Latvia & nearby
AI Hype: Will Jobs Really Disappear or Is It Just Speculation?
AI developers often exaggerate the technology's capabilities to attract investment, but real costs and irreplaceable human creativity suggest that full job replacement is not imminent.
Ziemeļlatvija · 19 Jul, 09:37
Investigation into Drone Incidents in Rēzekne Finds Deficiencies but No Disciplinary Action
The Ministry of Defense's internal investigation into the May 7 drone incidents in Rēzekne revealed shortcomings in communication systems and response protocols, yet no official received disciplinary measures. Minister Melnis ordered the implementation of recommendations.
Delfi · 19 Jul, 09:37
Latvia U17 women fall to Italy in World Cup 9th-place semifinal
Latvia's U17 women's basketball team lost to Italy 59:63 in the 9th-place semifinal of the FIBA U17 World Cup. Despite leading for most of the game, Latvia could not hold off Italy's late surge.
OgreNet · 19 Jul, 09:37
Swan family rescued after causing gridlock on busy Tallinn highway
A family of swans brought traffic to a standstill on a major Tallinn highway on Friday. Rescuers had to intervene to safely move the birds.
ERR News · 19 Jul, 09:37
Smiltēns: Aim is to start work on a new Criminal Procedure Law
Justice Minister Edvards Smiltēns plans to set up a working group within four months to assess the need for a completely new Criminal Procedure Law, while pursuing other reforms in justice and digitalization.
Bauskas Dzīve · 19 Jul, 09:36
City-Owned Buildings in Tallinn's Old Town Stand Empty and Deteriorate
Many city-owned properties in Tallinn's Old Town are vacant and in poor condition. The deputy mayor suggests selling them, but a planning specialist disagrees, calling for responsible city ownership.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jul, 09:36
/nginx/o/2026/04/01/17539755t1h2fc0.jpg)
Police to Purchase Four Off-Road Vehicles for €400,000 to Combat Illegal Migration
Latvian police plan to buy four specially equipped off-road vehicles for €400,000 to strengthen the fight against illegal migration along the Belarus border.
Apollo.lv · 19 Jul, 09:36
Inspection of Drone Incidents in Rēzekne Reveals Shortcomings, but No Disciplinary Action
A military service inspection into the drone incidents in Rēzekne on May 7 has identified certain shortcomings, but no disciplinary penalties have been imposed.
LSM · 19 Jul, 09:36
Lithuania Positioned as Emerging 'Coolcation' Destination Amid European Heat Waves
A European Travel Commission report indicates that nearly one third of European travelers now seek cooler holiday destinations, and Lithuania is promoting itself as a viable option for tourists escaping southern heat.
LRT English · 19 Jul, 08:38
Summer-like Warm Weather Expected on Sunday
Sunday will bring warm temperatures up to +24°C in Latvia, but early next week a cyclone will bring rain.
Apollo.lv · 19 Jul, 08:38
Drunk Driver Without License Gets Probation and Ordered to Pay €4,000 for Car
A man who caused a traffic accident in Ogre while drunk and without a driver's license has been sentenced to probation and must compensate the full value of the vehicle he used.
OgreNet · 19 Jul, 08:37
Four people poisoned by carbon monoxide at Tallinn spa center
On Saturday evening, four people at the Elamus Spa complex in Tallinn required medical assistance after inhaling carbon monoxide. The facility was temporarily closed for safety inspections.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jul, 08:36
Five People Committed Suicide on Railways Last Year
The State Railway Technical Inspectorate reports that five people committed suicide on railways in 2025, down by three compared to the previous year.
Bauskas Dzīve · 19 Jul, 08:36
Sunday, July 19: Brief Rains in Some Places
On Sunday afternoon, skies will clear with only isolated brief rain showers, according to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jul, 08:36
Esotericist Bezdeliga's Video Sparks Debate on Critical Thinking
A video by esotericist Elizabete Bezdeliga, where she manifests wealth and power, has reignited discussions about critical thinking and the influence of charlatans in society.
TVNET · 19 Jul, 07:37
Smiltene Resident Rūta Ēķe Still Sings and Stays Connected at 90
Rūta Ēķe recently celebrated her 90th birthday in Smiltene, but remains active: she sings in a choir, reads books, and uses a smartphone. She believes the greatest value in life is people.
Ziemeļlatvija · 19 Jul, 07:37
Residents of Ābeļciems Create Modern Recreation Area on Their Own
Active residents of Ābeļciems in Pelču parish have established a recreational area with a shelter, children's playground, sports zone, and fire pit, using project funding and community effort.
Kurzemnieks · 19 Jul, 07:37
Bauska municipality finalizes school meal procurement worth €4.5 million
The municipality of Bauska has approved the results of a centralized catering procurement for nine educational institutions, awarding contracts to two companies for a total of nearly €4.5 million (excluding VAT) over five years.
