Latvia & nearby

First Village Festival in Blome on August 1st
On Saturday, August 1st, Blome in Smiltene Municipality will host its first-ever village festival, organized by the local residents' council and the community centre.
Ziemeļlatvija · 27 Jul, 07:38
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First round university admission results to be announced today after 11 AM
The first round results of the unified university admission will be announced today after 11:00. Information is available on the official admission website.
Apollo.lv · 27 Jul, 07:38

Estonia Sends Additional Border Guards to Latvia to Combat Illegal Migration
Estonia is deploying extra police and border guard forces to Latvia to reinforce the EU's external border against illegal migration orchestrated by the Belarusian regime.
ERR (rus) · 27 Jul, 07:38

189 Russian Citizens Arrive in Estonia Daily; Their Final Destination Unknown
Estonian authorities do not compile data on how many Russian citizens use the country as a transit route, although their right to stay in the Schengen area is monitored.
Delfi · 27 Jul, 07:37

Jelgava Municipality Plans to Compensate Teachers' Travel Costs
Jelgava County has drafted regulations to reimburse teachers for commuting expenses, aiming to attract and retain educators, especially in remote schools.
Bauskas Dzīve · 27 Jul, 07:37

Road repairs cause up to hour-long delays for drivers in Latvia
With 70 road construction sites currently active on Latvian state roads, drivers face significant delays, in some places up to an hour. The state road authority urges travelers to check the latest traffic restrictions before setting off.
Jauns.lv · 27 Jul, 07:37

30 Years as a Postwoman: A Serendipitous Career in Skrīveri
Rusudana Pankule began working as a temporary replacement for a postman in Skrīveri three decades ago and never left, adapting to technological changes while remaining a vital link for elderly residents who rely on her for mail, pensions, and social contact.
Staburags · 27 Jul, 07:37

Bears Reported in Imanta; Authorities Find No Trace
Over the weekend, reports emerged of a possible bear with cubs in the Imanta district of Riga. The Nature Conservation Agency inspected the area but did not spot the predators. Residents are urged to remain cautious.
LSM (rus) · 27 Jul, 07:37

Bystanders Save Woman's Life in Daugavpils Supermarket; Medics Urge Not to Fear Helping
Shoppers at a Daugavpils supermarket performed CPR and saved a woman's life. Health professionals call on the public to learn first aid and act without hesitation.
LSM (rus) · 27 Jul, 06:38

Survey: 82% of Drivers Admit to Exceeding Speed Limit by at Least 10 km/h; Nearly a Quarter Do So Often or Regularly
A new survey reveals that 82% of drivers admit to exceeding the speed limit by at least 10 km/h, with 23% doing so often or regularly. The head of a safe driving school warns of the dangers of this common behavior.
OgreNet · 27 Jul, 06:38

Animal abusers often punished only on paper in Latvia
Dozens of criminal cases for animal cruelty are opened annually in Latvia, but only a fraction reach court, with penalties often lenient, according to data. Experts and the public say that beyond harsher sentences, inevitability of punishment and preventive measures are needed.
Žurnāls Ir · 27 Jul, 06:37

24 unemployed and 45 pensioners to run for 15th Saeima
Data from the Central Election Commission shows that 24 unemployed candidates from 12 party lists and 45 pensioners from 13 lists are running in the 15th Saeima elections. The highest number of unemployed is in the 'Latvia First' party, while the highest number of pensioners is in 'Harmony Centre'.
Bauskas Dzīve · 27 Jul, 06:37

Exhibition 'Notes and Views' by Nataļja Gmiraka Opens in Jelgava
Until August 18, the artist Nataļja Gmiraka presents her exhibition 'Notes and Views' at the Jelgava Old Town House, capturing moments and moods in drawings.
Zemgales Ziņas · 27 Jul, 06:37

Liepāja’s wastewater treatment plant protected from coastal erosion, but erosion shifts elsewhere
After five years of efforts, Liepāja’s wastewater treatment plant is now partially shielded from coastal erosion, while erosion intensifies in other areas, including Karosta.
LSM · 27 Jul, 06:37

Estonian border authorities apprehend illegal migrants for 4th consecutive day
Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) has intensified checks at ports and transport hubs, intercepting another group of illegal border crossers on the fourth straight day, believed to have arrived via Latvia from the Belarus border.
ERR News · 27 Jul, 05:39

Man found lying on road in Rembates parish, intoxicated
On the night of July 21, police in Rembates parish found a man from Smiltene lying on the road, heavily intoxicated; he was taken to a detoxification center and issued a warning.
OgreNet · 27 Jul, 05:38

Lielzalve Manor Gallery Enriched with Ten Works by Ligita Caune Featuring Sēlija Landscapes
Ten paintings by artist Ligita Caune, mostly depicting Sēlija landscapes, have been added to the Lielzalve Manor gallery, honoring her native region.
Staburags · 27 Jul, 05:38

Kulbergs: Prosecutor General's demand to cancel decisions is like repeating WWII
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs compared the Prosecutor General's request to revoke two government decisions on wood industry support to an attempt to repeat World War II, stating the decisions have been implemented and history cannot be reversed.
TVNET · 27 Jul, 05:38

