Latvia & nearby
Next Week's Most Popular Names in Latvia: Anna, Marija, and Kristīne
According to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, from July 20 to 26, the most common name days will be Anna, Marija, and Kristīne, while the rarest are Meldris, Magone, and Magda.
Staburags · 20 Jul, 03:37
Strange sight at Vecāķi beach: a toilet bowl with no walls turns out to be a temporary unit for a private cafe
A viral TikTok video showed a toilet bowl standing alone without any walls near Vecāķi beach. Riga City Council deputy chairman Edvards Ratnieks clarified it was a swap container for a private cafe, not a public facility.
Latvijas Avīze · 20 Jul, 03:37
Lithuania Considers Reinstating Border Controls with Latvia Amid Migrant Surge
Due to a significant increase in illegal migrants, Lithuania is considering temporarily reinstating border controls with Latvia.
Jauns.lv · 20 Jul, 02:37
In a Year, Fare Evaders in Trains Fined Nearly €140,000; 54% Paid
Over 5,200 fare evaders have been fined in Latvian trains over the past year, with total fines reaching almost €140,000, of which 54% have been paid.
LSM · 20 Jul, 01:37
Lithuanian woman who started as a cleaner now runs her own cleaning company
God Pečulīte from Lithuania ignored family advice to find a 'normal' job and started working as a cleaner. Today she leads her own cleaning business 'Balti namai' and proves that unconventional choices can lead to success.
Delfi · 19 Jul, 23:37
Narva-Jõesuu: Project to raise sunken fishing trawler put on hold
The Narva-Jõesuu municipality has paused the project to raise a fishing trawler that sank 50 years ago, as costs are estimated at one million euros.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jul, 23:37
Riga sells historic water towers: potential buyers and possible uses
The Riga City Council has decided to divest the late 19th-century twin water towers near Vagonu Park, which are no longer used for water supply.
Delfi · 19 Jul, 22:37
Over 5,200 Ticketless Passengers Fined in Latvian Trains in Past Year
In the last year, more than 5,200 passengers were fined for traveling without a ticket on Latvian trains, with total fines amounting to 140,000 euros. The national rail operator Pasažieru vilciens has taken over ticket control from an external service.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jul, 21:37
Orange Warning for Heavy Rain Across Latvia: What to Know
LVĢMC has issued an orange warning from July 20 at 11:00 until midnight on July 21, expecting very heavy rain that may cause flooding and infrastructure damage.
Latvijas Avīze · 19 Jul, 18:37
Cyclone to Bring Rain and Gusty Winds on Monday
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre warns of heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong wind gusts, especially along the coast, as a cyclone passes over the country on 20 July.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jul, 18:36
University of Tartu study: people vote electronically if trip to polling station takes over half an hour
Researchers at the University of Tartu have found that travel time significantly influences the choice of e-voting in Estonia, challenging the myth of the digital divide.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jul, 17:36
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Riga Regional Court to Re-examine Case on Puma Purchase and Keeping This October
On October 28, the Riga Regional Court will rehear a case where two men are accused of illegally buying and keeping an American puma in a residential house. The Supreme Court overturned a previous conviction in June, citing insufficient examination of the defendants' intent.
Apollo.lv · 19 Jul, 17:36
Signature collection begins for safer environment near Imanta and Babīte stations
An initiative has been published on ManaBalss.lv calling for safety improvements at Imanta railway station, after four people, including two minors, were fatally hit by trains between Imanta and Babīte stations since autumn 2025.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jul, 17:36
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Ādaži Municipality Proposes Stricter Dog Leash Rules
The Ādaži municipality has drafted amendments to local regulations requiring dogs to be on a leash in public areas such as parks, playgrounds, streets, and apartment courtyards, with exceptions for forests and designated training areas.
TVNET · 19 Jul, 16:37
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Heavy rain and strong winds expected in Latvia on Monday
A cyclone will bring heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong wind gusts to Latvia on Monday, July 20, especially in coastal areas of Kurzeme.
TVNET · 19 Jul, 15:37
Sõprus to open summer cinema on Harjumägi in August
From August 21 to 23, the Sõprus cinema will host outdoor screenings on Harjumägi hill, featuring three different films including a collaboration with the Black Nights Film Festival.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jul, 15:36
Valmiermuiža hosts 9th ethnomusic festival with Chinese rhythms and fire show
On July 18, the ninth ethnomusic festival took place in Valmiermuiža Park, featuring music from various cultures, workshops, and a fire ritual.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jul, 15:36
From Abandoned Building to Tourist Gem: How Nora Krasovska Manages the Odzene Estate
Nora Krasovska has been managing the Odzene estate in the Aizkraukle region for 12 years, transforming it from a neglected property into a tourist attraction. The family now owns eight buildings of the estate, including a fully restored ancient inn.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jul, 15:36
Tallinn Deputy Mayor Suggests Selling Off Vacant Old Town Properties
Tallinn deputy mayor Tiit Terik proposes selling some long-vacant municipal buildings in the Old Town to encourage restoration through new owners' investments, while a city planner urges better stewardship instead.
