Latvia & nearby

Number of bookstores in Lithuania falls nearly 40% over ten years
Independent bookstores in Lithuania's regions are disappearing as consumers increasingly buy online or from large retail chains, forcing small-town shops to diversify with non-book items and seek other survival strategies.
LRT English · 27 Jun, 12:38

Youth urged to apply for 2027 state defense service by September 30
The Ministry of Defense invites young people aged 18–27 to voluntarily apply for the state defense service in 2027, offering various service options and the ability to choose a preferred location.
TVNET · 27 Jun, 12:37
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Warmest Swimming Spots in Riga Revealed: Up to 22°C.
Water temperatures in Riga's official beaches range from 16°C to 22°C. The warmest are Ķīšezers and Bābelītis.
Apollo.lv · 27 Jun, 12:37

Expert: It's a Mistake to Think Domestic Violence Only Affects Certain Types of Families
Former journalist Piia Osula, now an expert at the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board's strategic bureau, says domestic violence is widespread across Estonia and affects all kinds of families, not just disadvantaged ones.
ERR (rus) · 27 Jun, 12:36

Miks Galvanovskis' Bar 'The Sinners' to Reopen on July 3 After Fire
After a devastating fire two months ago that destroyed the bar 'The Sinners', owner Miks Galvanovskis has announced that the bar will reopen on July 3.
Latvijas Avīze · 27 Jun, 11:37

Next Ukraine Recovery Conference to Be Held in Estonia
Estonia's foreign minister announced that the 2027 Ukraine Recovery Conference will take place in Tallinn, highlighting Estonia's long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine.
ERR (rus) · 27 Jun, 11:37
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Prosecutor's Office receives case of man's abduction in Talsu County
Police have submitted a criminal case to the prosecutor's office regarding the abduction and severe beating of a man in Talsu County. The three suspects allegedly used pepper spray, a metal rod, and left the victim naked by a riverbank.
Apollo.lv · 27 Jun, 11:36
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Average age at death slightly increases in Latvia
According to the Central Statistical Bureau, the average age at death in Latvia reached 75.9 years in 2025, five months higher than in 2024. The total number of deaths decreased by 2.1%.
TVNET · 27 Jun, 10:37

Where to Pick Your Own Strawberries in Latvia: Prices from €1 to €6 per kg
The Delfi portal has compiled a list of 14 farms in Latvia where you can pick your own strawberries at prices ranging from one to six euros per kilogram.
Delfi · 27 Jun, 10:36

LSM Board Member Tanne Earned Over 100,000 Euros Last Year
Last year, LSM board member Ilze Tanne declared income exceeding 104,000 euros, mainly from her salary at the Latvian Public Broadcaster. She owns several properties and a car, but also has significant liabilities.
Apollo.lv · 27 Jun, 10:36

Seagulls in Liepāja Grow Bolder: Steal Food, Damage Property
In Liepāja and other coastal Latvian towns, seagulls have become increasingly audacious, often snatching food from residents and café patrons and damaging business property. The Nature Protection Board emphasizes the need for preventive measures rather than just dealing with the aftermath.
LSM (rus) · 27 Jun, 10:36

Latvian Interior Ministry to Propose Extending Reinforced Border Security Regime Until December
The Latvian Interior Ministry plans to ask the government to extend the reinforced border security regime on the country's eastern border until December, citing persistent security risks, especially along the border with Belarus.
Delfi · 27 Jun, 09:37

Skrapcis Wins Latvian U23 Title, Tjumins Takes Silver in Juniors
In the Baltic and Latvian Road Cycling Championships held in Panevėžys, Lithuania, Oliver Jēkabs Skrapcis won the Latvian U23 title, while Georgs Tjumins came second in the junior race and secured the Latvian champion title.
Ziemeļlatvija · 27 Jun, 09:37

Mere Cultural Center in Tallinn to cover Soviet symbols in main hall to attract visitors
The main hall of Tallinn's Mere Cultural Center will have its Soviet-era ceiling painting and Stalinist plaster decorations covered up, as they hindered room rentals. The reversible work is approved by heritage authorities.
ERR (rus) · 27 Jun, 09:37

Three drunk cyclists caught in Bauska municipality in one day
Latvian State Police detained three cyclists under the influence of alcohol in Bauska municipality on June 25. Administrative proceedings have been initiated in all cases.
Bauskas Dzīve · 27 Jun, 09:37

Mieriņa and Matisone to Serve as Acting President During Rinkēvičs’ Absence
President Edgars Rinkēvičs will be abroad from June 27 to June 29, so Saeima Speaker Daiga Mieriņa will temporarily assume presidential duties. However, Mieriņa will also be out of the country on June 28-29, meaning Deputy Speaker Antra Matisone will then act as president.
Apollo.lv · 27 Jun, 09:36

Mixed Reactions in Augšdaugava Region to Plans for Poultry Complex Expansion
The Balticovo company's plans to expand the Daugavpils putni poultry complex in Laucesa parish have drawn mixed reactions from local residents. The first public consultation has been held.
LSM (rus) · 27 Jun, 09:36

