Latvia & nearby

Estonia Plans to Allow Pharmacy Vending Machines for Prescription and OTC Drugs
A draft law in Estonia would permit pharmacy vending machines dispensing both over-the-counter and prescription medicines to improve access, though some pharmacists question their necessity and cost-effectiveness.
ERR News · 24 Jun, 11:36

Temporary Detention Center for Foreigners to Be Built in Former Raudas School
In Augšdaugava Municipality, a temporary detention center for foreigners undergoing border procedures is set to be completed by September in the former Raudas school building. It will be able to accommodate up to 106 people at a time.
Jauns.lv · 24 Jun, 11:36

Police Detain Dozens of Drunk Drivers on Ligo Day Despite Warnings
Despite prior police warnings about heightened road checks, a large number of drunk drivers were detained on Ligo Day in Latvia.
LSM (rus) · 24 Jun, 11:36

Italian artist installs wolf sculpture on Vilnius' historic hill
A life-size bronze wolf by Italian artist Davide Rivalta has been placed on Gediminas Hill in Vilnius, symbolically linking Lithuania's capital founding myths with Rome.
LRT English · 24 Jun, 10:37

Tourists Fill Tallinn's Old Town as Locals Head Out of City
On Victory Day and Midsummer Night, Tallinn's streets were empty, but the Old Town was crowded with foreign tourists, including cruise ship passengers.
ERR News · 24 Jun, 10:37
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Two People Drown on Līgo Day in Latvia; One Dies in Rēzekne Fire
On Līgo Day, June 23, two people drowned in Latvia – one in Dobele County and one in Smiltene County. During the Jāņi night, a person died in an apartment fire in Rēzekne, while three others were rescued. In total, the State Fire and Rescue Service received 96 calls over the day.
TVNET · 24 Jun, 10:36

On Midsummer Night, Fire Service Received Dozens of Misleading Calls About Bonfires
The State Fire and Rescue Service received many calls during Midsummer night that turned out to be false alarms, as residents mistook controlled bonfires for fires.
Jauns.lv · 24 Jun, 10:36

Two Drown and One Dies in Fire on Līgo Day
Two people drowned and one died in a fire on Līgo day in Latvia, according to the State Fire and Rescue Service.
Apollo.lv · 24 Jun, 10:36

President Karis: Estonia's strength is born when everyone sees their role in national defense
In his Victory Day speech, Estonian President Alar Karis called on every citizen to recognize their part in national defense, highlighting the country's defense achievements over the past five years and the importance of unity.
ERR News · 24 Jun, 09:38

20 drunk drivers arrested on Midsummer's Eve; 61 in total over first four days of holidays
Despite police warnings, 20 drivers were arrested for drunk driving on Līgo day. In total, 61 such offenders have been caught since June 20, with 14 facing criminal charges including vehicle confiscation.
Jauns.lv · 24 Jun, 09:37

Four Traffic Accidents in Estonia Leave Seven Hospitalized, 22 Drivers Caught for Intoxication
Over the past day, Estonia recorded four road accidents resulting in injuries, with seven people taken to hospital. Police also stopped 22 drivers suspected of alcohol or drug impairment.
ERR (rus) · 24 Jun, 09:37

Despite warnings, 20 drunk drivers caught on Līgo Day; total reaches 61 in first four holiday days
Despite police warnings about checks, 20 drivers were arrested for drunk driving on Līgo Day, bringing the total to 61 in the first four days of the holidays. Three people have died and 51 have been injured in road accidents.
Delfi · 24 Jun, 09:36

Evacuation at Cinema in Riga: Viewers Forced to Leave During Film
In mid-June, a Riga resident and her friends experienced a sudden evacuation at Apollo Kino Domina cinema during a movie screening. The issue of ticket compensation remains unanswered.
TVNET · 24 Jun, 09:36

Police road checks to continue on Wednesday
Nine drunk drivers were caught in Latvia over the past 24 hours. Police say road checks will continue on Wednesday, June 24.
LSM (rus) · 24 Jun, 09:36

Large Number of Drunk Drivers Detained on Līgo Day; 14 Face Criminal Charges
Despite police warnings about intensified checks, many drunk drivers were caught on Līgo Day in Latvia, with 14 facing criminal penalties.
LSM · 24 Jun, 09:36

Keeping food fresh in summer heat: tips from store to fridge
As summer temperatures rise, food safety becomes crucial. Lidl shares practical advice on shopping, transporting and storing groceries to prevent spoilage.
Ziemeļlatvija · 24 Jun, 09:21
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Young Man Dies in Midsummer Night Car Crash in Balvi Municipality
A 25-year-old man (born 1999) died on Midsummer night after his Audi A6 drove into a ditch in Vīksna parish. Over the first four holiday days, three people have been killed and 51 injured in road accidents across Latvia.
Apollo.lv · 24 Jun, 09:21

Driver dies after Audi A6 plunges into ditch in Balvi county
On Tuesday evening in Vīksna parish, Balvi county, a man born in 1999 died after his Audi A6 left the road and entered a ditch. Police are investigating.
Delfi · 24 Jun, 09:20

