Latvia & nearby

Police Chase in Riga Ends in Crash; Fleeing Car Hits Trees
A police chase in Riga's Sergejs Eizenšteins Street ended with an accident, as the fleeing car collided with another vehicle before crashing into trees.
Jauns.lv · 29 Jul, 10:50

Latvian Defense Minister: Direct Russian Attack on NATO Currently Impossible
Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis stated that Russia cannot launch a direct military attack on NATO at this time due to its entrapment in Ukraine. He emphasized that while Russia may attempt provocations, Latvia and NATO must remain prepared.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jul, 10:49

Two injured in fires in Latvia; fire service helps lost person out of forest
Two people were injured in separate fires in Liepāja and Rēzekne region on Tuesday, while the State Fire and Rescue Service helped a lost person find their way out of a forest in Saldus region.
Delfi · 29 Jul, 09:50

Estonia's first remotely operated taxi crash raises accountability questions
The first traffic collision involving a remotely operated taxi in Tallinn has raised questions about responsibility when no one is directly behind the wheel.
ERR News · 29 Jul, 09:50
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Commission concerned over late support assessments for 9th graders
The State Pedagogical Medical Commission considers alarmingly large the number of 9th grade students who received their support assessment only at the end of the school year, according to the VIAA 2025 report.
TVNET · 29 Jul, 09:50

Kalle Klandorf Returns to Tallinn City Council
Deputy chairman of the Lasnamäe district of the Centre Party, Kalle Klandorf, has reinstated his seat in the Tallinn City Council this week, replacing Ruslana Veber who had substituted for him since January.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jul, 09:49
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Investigation into Young Woman's Death in Kuldīga Reveals Over 100 Drug Stashes
The State Police have concluded the investigation into the death of a young woman in Kuldīga, uncovering more than 100 drug stashes and recommending charges against an Indian national.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jul, 09:49

Jelgava to Recover Driksa River Cleanup Costs from Polluter
The Jelgava municipality plans to recoup the expenses of cleaning up oil pollution in the Driksa River from the owner of the pollution source.
Jauns.lv · 29 Jul, 09:49

Lithuanian intelligence watchdog declines to probe alleged CIA site
Lithuania's Office of Intelligence Ombudspersons will not investigate the alleged CIA secret prison, citing prior inquiries and an ongoing pre-trial investigation.
LRT English · 29 Jul, 09:38

Police Find 103 Drug Stashes in Case of Woman's Death in Kuldīga, Seek to Charge Indian National
Latvian State Police have completed an investigation into a woman's death from drug poisoning in Kuldīga last September. An Indian national faces charges for large-scale drug possession for sale after police uncovered 103 hidden stashes in Jūrmala and Jelgava.
Delfi · 29 Jul, 09:38

After a Young Woman’s Death in Kuldīga, Police Arrest Indian Citizen and a Woman from Ventspils
A young woman died last September in Kuldīga from drug poisoning. Police have arrested an Indian citizen and two women, seizing large quantities of drugs. The investigation is complete and the case has been sent to the prosecutor’s office.
Jauns.lv · 29 Jul, 09:37

Remo Kirss: The state must invest in all connections
Estonia's 2026 budget allocates over half a billion euros for road and local rail construction and maintenance, with an additional €435.7 million for Rail Baltic. Kirss argues for proactive infrastructure planning and public-private cooperation.
ERR News · 29 Jul, 09:37

Alcohol Restrictions Not Cutting Sales But Changing Buying Habits
A year after imposing alcohol sales restrictions, retailers report no significant drop in total alcohol purchases but a shift in shopping times, with small rural shops hit hardest.
LSM · 29 Jul, 09:37

Government Approves Adjusted Hospital Network Reform; Changes Also Affect Ogre Hospital
The Latvian government has approved amendments to the healthcare service organization, transitioning to a three-level hospital system by 2029. The reform impacts Ogre District Hospital, which is classified as a regional hospital.
OgreNet · 29 Jul, 08:38
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Daily alcohol tests introduced for some Latvian police officers after Priekule tragedy
Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava announced on Latvijas Radio on Wednesday that some police officers will undergo mandatory morning breathalyzer tests as a preventive measure following the tragedy in Priekule.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jul, 08:38

Friday to be Hottest Day of the Week, Thunderstorms Expected on Weekend
Friday will be the hottest day of the week with temperatures possibly reaching +30°C in some places, but the weekend will bring rain and thunderstorms.
BNN · 29 Jul, 08:38

State Commission: Many 9th Graders Receive Support Too Late
The State Pedagogical Medical Commission reported that in 2024, 51 ninth graders received an assessment for necessary support only at the end of the school year, suggesting delays in aid. Overall, 544 students were evaluated, with most opinions issued for 7th graders.
Bauskas Dzīve · 29 Jul, 08:38

Maria's Bridge Festival in Mazzalve: Bike Ride, Concert, and Song Duel
The annual Maria's Bridge Festival in Mazzalve brought together both banks of the Suseja River with a themed bike ride, a concert by Juris Hiršs, and a song duel of Raimonds Pauls' music.
Staburags · 29 Jul, 08:38

