Latvia & nearby
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Riga City Council Supports Expansion of Unified Public Transport Ticket to All Train Zones
From July 24, the unified ticket will be valid not only in zone A but also in zones B, C, D and E, combining a train ride with Riga public transport.
TVNET · 8 Jul, 19:37
Michal: NATO summit decisions in Ankara strengthen allies and make Estonia safer
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated that the decisions of the NATO summit in Ankara meet Tallinn's expectations and strengthen the alliance's collective defense.
ERR (rus) · 8 Jul, 19:36
NATO Summit in Ankara: Alliance Confirms Unity, Canada to Increase Military Contingent in Latvia
At the NATO summit in Ankara, alliance leaders reaffirmed commitment to collective defense, and Canada announced an increase in its military contingent in Latvia, despite harsh rhetoric from US President Donald Trump.
LSM (rus) · 8 Jul, 19:36
Border Guard Caught Driving with 1.5 Promille Alcohol; Case Sent to Prosecutor's Office
A State Border Guard employee was caught driving a private vehicle while intoxicated, with a breath alcohol concentration exceeding 1.5 promille. The criminal case has been forwarded to the Southern Latgale Prosecutor's Office.
Delfi · 8 Jul, 18:38
Tartu educational institutions begin applying protective film to windows
Educational institutions in Tartu have started covering windows with special protective film as part of crisis preparedness measures, including scenarios involving stray drones entering airspace.
ERR (rus) · 8 Jul, 18:37
Engure Physics Teacher Accused of 25 Criminal Offenses against Children
Police have arrested a physics teacher and checkers club leader from Engure Secondary School, accused of gratifying his sexual urges during lessons and club activities. The investigation revealed 25 criminal offenses against minors, with nine children granted special protected status.
Jauns.lv · 8 Jul, 18:37
Another human smuggler detained in Augšdaugava region
Latvian border guards arrested a Polish citizen who transported ten irregular migrants in a minibus with a fake license plate. The migrants were returned to the border, and the driver faces criminal charges.
Apollo.lv · 8 Jul, 18:36
Rinkēvičs: Russia likes to scare, but NATO stands behind us
Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated at the NATO summit in Ankara that while Russia uses hybrid threats, a military invasion is not expected because the entire alliance stands behind Latvia.
BNN · 8 Jul, 17:37
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Riga Schools Enroll Less Than Half of Planned 10th Grade Students
Only 2,050 students have been admitted to 10th grade in Riga municipal schools so far, out of a planned 4,500 places, despite over 5,300 applicants.
TVNET · 8 Jul, 17:36
Rinkēvičs: Russia likes to intimidate, but NATO has our back
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that while Russia enjoys intimidating regional countries, Latvia's NATO membership makes a military invasion unlikely despite ongoing hybrid threats.
LSM (rus) · 8 Jul, 17:36
Wax on sauna shelves catches fire in police building in Tallinn
In Tallinn, wax on wooden shelves in a sauna at a police building began to smolder during the first heating, causing smoke and a burning smell; rescuers aired the premises.
ERR (rus) · 8 Jul, 17:36
Opposition fails to oust Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs after market scandal
The Riga City Council voted against removing Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs, with 23 in favor and 33 against after more than four hours of debate.
LSM · 8 Jul, 17:36
Apartment Sale Prices in Riga Rise Twice as Fast as Rents
Data from real estate company "Latio" shows that housing prices in Riga have increased by 10–14% over the past year, while rents have grown only 5–6%. Analysts point to affordability constraints limiting rent growth.
Apollo.lv · 8 Jul, 16:37
Rinkēvičs: Russia's intimidation will not succeed, Latvia is secure with NATO
President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated at the NATO summit in Ankara that Russia is trying to instill fear, but Latvia is not alone as NATO stands behind it. He emphasized the need to increase defense spending and continue support for Ukraine.
Jauns.lv · 8 Jul, 16:37
Estonian minister warns NATO jets can't fly without national helicopter rescue capability
Interior Minister Igor Taro says Estonia must guarantee helicopter rescue coverage for NATO air defense, seeking funding for five new police helicopters.
ERR News · 8 Jul, 16:37
Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs Seeks New Solution for Mental Health Support
The Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs, together with the Enterprise and Innovation Foundation, is developing a digital stepped-care system for mental health with a budget of nearly 2 million euros.
ERR (rus) · 8 Jul, 16:36
Latvia to Transfer 23 Confiscated Vehicles to Ukraine
The Latvian government has approved the free transfer of 23 vehicles to Ukraine. The cars were confiscated from drunk drivers and other criminal cases.
LSM (rus) · 8 Jul, 16:36
July weather in Estonia: floods, waterspouts and giant hailstones
A series of low pressure systems has brought heavy rain, storms and waterspouts, causing localized flooding. Experts say a warming climate could make such events more intense.
