Latvia & nearby

Economic confidence in Estonia: consumers and most sectors improve, industry dips in June
Estonia's Statistics department reports that in June, consumer and business confidence improved in trade, construction and services, but declined in industry. The most notable shift was in price expectations, which turned from expecting increases to expecting decreases.
ERR (rus) · 25 Jun, 10:36
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Estonian basketball player Henrijs Vēsārs traded to Atlanta right after NBA draft
Henrijs Vēsārs became only the second Estonian ever drafted into the NBA, but was immediately traded from the Clippers to the Hawks.
Apollo.lv · 25 Jun, 10:36
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Eight Drownings During Midsummer Holidays: Fire and Rescue Service Warns of Dangerous Trend
Eight people drowned in Latvia during the five-day Midsummer holidays. The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) reports that about 100 people drown annually, with alcohol involved in two-thirds of cases.
TVNET · 25 Jun, 09:37

Latest Norstat poll sees Center catching up to Isamaa
A new Norstat poll shows Isamaa's support dropping by 1.3 percentage points over the past three weeks, while the Center Party gained the same amount, narrowing the gap to 4 points.
ERR News · 25 Jun, 09:37

Obituaries: Passed away as of June 25
Zemgales Ziņas has published the latest list of deceased individuals from Jelgava and the surrounding region.
Zemgales Ziņas · 25 Jun, 09:36

First-Ever Music, Art, and Talk Festival “Spaits” to Take Place in Rēzekne
On July 5, the free festival “Spaits” will debut on the shore of Lake Kovšu in Rēzekne, featuring concerts, workshops, discussions, and sports activities.
LaKuga · 25 Jun, 08:38

Nicki Minaj Opens Up About Christian Faith: 'I No Longer Care What Others Say'
In a recent interview, rapper Nicki Minaj shared personal details about her Christian faith, revealing that her grandmother’s influence and her relationship with God have profoundly shaped her life and career.
OgreNet · 25 Jun, 08:37

Eva Putniņa: Returning to her hometown Kuldīga to continue the legendary conductor's work
After the death of long-time conductor Maruta Rozīte, the mixed choir Ventava of Kuldīga Cultural Centre faced a crisis, but former resident Eva Putniņa returned from Rīga to take the helm. The choir not only survived the difficult period but has grown in numbers and sound.
Kurzemnieks · 25 Jun, 08:37
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Riga City Council Politicians' Ratings Decline; Kotello Drops Most
Most Riga City Council leaders saw their ratings fall in the first half of the year, with Marta Kotello experiencing the steepest drop, while three politicians, including Vilnis Ķirsis, increased their popularity.
TVNET · 25 Jun, 08:37

Eight people drown in Latvia during Midsummer holidays
Eight people lost their lives in water over the five-day Midsummer period in Latvia, according to the State Fire and Rescue Service.
Jauns.lv · 25 Jun, 08:36

Jelgava Municipality Holds Fifth Annual Camp for Children from Ukraine
From June 6 to 15, Jelgava Municipality organized the recreation and adventure camp “Get to Know Latvia!” for 26 children and youth from the twin city of Rava-Ruska, Ukraine, along with six accompanying adults.
Zemgales Ziņas · 25 Jun, 07:37

Two hospitalized after car collision in Tallinn
On Wednesday, June 24, a traffic accident in Tallinn left two people injured. An 81-year-old man driving a Skoda Octavia rear-ended a Mitsubishi Outlander driven by a 49-year-old woman. The Skoda driver and his 79-year-old passenger were taken to hospital.
ERR (rus) · 25 Jun, 07:36

Renovated Iecava Lutheran Church to Open on St. Peter's Day
On June 29, St. Peter's Day, the renovated Iecava Lutheran Church will be inaugurated, which also serves as the diploma defense for students of Riga Media and Art School (RMMT).
Bauskas Dzīve · 25 Jun, 07:36

Police to Intensify Traffic Surveillance on First Workday After Midsummer
Latvia's State Police will step up traffic controls across the country on the first workday after the Midsummer holidays, focusing on drivers who may be under the influence of alcohol.
OgreNet · 25 Jun, 07:36

Estonian President Karis will not seek a second term
Estonian President Alar Karis announced he will not run for a second five-year term, citing personal reasons and a promise to his family.
LSM · 25 Jun, 07:36

Driver Challenges Speeding Fine in Court, Citing Family Emergency to Save Mother from Heat
A Riga resident is contesting a €40 speeding fine in court, arguing that she exceeded the limit to rush to her mother's aid during a heatwave.
Apollo.lv · 25 Jun, 06:37
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Social engineering scams steal millions from Latvian residents
In the first four months of this year, Latvian bank clients lost €5.7 million by authorizing payments themselves. Scammers use phone calls, social media, and artificial intelligence.
TVNET · 25 Jun, 06:37

Dobeles Municipality Delegation Visits Twin City Konin in Poland
A delegation from the Dobeles municipality visited its twin city Konin in Poland from June 19 to 21 to discuss cooperation and explore development projects, including renewable energy solutions.
Zemgales Ziņas · 25 Jun, 06:36

Criminologist: Driving Under Influence – Not a Mistake, but a Systemic Issue
Criminology and forensic psychology lecturer Rūta Treija explains why people drive drunk, emphasizing that it is not simply irresponsible behavior but a complex psychological phenomenon linked to alcohol's impact on self-assessment and decision-making.
Žurnāls Ir · 25 Jun, 06:36

