Latvia & nearby (265)

Debate over face-covering clothing ban reignited in Riga

After a woman was spotted in Riga wearing traditional Muslim clothing that almost completely covers the face, social media discussions have erupted about a possible ban. In 2017, the government supported a similar draft law, but its progress stalled.

Latvijas Avīze · 8 Jul, 11:37

Parties’ pre-election promises lack clear funding sources, analysis shows

Many parties contesting the 15th Saeima elections have made financially ambitious promises without specifying how they will be funded, according to a LETA analysis.

BNN · 8 Jul, 11:37

Rinkēvičs: Russia loves when we are scared, important to show NATO stands behind us

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs called for continued support for Ukraine and urged NATO not to give in to Russian intimidation, emphasizing that the alliance's presence is a key security guarantee.

Pravda — ziņas · 8 Jul, 11:36

Teacher in Engure Accused of 25 Sexual Offenses Against Minors

The State Police have forwarded a criminal case to the prosecutor's office against a teacher born in 1950, who is alleged to have committed 25 sexual offenses against minors in Engure.

TVNET · 8 Jul, 11:36

Teacher in Engure to be charged with child sexual abuse

The State Police proposes to charge a teacher in Engure, Tukums municipality, with at least 25 episodes of sexual violence against minors. The suspect, born in 1950, is currently in custody.

LSM · 8 Jul, 11:36

Weather Warning Raised to Orange for Heavy Rain: Widespread Flooding Expected

The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has upgraded the weather warning from yellow to orange for heavy rain overnight into Thursday, forecasting widespread flooding and possible infrastructure damage.

Bauskas Dzīve · 8 Jul, 10:37

First Director of NMPD Renāte Pupele Passes Away After Serious Illness

Renāte Pupele, the first director of the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD) and a long-time healthcare professional, has died after a serious illness.

Apollo.lv · 8 Jul, 10:37

Police search for missing teenager Tekle Gdey who left a child care center

The Northern Latgale Police Station of the Latgale Regional Administration is searching for Tekle Gdey, born in 2008, who left a child care center and has not returned.

Jauns.lv · 8 Jul, 10:37

Orange Warning for Heavy Rain on Thursday Night

The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has raised the warning level from yellow to orange due to expected heavy rain during the night of July 9.

LSM (rus) · 8 Jul, 10:36

Orange Warning: Heavy Rain Expected Overnight into Thursday, Flood Risk

The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has issued an orange warning for heavy rain overnight into July 9, with risks of flooding and infrastructure damage.

TVNET · 8 Jul, 09:37

Orange Warning Issued for Latvia: Heavy Rain and Flooding Expected

The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC) has raised the warning level to orange as an active cyclone bringing prolonged and heavy rain is set to cross the Baltic states overnight, potentially causing flooding and infrastructure damage.

Jauns.lv · 8 Jul, 09:37

Police Search for Missing Vladislav Kancirev

State Police are asking for help finding Vladislav Kancirev, born 1992, who disappeared in Riga on July 6.

Apollo.lv · 8 Jul, 09:36

VTU Valmiera to change bus schedules from July 13

Starting July 13, VTU Valmiera will adjust departure times for several city bus routes, including routes 4, 8, and 13.

Valmieras Ziņas · 8 Jul, 09:36

Veteran Driver Says New Tallinn Trolleybus Handles Like a Car

Tallinn trolleybus driver Sergei Gritšenko, who began driving in 1979, says modern trolleybuses are much easier to operate than older models, resembling a car driving experience.

ERR News · 8 Jul, 09:36

Shortage of Family Doctors in Regions Requires More Than Just Extra Pay: Municipal Support Key

One-third of family doctors in Latvia are at or near retirement age, and young doctors often prefer Riga. Although the state has increased bonuses, the decisive role lies with municipalities that provide premises, housing, and other support.

Staburags · 8 Jul, 09:36

Chanterelle Season Begins in Latvia; Prices Still High, Buyers Wait

The chanterelle season has started in Latvia—mushrooms are appearing in markets, but prices remain high, and buyers are expected to begin purchasing next week.

LSM (rus) · 8 Jul, 09:36

Several Namesakes to Run in Saeima Elections; Three Roberts Bērziņš

Eight instances of identical full names have been found among candidates for the 2026 Saeima elections, including three Robert Bērziņš. A total of 1,434 candidates are running on 14 party lists.

TVNET · 8 Jul, 08:38

Lithuania Wants to Normalize Ties with China: Does That Mean Divorcing Taiwan?

Lithuania's incoming government aims to restore diplomatic relations with China as soon as possible, potentially renaming the Taiwanese Representative Office in Vilnius to the Taipei Representative Office. Analysts believe Taiwan will likely take a pragmatic view.