ERR News · 19 Jul, 14:37
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42,011 People in Latvia Had Low-Income Status at End of May
At the end of May, 42,011 people in Latvia held the status of a needy person, unchanged from April. Another 18,085 were classified as low-income.
Apollo.lv · 19 Jul, 14:37
Wedding registrar: I have told some couples they should not marry
Estonian wedding registrar Peep-Ain Saar shares his experiences, including times when he directly advised couples against getting married.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jul, 14:36
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Mārupe Municipality Introduces Christmas Benefit of €50
The Mārupe Municipality council has adopted amendments introducing an annual Christmas benefit of €50 for specific groups of residents without means testing.
TVNET · 19 Jul, 14:36
Night Rescue Operations: Four Lost Kayakers Saved in Valka Municipality
On Saturday night, four people who got lost while rafting on a river in Valka municipality were rescued. The State Fire and Rescue Service conducted the operation, which lasted until 1:30 AM.
Delfi · 19 Jul, 13:36
Journalist Domburs: Latvia lacks open political discussion
Janis Domburs says that in a democratic society people should talk about politics, but in Latvia few do so.
LSM · 19 Jul, 13:36
Dashcams Capture Dangerous Maneuvers on Latvian Roads Again
A new compilation of dashcam footage shows aggressive and reckless driving on Latvian roads, highlighting ongoing safety issues.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jul, 13:36
Estonia to mark 35th anniversary of restoration of independence with extensive events
Estonia will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its independence restoration on August 20 with a wide range of events, including a conference, flag-raising, concert, and family activities. The celebrations may be the last for many signatories of the 1991 declaration due to their age.
ERR News · 19 Jul, 12:36
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Health Ministry Asks for €88,694 for Asylum Seekers' Healthcare
The Ministry of Health has requested €88,694 from contingency funds to cover healthcare costs for asylum seekers in the first half of 2026.
TVNET · 19 Jul, 12:36
Four lost boaters rescued at night in Valka region
Late Saturday evening, firefighters rescued four people who had gotten lost while boating on a river in Zvārtavas parish, Valka region. The operation lasted until 1:30 a.m.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jul, 12:36
Four Treated for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning After Visiting Tallinn Spa
Four people required emergency treatment after inhaling carbon monoxide at Elamus Spa 21+ in Mustamäe; the spa was closed for inspections.
ERR News · 19 Jul, 11:37
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Latvia registers 32 people named Ronaldo and 16 named Lionel
Latvia’s Population Register contains 16 individuals named Lionel, 32 named Ronaldo, and several other football star names.
Apollo.lv · 19 Jul, 11:37
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Two rescued from smoke-filled apartment in Ventspils; multiple fires reported across Latvia
Firefighters rescued two people from a smoke-filled apartment in Ventspils after unattended cooking caused a fire. Other fires were reported in the Smiltene region, Riga, and Jūrmala over the past day.
TVNET · 19 Jul, 11:36
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Acting Head of State Chancellery Gailīte Earned Nearly €90,000 Last Year
Inese Gailīte, acting director of the State Chancellery, received a salary of €89,007 in 2025, a 12% increase from the previous year, according to her official declaration.
TVNET · 19 Jul, 10:37
Sunday Expected to Be Summer-Like Warm and Mostly Sunny
Sunday in Latvia will see clearing skies, occasional light rain in some places, and summer-like warm weather, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
LSM · 19 Jul, 10:37
Linguists: Estonian youth more often say "jaa" than "jah"
A study analyzing approximately 100,000 words from conversations of Estonian schoolchildren aged 10–13 found that they use the elongated "jaa" in 87% of affirmatives, ignoring adult rules. Researchers suggest either incomplete language acquisition or ongoing language change.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jul, 10:37
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Nine drunk drivers caught on Saturday; two face car confiscation
On Saturday, nine drivers with blood alcohol levels exceeding 1.5 per mille were detained in Latvia. Two will have their vehicles confiscated, while seven will be required to pay the value of their cars.
Apollo.lv · 19 Jul, 10:36
Estonia to Host New British Contingent Tailored to Battlefield Needs
From 2027, the British force in Estonia will be expanded and restructured, replacing heavy armor with lighter, more mobile units equipped with 250 km-range drones and artificial intelligence, drawing on lessons from the Ukraine war.
ERR News · 19 Jul, 10:36