stay near the multi-year climate norm.
Jauns.lv · 31 Jul, 09:52
Smiltene MTB and Gravel Marathon to Feature Strong Lithuanian Contingent and River Crossing
The fifth round of the Latvian State Forests MTB and Gravel Marathon takes place in Smiltene on Sunday, August 2, with top Lithuanian riders joining the Toyota Gravel distance.
Ziemeļlatvija · 31 Jul, 09:50
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Latvia police chief suggests removing service pensions for officers guilty of intentional crimes
Armands Ruks, head of the Latvian State Police, has proposed that police officers who commit intentional crimes should be denied their service pension. He made the call on Friday in an interview with TV3's “900 Seconds”.
Apollo.lv · 31 Jul, 08:55
Kozlovskis: No Systemic Problem in Police, No Grounds for Ruka's Resignation
Transport Minister Rihards Kozlovskis sees no grounds for State Police chief Armanda Ruka's resignation after recent scandals involving intoxicated police officers. He says there is no systemic problem, while Ruka proposes stricter punishment mechanisms.
Delfi · 31 Jul, 08:55
Estonian PM apologizes for delayed answer to Riigikogu deputy
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has apologised for a late reply to a written question from Social Democrat MP Züleyha Izmailova, citing holiday period and prolonged preparation. The deputy had earlier accused the government of violating parliamentary oversight deadlines.
ERR (rus) · 31 Jul, 08:53
Ruks: Police officers guilty of intentional crimes should lose service pension
Latvian State Police chief Armands Ruks has proposed stripping police officers who commit intentional crimes of their service pensions. He also wants medical checks to reveal possible addictions to police leadership.
Bauskas Dzīve · 31 Jul, 08:53
Latvian police chief proposes stripping service pensions for intentional crimes
State Police Chief Armands Ruks has proposed legal changes that would remove eligibility for service pensions for police officers convicted of intentional criminal offenses. He also wants police leadership to access information on officers' health issues, including addictions, found during annual medical checks.
Jauns.lv · 31 Jul, 08:50
Rezekne residents still waiting for attic repairs two months after fire; culprit not identified
Two months after a fire in the attic of a five-storey apartment building in Rezekne, residents are still waiting for repairs to begin and for answers about compensation. The building management admits it has faced such a situation for the first time, and no culprit has been named.
LSM (rus) · 31 Jul, 08:50
Jurkalne steep coast cleanup begins for Soviet-era buried waste
The State Environmental Service has inspected the Jurkalne steep coast, where waste buried by the Soviet army is emerging from a former missile base; parish authorities have started collecting it.
LSM · 31 Jul, 08:49
Ērģeme residents create new recreation spot in parish centre
A new recreation area with a grill and campfire site has been opened in the centre of Ērģeme parish. Municipal employees carried out the work with support from local entrepreneurs.
Ziemeļlatvija · 31 Jul, 07:55
Insect larvae pilot plant in Latvia turns agricultural leftovers into valuable products
CleanTechLatvia and Biomund have set up a pilot facility in Mārciena where black soldier fly larvae process agricultural residues. The aim is to show that biological waste treatment can become part of Latvia’s circular economy.
Zemgales Ziņas · 31 Jul, 07:54
Historian and founder of the Museum "Jews in Latvia" Margers Vestermanis dies at 100
The Museum "Jews in Latvia" has announced that Margers Vestermanis, its founder and long-time head, has died at the age of 100.
LSM (rus) · 31 Jul, 07:51
Tartu's Alexander Church Partially Regains Historical Look with New Domes
Tartu's Alexander Church, which was under threat of collapse for years, has had new domes installed, partially restoring its historical appearance. Restoration work continues, with an exhibition near the church showing the progress.
ERR (rus) · 31 Jul, 07:50
Drone Incidents in Latvia Highlight Need for Infrastructure Resilience
Following recent drone incursions into Latvian territory, experts argue that infrastructure design must now prioritize resilience and continuity of operations in crisis situations.
Žurnāls Ir · 31 Jul, 06:54
Pianist Georgijs Osokins to perform at Small Mežotne Palace
Tonight at 7 p.m., pianist Georgijs Osokins will give a solo concert at Small Mežotne Palace, featuring works by Vasks, Schubert, Schumann, and Liszt. The artist first performed at the venue ten years ago, in summer 2016.
Bauskas Dzīve · 31 Jul, 06:51
Woman finds her laundry moved to dryer at self-service laundromat – online debate erupts
A woman shared on Threads how she found her washed clothes placed in a dryer by someone else at a self-service laundromat. The company's rules state that customers may remove left-behind laundry so others can use the machines.
Latvijas Avīze · 31 Jul, 06:51
Antra Ozoliņa appointed director of social care centre “Tērvete”
On 30 July, Dobele Municipality Council appointed Antra Ozoliņa as director of the social care centre “Tērvete”. She brings more than 20 years of experience in education and leadership roles in local government.
Zemgales Ziņas · 31 Jul, 06:50
Prosecutor with revoked degree: Senate sends plagiarism case back for new review
An anonymized Senate ruling shows a prosecutor's University of Latvia bachelor's diploma was annulled over plagiarism. The prosecutor's office, the justice minister and a Saeima committee head refrain from commenting until the case is finally decided.
Jauns.lv · 31 Jul, 06:50
DJ Gunchs to mark 30 years on stage with ‘Bermudu Divstūris’ and fireworks
On August 7, a special event in Codes Parish will celebrate DJ Gunchs's 30-year career, featuring the group ‘Bermudu Divstūris’ and several other artists.
Bauskas Dzīve · 31 Jul, 04:56
Motorcyclist Dies in Crash in Tukums Region; New Details Emerge
A motorcyclist was killed in a serious collision with a car near Ozolnieki in Tukums municipality on Thursday evening. Police say the car driver apparently failed to give way, and a criminal investigation has been launched.
Latvijas Avīze · 31 Jul, 04:52
Liepāja Launches First New Electric Buses and New Route Network
Starting July 31, a new operator will run low-capacity electric buses in Liepāja, alongside a revised route network and the introduction of time-based tickets.
irLiepāja · 31 Jul, 03:50
Liepāja Launches Free Informational Program to Improve Waste Management
SIA “Liepājas RAS” has started a free informational support program to help residents of apartment buildings and private houses optimize waste management according to local needs.
Jauns.lv · 31 Jul, 03:50
Musician Veisbardis: Tragedy in Priekule Reveals Deeper Societal Problems
Musician and pensioner Arnis Veisbardis commented on the recent tragic event in Priekule on TV24's 'Press Club,' calling for improved psychological screening in police recruitment and highlighting broader societal issues.
Latvijas Avīze · 31 Jul, 02:50