Latvia & nearby
Postal accessibility: residents increasingly choose parcel lockers
Latvijas Pasts, a fully state-owned company, continues to provide postal services nationwide, but with the rise of e-commerce, residents are increasingly using parcel lockers and visiting post offices less frequently. Local residents and municipal representatives discuss the possibility of merging postal functions with libraries or other institutions.
Zemgales Ziņas · 24 Jul, 06:36
Summer warmth returns to Latvia on weekend, but scattered rain still expected
The weekend will bring warmer weather with temperatures up to +25°C, though some places may still see rain. Early next week temperatures could exceed +25°C in some areas.
BNN · 24 Jul, 06:36
Ludza Municipality Acquires Diesel Generators and Water Tanks for Crisis Situations
In response to increasing security risks and natural disasters, the Ludza Municipality has equipped its parishes with drinking water tanks and diesel generators to enhance civil defense capabilities.
LSM · 24 Jul, 06:36
Free International Media Camp for Youth in Sigulda Opens Applications
From August 24 to 29, Sigulda will host the international media camp 'Young Media Sharks' where 50 young people from Latvia and the Baltics can learn media skills for free under the guidance of experienced professionals.
irLiepāja · 24 Jul, 05:37
PVD Bribery Trial Dragging On: 15 Years and Still No Verdict
The criminal case of systematic bribery at Latvia's Food and Veterinary Service (PVD), initiated in 2011, has dragged on for over 15 years, testing the resilience of the country's court system.
TVNET · 24 Jul, 05:37
Mini Cooper and Truck Collide in Riga Due to Blind Spot
On Thursday at around 1 p.m. on Lubanas Street in Riga, a Mini Cooper and a truck collided; the Mini Cooper driver felt a rear impact, and the truck driver said the car was in his blind spot.
Apollo.lv · 24 Jul, 05:37
New heating pipeline planned in Narva to reduce heating costs
The city governments of Narva and Narva-Jõesuu have agreed on design requirements for a heat pipeline from the Auvere power plant to the Baltic station, aiming to channel excess heat for city heating and ease price hikes.
ERR (rus) · 24 Jul, 04:38
Three International Artists to Create Murals Simultaneously in Liepāja
In July, Liepāja will see the simultaneous creation of three large-format murals by artists from France, Mexico, and Spain, adding to the city's street art collection.
irLiepāja · 24 Jul, 04:38
/nginx/o/2026/07/23/17800190t1h5171.jpg)
Brave Latvian waitress risked her life to escape USSR: The story of Daina Pālena
In the spring of 1970, 25-year-old Latvian Daina Pālena risked her life by overdosing on sleeping pills on a Soviet fishing boat to reach the US and seek political asylum. The extraordinary story even caught the attention of The New York Times.
TVNET · 24 Jul, 04:37
Latvian Waitress Risked Her Life to Flee USSR – Story That Caught The New York Times' Attention
In the spring of 1970, 25-year-old Latvian Daina Pālena intentionally overdosed on sleeping pills aboard a Soviet fishing vessel to reach the US and seek political asylum. Her story drew the attention of The New York Times.
Apollo.lv · 24 Jul, 04:37
Politicians differ on future of Tallinn's Alexander Nevsky Cathedral lease
Interior Minister Igor Taro believes Tallinn can terminate the lease of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, but city authorities say there are no legal grounds to do so.
ERR (rus) · 24 Jul, 03:38
Vivi Adds Extra Trains for Summer Sound 2026 Festival in Liepāja
To facilitate travel to the festival, Vivi will operate five additional train services between Rīga and Liepāja.
irLiepāja · 24 Jul, 03:38
Centrists Call for Open Debates Between Presidential Candidates
A group of public figures has proposed Estonia piano factory director Indrek Laul as a presidential candidate. The Centre Party supports open debates between candidates.
ERR (rus) · 24 Jul, 02:37
Almost All Horses Seized in Bestiality Case Sold
In a criminal proceeding where four people were detained on suspicion of long-term sexual acts with animals and filming them, 11 horses were seized and taken to a safe location near Liepaja. An auction saw 10 of them sold.
LSM (rus) · 24 Jul, 02:37
Saeima supports requirement for EU TV broadcasts to have Latvian subtitles
The Saeima passed in second reading amendments to the Electronic Mass Media Law, requiring TV programs from EU countries in foreign languages to be provided with Latvian subtitles, dubbing, or voiceover.
LSM · 24 Jul, 02:37
Ten Horses Confiscated in Animal Sexual Abuse Case Sold
Latvian police have sold ten of the eleven horses seized in a criminal case involving long-term sexual abuse of animals. The animals are now in a safe location near Liepāja.
Delfi · 24 Jul, 01:37
PVD officials' bribery case drags on for 15 years in court
The criminal case of systematic bribery by Food and Veterinary Service officials has become a prolonged legal saga, starting in 2011.
Apollo.lv · 24 Jul, 01:37
After Incident in Riga: Researchers Warn Against Generalizations in Immigration Debate
A possible attack in central Riga has sparked widespread resonance and reignited the immigration debate. Researchers note that concerns about security and integration are not xenophobia, but the line is crossed when individual cases are applied to an entire group.