The Big Squeeze: Lithuanians Living in Smaller Homes as Apartment Sizes Shrink
Lithuanians are experiencing a trend of shrinking living spaces, with average per capita living area below the EU average. Experts warn that the popularity of small apartments is pushing larger families to suburbs, leading to infrastructure and quality-of-life challenges.
LRT English · 27 Jun, 08:37

The Strongest Heatwave of This Summer Approaches Latvia
A significant heatwave is expected in Latvia over the weekend and Monday, with temperatures reaching +30…+35°C in most parts and tropical nights predicted, especially Monday night.
BNN · 27 Jun, 08:37

Three Injured in Ida-Virumaa Traffic Accident
A crash in Ida-Virumaa on Friday sent three people to the hospital, police reported.
ERR (rus) · 27 Jun, 08:36

Report of drifting car in Ķeipene investigated by police
On the night of June 11, municipal police responded to a report of a black BMW allegedly drifting in Ķeipene. Upon arrival, no such activity was found, but a parked Toyota Auris resembling a vehicle in a video was spotted near the train station.
OgreNet · 27 Jun, 08:36

Bear visits two properties in Zvejniekciems, moves to Limbaži region
The municipal police of Saulkrasti district reports that a bear, previously spotted in Zvejniekciems, has visited two private properties and then moved to the neighboring Limbaži region.
Bauskas Dzīve · 27 Jun, 08:36

Saturday to be hot and sunny in Latvia
Saturday, June 27, will be hot and mostly sunny in Latvia, with only light rain possible in the east.
LSM (rus) · 27 Jun, 08:36
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Police Investigate Possible Bear Sighting at Zvejniekciems Camping Site
Saulkrasti municipality police are checking reports of a possible bear near the "Jūras priede" camping site in Zvejniekciems, urging residents and vacationers to exercise caution.
Apollo.lv · 27 Jun, 07:38

Mamanet (Catch and Serve) Gaining Popularity in Latvia: A Sport for Mothers Becomes a Passion
Mamanet, or 'Catch and Serve', is rapidly growing in popularity in Latvia, especially in Smiltene and Rauna, where teams have formed and even hosted a national tournament.
Ziemeļlatvija · 27 Jun, 07:37

Twin Sisters' Art Exhibition 'Stop: Century' Opens in Jelgava Tower
From June 27 to August 9, the exhibition of paintings by Zita and Vita Studente is on display at the Jelgava St. Trinity Church Tower, dedicated to their 50th birthday.
Zemgales Ziņas · 27 Jun, 07:36

Average age of deceased in Latvia reached 75.9 years last year
According to the Central Statistical Bureau, the average age at death in Latvia increased to 75.9 years in 2025, five months more than in 2024. The total number of deaths decreased by 2.1%.
Delfi · 27 Jun, 07:36

Wide Furniture Selection and Convenient Shopping – Home4you Helps Tailor Your Home to Your Needs
Furniture store Home4you offers a broad range of products for various rooms, combining in-store and online shopping to help furnish homes according to practical and aesthetic preferences.
Bauskas Dzīve · 27 Jun, 07:36

Artist Bruno Mellis Emphasizes Patience in Waiting for a Dog
Latvian artist Bruno Mellis shared his experience of adopting his dog Berta from Georgia after a long wait.
LSM · 27 Jun, 07:36

Technical Glitches Hinder Access to 9th Grade Exam Results
On Friday, June 26, students and parents faced technical difficulties while trying to view centralized exam results. Due to overload, virtual queue wait times reached up to an hour.
LSM · 27 Jun, 06:37

Bauska State Gymnasium Director Linuta Gerge Retires
The Bauska Municipality Council has approved Linuta Gerge's request to step down as director of Bauska State Gymnasium, with her employment ending on August 21, 2026.
Bauskas Dzīve · 27 Jun, 06:37

Expert: Cyberattack on Latvijas Valsts meži used seven-year-old vulnerability; PM demands reports
Following a major cyberattack on LVM's IT systems, PM Andris Kulbergs has requested all ministries to report on cybersecurity measures, while an expert notes the exploit of an unpatched vulnerability.
LSM · 27 Jun, 05:38

The Suicide Wave in Interwar Latvia: From Romantic Tragedies to Economic Pressure
In the 1920s and 1930s, Latvia experienced an exceptionally high suicide rate, reaching 633 cases in 1928. According to contemporary newspapers and police data, reasons ranged from unrequited love to financial problems, and the trend was observed across Europe.
Jauns.lv · 27 Jun, 05:36

Eighth Summer Flower Festival Begins at Pakruojo Manor
Today, June 27, the eighth Summer Flower Festival opens at Pakruojo Manor in Lithuania, featuring over 450 flower varieties, floral sculptures, open-air theater, and a historic manor farm throughout the summer.
Bauskas Dzīve · 27 Jun, 05:36

Sillamäe City and Sea Days Kick Off
Sillamäe is celebrating its 69th annual City and Sea Days festival, featuring a parade, charity fair, concerts, and sports activities, with a packed program for residents and visitors.
ERR (rus) · 27 Jun, 04:38

Bear spotted in Zvejniekciems enters private properties; municipality urges caution
A bear has been sighted in Zvejniekciems, Saulkrasti municipality, entering two private properties. The animal has since moved to the neighboring Limbaži municipality, but local authorities warn residents and visitors to remain cautious.
Jauns.lv · 27 Jun, 04:37