Riga Resident Shocked That Some Products Cheaper in Norway Than Latvia
A woman from Riga found that common foods like dark chocolate and pesto are cheaper in Norway than in Latvia, highlighting price disparities despite Norway's higher wages.
Jauns.lv · 27 Jul, 05:37

Skeptics Doubt Funding for Narva Old Town Rebuild
Narva's mayor and property experts question the viability of a plan to rebuild the pre-war Old Town quarter, citing lack of investors and unclear economic returns.
ERR News · 27 Jul, 04:38

Bears reported in Imanta, but none found; experts warn of growing population
After residents reported possible bear sightings in Riga's Imanta neighborhood, authorities searched the area but found no bears. However, experts note that the bear population in Latvia is increasing and encounters near cities are becoming more likely.
Jauns.lv · 27 Jul, 03:38

Kuldīga's Old Town Festival Celebrated with Music, Performances, and Stories
Kuldīga has concluded its Old Town Festival, held for the third year to mark the inclusion of the old town in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
LSM · 27 Jul, 03:38

Sharp Increase in Students Who Served in National Defense Raises Concerns Over Budget Places
Latvian universities see a rapid rise in applicants who completed voluntary national defense service (VAD), which guarantees them state-funded study places. Institutions, including the University of Latvia, worry this may leave fewer spots for other talented students.
LSM · 27 Jul, 02:38

New Customs Duty on Low-Value Shipments: VID Explains the Situation
Nearly a month has passed since the introduction of the new customs duty on low-value shipments, and the public still has many questions. The Customs Department of the State Revenue Service provides clarification for buyers.
Apollo.lv · 27 Jul, 02:37
Saeima advances multiple legislative changes: broader options for filling out coordinated accident report, ban on imports from Russia and Belarus, streaming platforms to invest in Latvian content
On July 23, the Saeima referred several legislative drafts to committees, including amendments to the Road Traffic Law expanding coordinated accident report options, a ban on certain industrial goods from Russia and Belarus, a requirement for streaming platforms to invest in Latvian audiovisual works, and allowing voluntary application for national defense service from age 17.
LV portāls · 27 Jul, 02:37

Exhibition on Saaremaa features half-century-old clothing nostalgia
Last weekend, a unique exhibition at Tõnnu farm café in Siiksaare village on Saaremaa displayed hundreds of clothing items from 50 years ago, mostly new with original price tags.
ERR (rus) · 27 Jul, 01:38

Latvia Plans to Remove Road Signs Pointing to Russia and Belarus
Latvia's Transport Ministry aims to modify or replace road signs indicating destinations in Russia and Belarus by September 30. The cost is estimated at around €120,000.
Jauns.lv · 27 Jul, 01:38

Bears Sought in Imanta, But None Found
Authorities searched the Imanta area after reports of a possible bear and cubs, but did not spot any predators, urging residents to remain cautious.
LSM · 27 Jul, 00:38

Tallinn makes third attempt to find investor for Olympic swimming pool
Tallinn has launched an international tender for the construction of Estonia's largest swimming complex in Lasnamäe. This is the third try to attract a private investor, and if successful, the facility could open by the end of 2029.
ERR (rus) · 26 Jul, 23:38
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Expert: New micro-reserve regulations may hinder habitat conservation for protected species
Viesturs Ķerus, chairman of the Latvian Ornithological Society, warns that the new rules for establishing and managing micro-reserves could slow down their creation, potentially threatening habitats of protected species.
TVNET · 26 Jul, 23:37

Renovation Project for 88 Brīvības Street Building Approved – Construction May Start This Year
The monumental building at 88 Brīvības Street in Riga, long considered a dilapidated structure, now has an approved renovation project; the owners hope to begin construction this year.
Delfi · 26 Jul, 22:38
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Court to Hear Olympic Casino Latvia's Dispute with Ventspils City Council Over Betting Shop
The Administrative Regional Court is set to review Olympic Casino Latvia's application regarding a totalizator and betting point in Ventspils in written proceedings on January 5 next year.
TVNET · 26 Jul, 22:38

Monday: Cloudy with sunny spells, showers, thunderstorms, +17…+23
Monday will be cloudy with sunny spells, scattered showers and thunderstorms, temperatures between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius.
ERR (rus) · 26 Jul, 22:38

Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Expected in Some Parts of Latvia on Monday
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre warns that on Monday, July 27, strong downpours and thunderstorms are expected in some parts of Latvia.
LSM (rus) · 26 Jul, 21:39

Former Athlete Turned Teacher Opens Home Pizzeria in Summer
Ain Karutoom, a former football champion and now a history teacher, runs a small home pizzeria in Turba during summer breaks, baking pizza only a few times per season.
ERR (rus) · 26 Jul, 21:37

Unusual Number of Flying Ants Seen in Riga: Municipality Says No Cause for Alarm
On Sunday, July 26, the Riga municipality received many inquiries about an unusually large number of flying ants across the capital. Experts explain this is a natural summer phenomenon that poses no danger to humans.
Delfi · 26 Jul, 20:38