Latvia & nearby
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Calm Patience but Also Pro-Russian Sentiments at Narva Border Crossing, Report Says
According to a report by the independent Russian outlet “Nastoyashcheye Vremya,” the atmosphere at the Estonia–Russia border in Narva, where working hours were reduced in June, is calm but marked by grumbling and even hopes that Estonia will become part of Russia.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jul, 21:49
KNAB Probes Sigulda Municipality Leadership Over Car Use
Latvia's Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) has launched a probe into Sigulda's mayor and deputy mayor over their use of personal cars for work, fueling them at municipal expense, and receiving compensation.
LSM (rus) · 29 Jul, 21:49
Pitbull Fans Gather in Mežaparks Despite Concert Cancellation
Dozens of Pitbull fans gathered at Mežaparks on Wednesday evening, even though the concert was canceled due to technical issues. Police worked in reinforced mode, urging the public not to participate in unauthorized gatherings.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Jul, 20:50
Court Adjourns Case of Security Guard Accused of Spying for Russia in Ziepniekkalns Store
The Riga City Court has postponed the trial of security guard Igor Andrejevs, charged with gathering intelligence in Latvia and passing it to Russian special services via the pro-Kremlin criminal organization 'Baltic Antifascists'.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jul, 20:49
Arkady Popov: Mandatory health insurance must not become a burden for low-income people
Arkady Popov, board member of Tallinn Hospital, warns that proposed mandatory health insurance for all Estonian residents could heavily impact low-income individuals, while the idea overall is reasonable.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jul, 19:50
Conflict Erupts at NGO Support Picket in Riga
A verbal confrontation broke out Wednesday evening at an NGO support picket near the Freedom Monument in Riga, as a group of nationalist youth arrived, leading to police intervention.
Jauns.lv · 29 Jul, 19:50
Talsi Museum Battles Flood Aftermath After Heavy Rains
Following heavy rains a week ago, a dam was washed away in Dursupe, Talsi Municipality, and the Talsi Museum experienced an emergency situation, now actively dealing with flood damage.
LSM · 29 Jul, 19:49
Food Reserve: Who Gets Supplies in a Crisis?
The Latvian government has for the first time detailed how it will provide food to residents during emergencies when normal supply chains are disrupted.
LSM (rus) · 29 Jul, 19:49
Estonia Detains 63 Illegal Migrants in One Week
Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) detained 63 illegal migrants this week, nearly double the total for all of last year (39). The migrants, believed to be from Africa, likely enter via Latvia from Belarus, with no respite expected until autumn.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jul, 18:50
Guard Reveals Previously Unknown Details About Tragic Night in Priekule
Elvis, a security guard working at the festival in Priekule, shares new information about the events before and after a drunk policeman fatally assaulted a man.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Jul, 18:49
Liepāja holds memorial for slain teacher Normunds Vamzis
On the evening of July 28, white candles were lit in a heart shape in the courtyard of Liepāja Music, Art and Design Secondary School to honor the memory of teacher Normunds Vamzis, who tragically died at the Priekule festival.
LSM · 29 Jul, 18:49
Riga City Council begins fight against Spanish slug
Riga City Council has launched initial measures to limit the spread of the invasive Spanish slug in the city. The measures are being carried out on municipal properties, and residents are encouraged to participate on their own properties.
LSM (rus) · 29 Jul, 18:49
Alcohol Sales Restrictions in Latvia Have Not Significantly Reduced Demand
A year after the introduction of alcohol sales restrictions in Latvia, demand has not dropped significantly, but consumer habits have changed; small rural stores have been hit hard.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jul, 17:50
Youth Camp Strengthens Skills from State Defense Course; Some Consider Military Career
Around 80 young people from all over Latvia voluntarily attend a ten-day camp at the “Lāčusils” military training area in Alūksne to reinforce skills learned in the State Defense Course, including shooting, orienteering, and field combat techniques.
LSM · 29 Jul, 17:49
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Construction of bicycle path on 11. novembra krastmala in Riga to start in August
The Riga City Council has announced that construction of a bicycle path on 11. novembra krastmala will begin in August.
TVNET · 29 Jul, 16:50
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FID: “Mere” Cannot Bypass Sanctions by Rebranding
The Financial Intelligence Unit explains that the sanctioned store chain “Mere” cannot continue operations by formally changing its brand, as all its assets are subject to freezing and ownership changes require permission.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jul, 16:49
Tallinn Monuments to Be Relocated: 1790 Naval Battle Memorial Moves to Aegna Island
The City of Tallinn has begun relocating two monuments due to the extension of Tallinn Secondary School of Science; the 1790 naval battle memorial will move to Aegna Island after restoration in 2027, replaced by a memorial for writer and teacher Ernst Peterson-Särgava.