LSM · 24 Jul, 00:37
Estonian U18 basketball team returns to European Championship after 18-year hiatus
After an 18-year break, the Estonian U18 basketball team will again compete in the European Championship finals, held in Italy from July 25 to August 2. Their group opponents include hosts Italy, neighboring Latvia, and defending champions Spain.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jul, 23:37
Mobbing in Estonian National Opera Choir: Chief Choirmaster Dismissed After Two-Year Conflict
After a prolonged conflict involving mobbing and protests, the Estonian National Opera has dismissed chief choirmaster Heli Jürgenson. The dispute began after a certification process where four singers were rejected.
Delfi · 23 Jul, 23:37
Truck Trailer Overturns in Ragana After Sudden Braking, Cargo Spills
On Thursday afternoon in Ragana, Krimulda Parish, a truck trailer overturned after emergency braking, spilling a load of timber onto the road. No injuries were reported, and the stork that caused the braking was unharmed.
Jauns.lv · 23 Jul, 23:36
Friday: Brief Rains Possible, +17…+23°C
On Friday, Estonia will experience partly cloudy skies and occasional showers, with daytime temperatures reaching +17…+23°C.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jul, 22:37
Seven Places in Latvia to Pick Your Own Berries: Blueberries and Raspberries Still Available
Several farms in Latvia still offer pick-your-own blueberries and raspberries, though this year's harvest is uneven.
Delfi · 23 Jul, 22:36
/nginx/o/2026/06/08/17698633t1h39c7.jpg)
Refunds Not Required for Events Canceled Due to Airspace Threats Under New Law
Amendments stipulate that organizers are not obligated to refund tickets if a public event is canceled because of an airspace danger warning that poses immediate threats to life or health.
Apollo.lv · 23 Jul, 21:36
Latvian parliament increases fines for state language violations
Latvia's Saeima has adopted amendments increasing fines for violations of the state language usage, including for showing disrespect towards the state language.
TVNET · 23 Jul, 21:36
Sillamäe City Museum Growing in Popularity Among Foreign Tourists
Despite a slight decline in total visitors this year, the Sillamäe City Museum has seen a 30% increase in foreign tourists, who are particularly interested in specific topics like the GULAG camp and the post-WWII prisoner construction battalion.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jul, 21:36
Insurance to Cover Liepaja Stadium Lawn Restoration After Prāta vētra Concert Damage
Insurance will pay for the restoration of the football pitch at Daugava Stadium in Liepaja, damaged during a Prāta vētra concert on July 18.
LSM (rus) · 23 Jul, 20:36
/nginx/o/2026/02/26/17479018t1h2e5d.jpg)
Ruks: Number of crimes by migrants in Latvia not increasing, but police must not relax
State Police Chief Armands Ruks said that the number of crimes committed by migrants has not increased, but police must remain vigilant, as the main issues are administrative violations and potential future risks.
Apollo.lv · 23 Jul, 19:37
New owners found for horses seized in animal sexual abuse case
Of the 11 horses confiscated in a criminal case involving suspected sexual abuse of animals, ten have been sold at auction, while one was purchased by the caretakers.
TVNET · 23 Jul, 19:36
Ruks: Vilcāne misled about migrant attack; criminal case closed
State Police chief Armands Ruks stated that lawyer Ginta Vilcāne likely misled police and the public about an attack allegedly carried out by Indian or Pakistani migrants. The criminal case has been terminated; Vilcāne says she will appeal.
Apollo.lv · 23 Jul, 18:37
Ossinovski: Universal health insurance won't solve healthcare funding problems
Former Minister of Social Affairs Jevgeni Ossinovski said in an interview with Vikerraadio that universal health insurance is not a solution to healthcare funding problems, as aging population and rising costs demand more resources.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jul, 18:37
Latvia bans imports of books, clothing, and toys made in Russia and Belarus
Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, has passed amendments to the law on supporting Ukraine's civilian population that ban the import of a range of goods produced in Russia and Belarus. The government still needs to approve the final list, which may include books, video games, toys, clothing, and footwear.
Meduza · 23 Jul, 18:36
Pothole-ridden road in Ziemupe hinders tourism
Due to the poor road condition, tourists cancel reservations, while 'Latvijas Valsts ceļi' has no major investment plans, citing that the road should be transferred to the municipality.
LSM · 23 Jul, 18:36
Latvian Parliament Lifts Ban on Consumer Credit Advertising, Imposes Strict Rules
The Saeima has ended the prohibition on advertising consumer credit to individuals, requiring ads to warn about borrowing costs and banning messages that encourage irresponsible borrowing.
Delfi · 23 Jul, 17:38
Triin Talk: How to ensure that Tallinn's Old City is not only inhabited by rats?
Triin Talk, a doctoral student at the Estonian Academy of Arts, argues that to bring residents back to Tallinn's Old City, tourism must be curbed and government institutions retained, citing Amsterdam's policies.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jul, 17:37
Former Supreme Council Deputy Juris Karlsons Passes Away
Juris Karlsons, a former deputy of the Supreme Council of Latvia and public figure, passed away on July 21, as confirmed by the 4 May Declaration Club.
TVNET · 23 Jul, 17:37