Electric Trains to Run on Holiday Schedule During Midsummer
AS "Pasažieru vilciens" (brand "Vivi") announces that electric trains will operate on a weekend/holiday schedule during the Midsummer (Jāņi) holiday.
LSM · 24 Jun, 09:20

Group home project for people with developmental disabilities advances in Imanta
The Latvian Movement for Independent Living has raised €85,000 in six months to build a group home in Imanta for 16 adults with various developmental disabilities.
LSM (rus) · 24 Jun, 09:20

Cloudy Weather with Occasional Rain Expected on Midsummer Day
Midsummer Day in Latvia will be mostly cloudy with light rain possible in eastern parts, clearing in the afternoon; temperatures range from +19°C to +23°C.
TVNET · 24 Jun, 08:21
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Kulbergs to Attend Ukraine Reconstruction Conference and Eastern Flank Summit in Poland
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs (AS) has embarked on a working visit to Poland, where he will participate in the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Gdańsk and the Eastern Flank Summit.
Apollo.lv · 24 Jun, 08:20

Kuldīga College Students Make Midsummer Cheese Using EU-Approved Recipe
Culinary students at Kuldīga Technology and Tourism College learned to make Jāņu siers (Midsummer cheese) according to a recipe protected by the European Union.
Kurzemnieks · 24 Jun, 08:20

Midsummer Mood in Poetry and Prose
Ziemeļlatvija offers readers the Midsummer mood through poetry and prose, reflecting Latvian traditions, bonfires, wreaths, and the search for the fern flower.
Ziemeļlatvija · 24 Jun, 07:20

How the tradition of eating cheese at Midsummer originated
Caraway cheese at Jāņi is not just a traditional food but a ritual rooted in ancient livestock farming and Latvia's climate, and today it has become a symbol of national identity.
Bauskas Dzīve · 24 Jun, 07:20

After Karis Refuses Second Term, Parties Begin Search for New Presidential Candidate
Estonian President Alar Karis has announced he will not seek a second term, prompting parties to restart negotiations for a new head of state. The first round of elections is scheduled for September 2.
ERR (rus) · 24 Jun, 06:21

Heatwave approaching Latvia: temperatures may exceed +30°C
Meteorologists predict that a hot air mass from Western Europe will reach Latvia this weekend, pushing temperatures to +30°C and above.
Apollo.lv · 24 Jun, 06:21

On Jāņi Day: The Many Faces and Origins of the Name 'Jānis'
June 24 marks Jāņi, the name day for Jānis, still the most popular male name in Latvia. The article explores five character types of Jānis described by Gunārs Treimanis and the name's Christian origins.
Bauskas Dzīve · 24 Jun, 06:20
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Latvia to Celebrate Midsummer Night
Tonight, across Latvia, various events will mark Midsummer Night (Jāņi), an ancient summer solstice festival celebrated with songs, wreath-making, and bonfires.
Apollo.lv · 24 Jun, 05:22

Bronze Monument Unveiled for Famous Stallion Aromāts at Burtnieki Stud Farm
A bronze monument to the late stallion Aromāts, who died five years ago, has been unveiled at the Burtnieki horse breeding farm in Valmiera region, honoring the horse that remains the farm's pride.
LSM · 24 Jun, 05:21

Estonian bikers repeat legendary 1931 motorcycle rally
About 50 motorcyclists took part in the historic "Star Rally", covering over 600 km along the route first ridden in Estonia in 1931.
ERR (rus) · 24 Jun, 04:21

St. John's Day in Estonia to Bring Rain and Wind
After a warm Tuesday, weather conditions are set to change on St. John's Day, with short rains and gusty winds expected overnight and into Wednesday. Daytime temperatures will reach 15–21°C.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jun, 22:21

Folklore Researcher Beatrise Kapuste: Commercialization and Misunderstanding of Traditions Replace Midsummer with 'Solstice'
Folklore researcher Beatrise Kapuste urges a return to using the name 'Jāņi' (Midsummer), as it is increasingly replaced by 'saulgrieži' (solstice), indicating a lack of understanding of traditions. She has started an awareness campaign.
Delfi · 23 Jun, 22:20

Latvia to Experience African Heatwave from June 27
According to the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, a heatwave will hit Latvia from June 27, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C in some areas.
Jauns.lv · 23 Jun, 21:21

Peony Garden in Latgale: Inta Nagle's Story of 400 Varieties and Blooming Life
Inta Nagle's peony garden in Mežvidu parish this summer delights with over 400 bushes, continuing Latgale's tradition of growing peonies.
LSM (rus) · 23 Jun, 21:20

As Tallinn residents celebrate outside city, Old Town overflows with tourists
On Victory Day and Midsummer Night, many Tallinners left the capital, leaving streets empty, but the Old Town was crowded with foreign tourists, especially from cruise ships.
ERR (rus) · 23 Jun, 21:20