ERR News · 29 Jul, 16:49
Rare medieval rings, coins and other artifacts uncovered at Siuru dig site
The largest archaeological excavation in Estonian history is underway at the site of Tartu's future Siuru cultural center, revealing rare coins, spiral rings, and a previously unknown body of water.
ERR News · 29 Jul, 15:50
Police Warn: Calls to Gather for Canceled Pitbull Concert Illegal
Latvia's State Police have declared that social media calls to gather at Mežaparks after the cancellation of a Pitbull concert are unlawful.
LSM · 29 Jul, 15:49
Estonia Sends Additional Forces to Latvia Amid Migration Pressure
Estonia is deploying extra police and border guards to Latvia after dozens of illegal migrants, who crossed from Belarus, were detained in Estonia.
BNN · 29 Jul, 14:50
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Latvian politician Langa shares AI-generated video of boxer Zutis attacking migrants; video quickly deleted
Riga City Council member Liāna Langa (National Alliance) posted an AI-generated video on X on Tuesday evening, showing boxer Kristaps Zutis violently attacking dark-skinned food couriers and an Indian influencer. The video was deleted shortly after publication.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jul, 14:50
Maive Rute: I am ready to enter debates with Ülle Madise
Maive Rute, a former European Commission official, has emerged as a potential candidate in Estonia's presidential election, stating she is prepared to debate with other candidates like Ülle Madise.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jul, 14:49
Police Chase in Riga Ends in Crash; Cigarette Contraband Found
A police chase in Riga this morning ended in a collision; an Audi was found with cigarette packs lacking excise stamps.
Jauns.lv · 29 Jul, 13:50
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Call for Support for Injured Climber Mārtiņš Bilzēns After Denali Tragedy
Relatives of Mārtiņš Bilzēns are urging the public to donate for his treatment and rehabilitation in Latvia after a serious accident on North America's highest peak, Denali.
TVNET · 29 Jul, 13:50
Ijabs warns: Russia's hybrid threats to Baltics persist, though direct war with NATO less likely
European Parliament member Ivars Ijabs states that Russia's hybrid threats to the Baltic states remain, even though a direct military conflict with NATO is currently less likely. He urges continued vigilance and defense strengthening.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Jul, 13:49
Estonia's Nature Museum director selection sparks criticism from museum sector
Estonia's Ministry of Climate has appointed civil servant Riina Roosipuu as the new director of the Museum of Nature and the upcoming Taru nature house, drawing criticism from the museum union over lack of transparency in the selection process.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jul, 13:49
New nature-focused spa hotel opens on Lake Peipus in Ida-Viru County
For the first time in over 40 years, a new spa hotel has opened on the northern shore of Lake Peipus, offering guests a nature-filled escape.
ERR News · 29 Jul, 12:50
Drug trafficking in Latvia moves online to Telegram and the dark web
A senior State Police officer says illegal drug sales have shifted from streets to encrypted platforms like Telegram and the dark web, where orders are placed via bots and payments made in cryptocurrency.
Delfi · 29 Jul, 12:50
Estonian Universities Maintain Scholarships Only for IT Students
Since 2025, state merit scholarships in Estonia are only awarded to future teachers and support specialists, but several universities continue to fund their own scholarships for IT students, considering the field strategically important.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jul, 12:49
Lembergs: Latvia's port policy helps Russia profit at our expense
Aivars Lembergs criticizes Latvia's sanctions policy, claiming that by refusing transit of Belarusian potash, Latvia loses EUR 300 million that goes to Russia.
BNN · 29 Jul, 12:49
Estonia Considers Replacing Bankruptcy Trustees with Civil Servants
Estonia's Ministry of Justice proposes replacing bankruptcy trustees with civil servants or covering their fees from the state budget to prevent the insolvency system from collapsing.
ERR News · 29 Jul, 11:50
New kindergarten to be built in Otepää
A new kindergarten with nine groups, designed for near-zero energy consumption, will be built in Otepää by spring 2027.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jul, 11:49
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PTAC: Consumers Entitled to Refund for Canceled Pitbull Concert
Consumers have the right to receive their money back for the canceled Pitbull concert, which was scheduled for Wednesday at the Mežaparks Great Stage, the Consumer Rights Protection Center (PTAC) informed LETA.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jul, 11:49
International military dog training exercises underway in Riga
From July 27 to 31, international military exercises are taking place in Riga, where dog handlers and service dogs from five countries train in explosive detection in public spaces, including the National Library of Latvia and railway areas.
Jauns.lv · 29 Jul, 11:49
Melnis: Russia cannot launch a direct attack on NATO at this time
Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis stated in an interview that a direct conventional military attack by Russia on NATO is currently impossible, as Russia is bogged down in Ukraine and unable to fight on two fronts.
BNN · 29 Jul, 10:50
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Two drivers caught under influence of drugs in past day
State Police have stopped two drivers who were behind the wheel under the influence of narcotic substances in the past 24 hours, according to police statistics.
TVNET · 29 Jul, 10:50