Balcony Safety in Soviet-Era Buildings Raises Concerns After Recent Collapse in Riga
Following a balcony collapse in Riga's Staiceles iela, questions have been raised about the safety of balconies in Soviet-built apartment blocks. Municipal and ministerial surveys have assessed the situation, but maintenance responsibility lies with the owners.
Jauns.lv · 25 Jun, 06:36

Prāta Vētra and Summer Sound Drive Liepāja Accommodation Prices Up to €1,900
Ahead of major events in Liepāja, accommodation prices have surged, reaching up to €1,900 per night, according to booking platforms.
Bauskas Dzīve · 25 Jun, 06:36

VAAD Launches Monitoring of Bacterial Blight: 38 Foci and Buffer Zones to Be Checked
The State Plant Protection Service (VAAD) has initiated monitoring of bacterial blight, focusing on 38 active disease foci and surrounding buffer zones in several Latvian municipalities.
Bauskas Dzīve · 25 Jun, 05:36

Sociologist: Estonia needs a president who understands society well
After Alar Karis declined to run again, Estonian politicians must find a candidate who can secure 68 votes, but the parliamentary election campaign and political rivalry complicate reaching a consensus.
ERR (rus) · 25 Jun, 04:38
Lithuania Deports Chechen Man to Russia After 20+ Years, Defying European Court Order
Lithuania has deported Beslan Estemirov, a Chechen man who lived in the country for over 20 years, despite a European Court of Human Rights order prohibiting his extradition to Russia. His lawyer and family were not notified of the deportation.
Meduza · 25 Jun, 03:37
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Kurzeme Court Declares Debt Invalid Based on a Word in the Law
A Kurzeme court ruled that a loan taken in 2007, which turned into a claim of nearly 7,500 euros after 16 years, is void due to a legal term that annuls the debt.
TVNET · 25 Jun, 03:37
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Kurzeme Court: Debt Has an Expiration Date – Creditor Left Empty-Handed After 16 Years
The Kurzeme Court has ruled that a loan issued in 2007 is time-barred, rejecting a claim by one of Latvia's largest debt collection companies to recover almost €7,500 from two debtors.
Apollo.lv · 25 Jun, 03:37

Riga driver contests speeding ticket, claims she was rescuing her mother from heatwave
A Riga resident fined €40 for speeding argues in court that she was rushing to save her mother from summer heat, appealing the penalty.
TVNET · 25 Jun, 02:37

Midsummer Holiday Claims Lives on Roads, in Water, and in Fire
The past holiday day and the long weekend in Latvia have resulted in several deaths on roads, in water, and in a fire.
LSM · 25 Jun, 01:37

Remains of Cameroonian Migrant Found Near Belarus Border
The remains of a 24-year-old woman from Cameroon, found near the Belarus border last May, have been identified through a Facebook group. She was buried with a number in a remote cemetery.
TVNET · 25 Jun, 01:37
Candidate List Submission for 15th Saeima Elections Begins – CVK Scrutiny Process
From June 20 to July 5, political parties submit their candidate lists to the Central Election Commission (CVK) for the upcoming 15th Saeima elections on October 3. The CVK verifies candidates' compliance with legal requirements, and providing false information carries criminal liability.
LV portāls · 25 Jun, 00:36

Little Fire Chief Emīls Returns After Spinal Injury Thanks to Firefighters' Encouragement
Emīls Apsāns, a 12-year-old who as a child visited all 92 fire stations in Latvia, suffered a severe spinal injury two years ago but recovered quickly, aided by the encouragement of the firefighters who inspired him.
Delfi · 24 Jun, 23:38

Riga Municipality Company 'Rīgas Nami' Announces Competition for Board Member
SIA 'Rīgas nami' has announced a recruitment process for a board member position after the temporary board member's term ended. Candidates must have expertise in finance and real estate management.
Apollo.lv · 24 Jun, 23:37

Thursday: Occasional Rain in Places, +17...+23
Estonia will see variable cloudiness and occasional rain on Thursday, with temperatures ranging from +17 to +23 degrees.
ERR (rus) · 24 Jun, 22:37

Riga Regional Court to Rehear Case on Latvia's Non-Participation in Expo Milano 2015
The Riga Regional Court will continue hearing the criminal case against Roberts Stafeckis on December 1 in a closed session, where he is accused of failing to perform his duties as a state official regarding the Expo Milano 2015 exhibition, causing losses of €376,956.
TVNET · 24 Jun, 22:36

Jāņi Holidays in Latvia Marked by Multiple Deaths; Police Arrest 20 Drunk Drivers
The long Jāņi (Midsummer) holidays in Latvia have been overshadowed by tragic statistics – several people died on roads, in water, and in a fire, with emergency services responding to over 900 calls.
Delfi · 24 Jun, 21:36

Three road deaths, over 900 emergency calls during Midsummer holidays in Latvia
During the Midsummer (Jāņi) holidays in Latvia, three people died in road accidents, including a young man in Balvi municipality. The Emergency Medical Service received over 900 calls, mainly for burns, choking, and alcohol-related incidents. Two people drowned, and another died in a fire in Rēzekne.
Apollo.lv · 24 Jun, 21:36