Triin Talk: How to Save Tallinn's Old Town – Prioritize Residents, Not Tourists
PhD student Triin Talk argues against tearing down Tallinn's Old Town, advocating for resident-focused development akin to Amsterdam's tourism restrictions, which protect local quality of life.
ERR News · 29 Jul, 08:37

Latvian firefighters help extinguish forest fires in Portugal
Twenty Latvian firefighters have been deployed to Portugal to assist in combating large-scale forest fires that are raging across the country.
LSM (rus) · 29 Jul, 08:37

Morning alcohol checks for police officers considered after tragedy in Priekule
Following a tragic incident in Priekule, Latvian Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava proposes introducing preventive alcohol tests for police officers at the start of their shifts, especially those carrying weapons or driving service vehicles.
LSM · 29 Jul, 08:37

Jelgava Sports Service Center Launches 25-Day Challenge with New Format and Prizes
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Jelgava Sports Service Center invites residents to participate in a 25-day challenge with a changed format – a new task is posted daily on social media.
Zemgales Ziņas · 29 Jul, 07:38

Smiltene Expands, Incorporating Five Suburban Villages
The new territorial plan for Smiltene municipality has come into effect, adding five villages – Kalnamuiža, Vidzeme, Silva, Saltupi, and Grotūzis – to the city. The change aims to streamline administration and reflect existing functional ties.
Ziemeļlatvija · 29 Jul, 07:38

Bauska Museum Opens Two Exhibitions in One Day: Anniversary Show for Rolands Gross and Nature-Inspired Works by Tatjana Paļčuka-Rikāne
On August 1, the Bauska Museum will open two exhibitions: Rolands Gross's 70th anniversary exhibition 'Signs of Time' and a painting exhibition 'Insight' by Tatjana Paļčuka-Rikāne. Both openings will include meetings with the artists.
Bauskas Dzīve · 29 Jul, 07:38
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Support rally for NGOs to be held at Freedom Monument
Youth organization "Protests" is organizing a rally in Riga this evening to support non-governmental organizations.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jul, 07:38
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Riga court begins hearing case against guard accused of spying for Russia
The Riga City Court today starts hearing a criminal case against a security guard accused of gathering intelligence in Latvia and passing it to Russian special services, as well as hooliganism and robbery.
TVNET · 29 Jul, 07:37

Melnis: Direct Russian Attack on NATO Currently Impossible; Latvia Ready for Provocations
Latvian Defense Minister Raivis Melnis stated that Russia is bogged down in Ukraine, making a direct conventional attack on NATO impossible in the near term. He assured that Latvia's armed forces and security services are prepared to counter any provocations.
Delfi · 29 Jul, 07:37

Pedestrian crossing on Senču Street: safety or ill-considered decision?
A safety island has been installed at a pedestrian crossing on Senču Street in central Riga, but many believe it creates congestion and is unnecessary.
LSM (rus) · 29 Jul, 07:37
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Future of Latvia's forests: Three choices that shape the landscape
The future of Latvia's forests is determined by three key decisions: what to plant, what to protect, and when to cut. Their interaction will decide whether forests remain productive and sustainable in the long term.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jul, 06:38

Singing Policeman Nikolajs Puzikovs Leaves Police Force, Moves into Real Estate
Nikolajs Puzikovs, widely known as the singing policeman, has confirmed he no longer works for the police. He left the service at the end of last June and now works in real estate while continuing to perform music in his free time.
OgreNet · 29 Jul, 06:37

Aidu Water Sports Center Needs Investments and Partners for Development
The Aidu Water Sports Center, built on a former oil shale quarry, aims to host more international competitions and training camps but requires new investments and partners. This autumn, the prestigious Baltic Cup will take place there, gathering about 300 young rowers from nine countries.
ERR (rus) · 29 Jul, 05:39

Laimons Ezergailis, a 102-year-old legionnaire and public figure from Dobele, has passed away
On July 22, Laimons Ezergailis, a Latvian legionnaire and community activist from Dobele, died at the age of 102. He was one of the last surviving Latvian Legion soldiers and had received the Dobele Municipality's 'Honorary Badge'.
Zemgales Ziņas · 29 Jul, 05:37

Vitenbergs warns of stricter steps if pellet prices and availability do not improve
Latvia’s Climate and Energy Minister Jānis Vitenbergs says the government may introduce tighter market regulation if the pellet shortage and high prices are not resolved in the coming weeks.
Jauns.lv · 29 Jul, 05:37

Real Estate Prices in 1937 Latvia: From Huts to Castles
A 1937 property catalog reveals that for a few thousand lats one could buy a house, while a castle or large farm cost tens of thousands. For comparison, the monthly salary of a trade company director was 640 lats.
Delfi · 29 Jul, 04:39

Football Coaching Education Seminar Held in Liepaja
On July 27-28, the Latvian Football Federation in cooperation with the Liepaja Football School organized a coaching education seminar in Liepaja. Participants learned about modern player development methods and discussed ways to improve training processes.
irLiepāja · 29 Jul, 04:38
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Speed Camera Violation Sparks Dispute Over Road Sign Placement
A car owner challenges a speeding ticket on the Ulbroka-Ogre road, claiming his partner was driving and that the speed limit sign was placed too low.
Apollo.lv · 29 Jul, 04:38