LRT English · 8 Jul, 08:37

Several Days of Rain and Gusty Winds Expected in Latvia

Latvia will experience prolonged heavy rain from Wednesday, with strong wind gusts up to 23 m/s along the coast. The weekend will bring calmer weather and warmer temperatures.

BNN · 8 Jul, 08:37

LVM IT Expert: Stricter Security Requirements Ahead

Following the cyberattack on LVM's systems, IT director Māris Kuzmins stated that while systems have been secure, security requirements will be raised. He also noted that the attack exploited a system that had not been updated for two years.

Delfi · 8 Jul, 08:37

Latgalian seasonal workers: seeking income abroad (late 19th century – 1930s)

Historian Vladislavs Malahovskis describes the mass seasonal migration of Latgalians from the late 19th century to the 1930s, driven by overpopulation and land scarcity.

LaKuga · 8 Jul, 08:37

Cyberattack on LVM Carried Out Through System Unupdated for Two Years

The IT director of Latvia's state-owned forest company LVM reveals that the cyberattack exploited a system that had not been updated for two years, and data analysis is ongoing.

Apollo.lv · 8 Jul, 08:36

Valmiera County plans to create 12 shelters by end of 2027

Repair works and improvements are set to begin soon on 12 sites in Valmiera County to adapt existing premises into third-category shelters. Due to the highest population density, 11 shelters will be in Valmiera city and one in Rūjiena.

LSM (rus) · 8 Jul, 08:36

Lightning Strike Disrupts Water Supply in Valka; Road Works Ahead

On July 4, a lightning strike hit a communication cable at a water tower in Valka, temporarily cutting off water supply. Repairs restored water by Sunday noon. A road closure on Rūjienas Street for water main repairs is scheduled from July 8.

Ziemeļlatvija · 8 Jul, 07:38

Man Arrested for Indecent Acts in Front of Preschool in Riga

State Police arrested a man born in 1983 for masturbating while looking through the windows of a preschool in central Riga; he attempted to flee but was apprehended.

Delfi · 8 Jul, 07:38

Braže: Russia's hybrid threats are part of its war doctrine; NATO must respond collectively

Foreign Minister Baiba Braže stated at the NATO summit that Russia's non-military hybrid attacks are part of its war doctrine, requiring both national responsibility and alliance cooperation.

Jauns.lv · 8 Jul, 07:37

Disappearance of Cape Kolka Just One of Climate Risks Facing Latvia

Climate change poses significant threats to Latvia's coastal areas, but the impacts are far broader, according to an analysis by TVNET Bizness.

TVNET · 8 Jul, 06:37

Public transport sector needs bold decisions, expert says

Latvia's intercity bus services face a funding gap of approximately 37 million euros, and the new Minister of Transport, Rihards Kozlovskis, must initiate reforms in the remaining months before the Saeima elections, including gradually commercializing major routes.

Žurnāls Ir · 8 Jul, 06:37

Driver Caught Without License and Under Influence in Iecava

On Sunday, July 5, police in Iecava stopped a Lada car. The driver, born in 2000, had a blood alcohol level of 0.91 promille and no valid driving license. Criminal proceedings have been initiated.

Bauskas Dzīve · 8 Jul, 06:36

80-Year-Old Dana from 'Sirdslietas': Still Believes in Love and Learns from Mistakes

Dana Anskaitis, a participant in Latvian Television's show 'Sirdslietas', remains romantic at 80 and hopes to fall in love again. She works daily with people battling addictions and draws lessons from her own relationship errors.

LSM · 8 Jul, 06:36

Narva to broadcast World Cup semi-finals and final on big screen for free

Residents of Narva can watch the decisive matches of the FIFA World Cup on a big screen at the Vabalava theatre centre for free.

ERR (rus) · 8 Jul, 05:37

Court Examines Dispute Over Latvian Spelling in Passport

A Latvian citizen has filed a lawsuit against the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, claiming his name is recorded in his passport in violation of Latvian spelling rules. The case has been heard by judges in two instances.

Apollo.lv · 8 Jul, 05:37

Open Street Workout Championship in Bauska: 1,722 Squats in One Hour

Bauska City Stadium hosted the open street workout championship, where participants competed in pull-ups, push-ups, and squats. A standout performance came from Markus Miķelsons, who completed 1,722 squats in nearly an hour.

Bauskas Dzīve · 8 Jul, 05:36

Tusk warns: Next months may be critical for Baltic security

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has expressed concerns that in the coming months, Russia might attempt to test NATO's readiness, particularly in the Baltic region.

Jauns.lv · 8 Jul, 05:36