ERR News · 8 Jul, 15:37
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Rain and thunderstorms expected in Latvia on Thursday
The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecasts rain, locally heavy and prolonged, and possible thunderstorms on Thursday. Winds on the coast will gust up to 20-22 m/s.
Apollo.lv · 8 Jul, 15:37
Tragic crash in Vilnius kills two young people; driver is a 19-year-old girl
On July 4 in Vilnius, a 19-year-old girl driving a BMW crashed into a light pole, killing two passengers. Witnesses say the car was racing at least 120 km/h, and the driver had alcohol in her blood.
Delfi · 8 Jul, 15:37
Estonian Interior Minister Criticizes Reform Party's Spending Cut Plan
Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro requests additional funding for new helicopters and criticizes the Reform Party's proposal to cut state spending, arguing that previous cuts have already caused harm to society.
ERR (rus) · 8 Jul, 15:37
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Only 25% of Future Lawyers Pass State Unified Qualification Exam
In the summer session, 57 out of 231 students (25%) passed the state unified lawyer professional qualification exam.
TVNET · 8 Jul, 15:37
NATO Reclassifies Baltic Air Policing Mission as Air Defence Mission
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda announced at the NATO summit in Ankara that the alliance is reclassifying its air policing mission in the Baltic states into an air defence mission, significantly improving Lithuania’s air defence capabilities.
LRT English · 8 Jul, 15:36
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Quiz: How many Latvian cities have the letter 'R' in their name?
A new quiz challenges you to determine how many Latvian city names contain the letter 'R'. The correct answer is 22.
Apollo.lv · 8 Jul, 14:37
Racing for the Ferry: Police Fine Two Drivers on Hiiumaa Island
Two drivers in Estonia's Hiiumaa island were fined for speeding at 142 km/h and 150 km/h while rushing to catch a ferry from Heltermaa port.
ERR (rus) · 8 Jul, 14:36
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Consumer Watchdog Finds No Major Violations in Influencer Commercial Content
Latvia's PTAC joined an international sweep that found most influencers post commercial content but few label it clearly.
TVNET · 8 Jul, 14:36
Ķemeri Festival Offers Creative Activities and Augmented Reality Exhibition
On July 18, the historic Ķemeri resort park will host the Ķemeri Festival, featuring a market, workshops, music, and an augmented reality exhibition.
Jauns.lv · 8 Jul, 14:36
Lithuania loses another case at ECHR over secret CIA prison
Lithuania has lost another case at the European Court of Human Rights concerning a secret CIA prison, reports '15min'.
LSM · 8 Jul, 14:36
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Latvian Defense Ministry: No Indications of US Plans to Reduce Troop Numbers in Latvia
Latvia's Ministry of Defense stated that in its communication with the US, there have been no signs of a planned reduction in US troop numbers in Latvia. US troops will continue to be part of NATO's presence in the Baltic region.
TVNET · 8 Jul, 13:38
Riga Zoo Hatches Cassowary Chick – A Rare Event in Europe
Riga Zoo has hatched a cassowary chick, a rare occurrence in European zoos. The chick weighs 1.6 kilograms and feeds on fruits, berries, insects, and crustaceans, but visitors cannot see it yet.
Apollo.lv · 8 Jul, 13:37
Latvia: No Indications of US Troop Reduction in the Country
The Latvian Ministry of Defense states there are no signs that the United States plans to reduce its military presence in Latvia. Meanwhile, most US troops have been withdrawn from Estonia, but a new rotation is expected this summer.
BNN · 8 Jul, 13:37
Estonian government pushes back against criticism of drone defense capabilities
Defence Forces reject former commander Martin Herem's claims, stating that drone detection is a layered capability and that operational details remain classified for security reasons.
ERR News · 8 Jul, 13:37
“Now in Latvia”. Timofey from Marhanets, a psychologist by vocation
Timofey is the eldest of twelve children, studying psychology at a Ukrainian university while working for a retail chain in Riga. He says his ability to understand people manifested in school and helps him at home and at work.
LSM (rus) · 8 Jul, 13:36
Ukrainian student Timofiy studies psychology and works in retail in Riga
Timofiy, the eldest of eleven children from a Ukrainian family, is studying psychology while working at a retail network in Riga. He realized his ability to understand people back in school, which later guided his career choice.
LSM · 8 Jul, 13:36
Finance Minister Criticizes Study on Government Tax Package
A study by the Praxis think tank on the impact of Estonia's tax package has drawn criticism from Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi, who called its conclusions careless and based on outdated data. The study found the tax changes hit low-income households hardest.
ERR News · 8 Jul, 12:37
Kozlovskis: Contracts May Be Terminated If Carriers Fail to Meet Obligations
Transport Minister Andris Kozlovskis has warned that contracts with bus carriers in Pierīga may be terminated if they fail to fulfill routes, with alternative carriers to be sought.
Jauns.lv · 8 Jul, 12:37