Bauskas Dzīve · 19 Jul, 07:36
Employer Taken to Court in Liepāja for Unpaid Vacation Compensation
After termination of employment, a company failed to pay a former employee compensation for unused vacation, leading to a court case in Liepāja.
Apollo.lv · 19 Jul, 06:37
Laila Zālīte Donates Part of Her Liver to Save a Stranger’s Daughter, Risking Her Own Life
Turning 40, Laila Zālīte decided to become a living liver donor for a girl she didn’t know, facing both support and criticism, and highlighting the lack of state-funded rehabilitation for donors in Latvia.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jul, 06:36
Municipalities Invite Participation in Contest “Latvia's Best-Kept Apartment Building Courtyard 2026”
Until July 31, residents of apartment buildings can submit their courtyards for a contest with a prize fund of €7,000. Last year, two courtyards from Bauska region reached the finals.
Bauskas Dzīve · 19 Jul, 06:36
Motorcycle rally participant hits pedestrian in Ventspils
During the "Kurland Bike Meet" motorcycle rally in Ventspils, a participant struck a pedestrian with his motorcycle. The injured woman was taken to hospital, and the driver was sober.
Delfi · 19 Jul, 05:37
Some people carry away crops from others' pea fields by the bag
Farmers complain that people not only taste peas from fields but gather them in bags, trampling plants and damaging crops.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jul, 05:37
Mother on Parental Leave Denied Glasses Reimbursement: State Labour Inspectorate Says Employer Acted Illegally
The State Labour Inspectorate (VDI) clarifies that an employer's refusal to cover vision correction costs for an employee on parental leave violates labour law.
Latvijas Avīze · 19 Jul, 04:37
Smiltene celebrates city festival with diverse activities
On July 18, Smiltene held its annual city festival featuring a market, National Guard equipment display, Youth Day, and a meeting with author Zane Daudziņa. Children enjoyed a transformer robot show, while moto/auto enthusiasts gathered for a rally.
Ziemeļlatvija · 19 Jul, 04:37
Corruption Scandal in Lithuanian Army: Hundreds Evaded Military Service with Bribes
Lithuanian prosecutors are investigating a corruption scheme in which more than 200 young people allegedly evaded compulsory military service by paying bribes. The main suspect is a soldier responsible for managing conscript data.
Latvijas Avīze · 19 Jul, 03:38
Three injured in two-car collision in Saulkrasti county
On Saturday evening, two cars collided on road P6 in Saulkrasti county, sending three people to hospital.
Delfi · 19 Jul, 02:37
Employer Fails to Pay Vacation Compensation to Former Employee – Case Goes to Court
A Liepāja court is hearing a case where a company did not timely pay compensation for unused vacation to a former employee.
TVNET · 19 Jul, 02:37
Summer Camp “Geimot gudri” Teaches Children Healthy Digital Habits
This summer, a camp called “Geimot gudri” opened in Latvia to help children develop a healthy relationship with video games and digital media.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jul, 01:37
New British Unit Tailored for Estonia to Arrive Next Year
NATO's presence in Estonia will expand in 2025 with a larger UK contingent equipped with drones, replacing the current armored-focused force.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jul, 01:37
Trains at New Riga Station to Start Operating in 2028
The exterior of Riga Central Station's new southern section will be completed by the end of the year, but passenger trains are not expected to begin service until mid-2028.
LSM · 19 Jul, 01:37
/nginx/o/2026/07/14/17782578t1h730b.jpg)
Latvia's largest sweet cherry orchard introduces modern covered growing
Farmer Dzintars runs the largest sweet cherry orchard in Latvia, where most trees grow under a special plastic cover with ventilation to ensure a stable harvest.
TVNET · 19 Jul, 01:36
Kohtla-Järve Plans to Demolish Eight Abandoned Houses
With state support, the city of Kohtla-Järve intends to demolish eight abandoned buildings. Agreements have been reached with some owners, while others may face forced expropriation.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jul, 00:37
Romance scam victims in Latvia lose tens of thousands of euros; largest loss approaches €100,000
Romance scams are on the rise in Latvia. Victims, mostly women, transfer tens of thousands of euros to fraudsters. The largest known loss is nearly €100,000.
Jauns.lv · 18 Jul, 23:36
Scattered Showers and Possible Thunderstorms Expected on Sunday
Sunday will bring changeable weather with brief rain showers and thunderstorms in many places; temperatures will range from +17 to +25°C.
ERR (rus) · 18 Jul, 22:37
New Riga Central Station to be completed this year, trains will run only after several years
The new southern part of Riga Central Station will be essentially finished by the end of this year, but passengers will be able to use it only in mid-2028, after railway infrastructure is built. Due to lack of full funding, some already constructed facilities will have to be mothballed.
Jauns.lv · 18 Jul, 22:37