Latvia & nearby

President Rinkēvičs reflects on three-year term and fourth-year plans in podcast
On June 17, a podcast featured Jānis Domburs interviewing President Edgars Rinkēvičs about his first three years in office and what lies ahead for the fourth year.
LSM · 19 Jun, 12:20

Stradiņš Hospital Welcomes Second Triplets of the Year – Three Boys
On Thursday, June 18, triplets – three boys – were born at Paula Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital. The mother and newborns are doing well and receiving necessary care.
BNN · 19 Jun, 11:21
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Riga Digital Agency Director Arnis Gulbis Dismissed
Today, during an emergency meeting of the Riga City Council, Arnis Gulbis was removed from his position as director of the Riga Digital Agency after submitting a resignation with mutual consent. Some council members criticized the decision, arguing that Gulbis should face punishment for violations, including using municipal electricity to charge his personal car.
TVNET · 19 Jun, 10:20

Expertise ordered for doors after Eastern Hospital employee death
The State Labour Inspectorate has ordered an expert examination of the doors after a female employee was fatally trapped in doors at Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital. A criminal investigation has been launched.
Apollo.lv · 19 Jun, 10:20

Holiday Weekend to Be Warm, Occasionally Muggy; Midsummer Night May Be Dry
According to forecasters, the long Midsummer holiday in Latvia will be warm, sometimes even hot and sultry, while Midsummer Night could be rain-free.
LSM · 19 Jun, 10:20

Mindaugas Sinkevičius to become Lithuania's Prime Minister; new coalition formed
Lithuania is set to have a new prime minister, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, who will lead a coalition including Democrats 'For Lithuania', the Farmers and Greens, and the Christian Families Union. On foreign policy, he has questioned the effectiveness of sanctions on Belarus and called for a pragmatic approach to China.
LRT English · 19 Jun, 09:21

Cleaning Company Encourages Complaints – It's a Deliberate Strategy
Cleanland PHS, operating since 2009, has developed a digital system Cleanland+ based on the principle that the faster a client reports a problem, the sooner it gets fixed. The company actively invites complaints, viewing them as valuable feedback for service improvement.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jun, 09:21

Flaws in gambling oversight: Kessler warns about insufficient control of online casinos
Expert Kilvar Kessler points out that Estonia's policy to attract international online casinos could lead to serious problems if oversight is not simultaneously strengthened. He proposes four improvements, including flexible fines and clear responsibility for the overall risk picture.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jun, 09:20

Nurse Ligita Jātniece Receives Jelgava's Highest Honor "Goda zīme"
Ligita Jātniece, a general care nurse at SIA "Jelgavas klīnika", was awarded the highest city honor "Goda zīme" during the Jelgava city festival in late May for her long-term dedicated service to public health.
Zemgales Ziņas · 19 Jun, 09:20

Orienteering Game 'Object Adventures on the Roads' Takes Place in Valmiera Region
Until August 29, residents and guests of Valmiera region are invited to participate in an orienteering game that started on Museum Night and continues throughout the summer, allowing exploration of object stories in local museums and cultural sites.
Valmieras Ziņas · 19 Jun, 09:20

«Nu i nedela» Program Discusses Crisis Education for Children, Future of Riga Central Market, Reinterpreting Classics, and Ligo Traditions
The LSM program 'Nu i nedela' featured journalist Roman Shmelev, theater director Elmar Senkov, and Delfi journalist Kristina Hudenko discussing key questions: who should educate children about crises, the potential future of Riga Central Market, the importance of rethinking classics, and the unifying role of Ligo.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jun, 09:20

Restorer's Collection Includes Around 200 Wooden Planes
Mihails Sivuhins, a restorer at the Kuldīga Restoration Centre, has spent over 20 years collecting antique tools, especially wooden planes. His collection now holds about 200 planes, which he uses in his work and preserves for future generations.
Kurzemnieks · 19 Jun, 08:21

Saeima closes spring session, heads into long summer break
The Latvian parliament has officially ended its spring session, with deputies now on summer recess until August 31, though emergency sittings may be called for urgent matters.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jun, 08:21
Speed reduced on P80 Tīnūži–Koknese highway due to roadworks
State Police announce a temporary speed limit reduction on three sections of the P80 road because of construction work.
Staburags · 19 Jun, 08:20

CSDD Launches Campaign Ahead of Līgo: 'Celebrated? Get Some Sleep'
Reminding drivers to act responsibly after festivities, CSDD has started a new campaign urging people to rest and stay sober before getting behind the wheel.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jun, 08:20

Nine Candidates Apply for Smiltene Hospital Board Member Position
The SIA “Sarkanā Krusta Smiltenes slimnīca” has announced a competition for the board member position vacated by Didzis Lūkins. Nine candidates have applied for the vacancy.
Ziemeļlatvija · 19 Jun, 07:21

Up to +27°C Expected Before Holidays, but Jāņi Night May Bring Rain
Latvia will enjoy warm weather up to +27°C this weekend, but the night of Jāņi (Midsummer) may bring rain and thunderstorms.
BNN · 19 Jun, 07:21

LBTU Graduates About 700 Students This Week
Around 700 students are graduating from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) in June, including 54 international students; 22 female graduates will receive excellence diplomas.
Zemgales Ziņas · 19 Jun, 07:21

Traffic jams expected before Midsummer: advice for leaving Riga
Latvijas Valsts ceļi (Latvian State Roads) warns of heavy traffic in the Pierīga region and traditional pre-Jāņi congestion, while roadworks continue on 69 state road sections across the country.
Bauskas Dzīve · 19 Jun, 07:21
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Drivers warned of heavy traffic and pre-Midsummer congestion
On Friday afternoon, leaving Rīga will see traditional pre-Jāņi congestion and heavy traffic in the Pierīga region.
TVNET · 19 Jun, 07:20

Ogre Region: Police Investigate Fraud, Illegal Hunting, and Drunk Driving
In just two days, Ogre region saw a phone scam resulting in over €2,220 in losses, an illegally shot deer, and a drunk driver caught on a local road.
OgreNet · 19 Jun, 07:20

Emor poll: Isamaa and Centre Party continue to lead in Estonia
According to Emor's June survey, Isamaa and the Centre Party remain the most popular political parties in Estonia, with their support levels within the statistical margin of error. The Centre Party's support increased among Estonians but decreased among other nationalities.
ERR (rus) · 19 Jun, 07:20

Traffic Jams Expected Before Midsummer; Drivers Urged to Allow Extra Time
This afternoon, leaving Riga, drivers should expect heavy traffic in the Pierīga region and traditional pre-Midsummer congestion, according to Latvian State Roads.
Delfi · 19 Jun, 07:20

Midsummer Holidays: Changes in Public Transport and Store Hours; Medical and Emergency Services on High Alert
During the Midsummer holidays, Riga will have adjusted public transport schedules to ensure safe travel home. Stores will also change their opening hours, while medics, firefighters, and food safety inspectors will be on heightened alert.
LSM · 19 Jun, 07:20

Saeima concludes spring session: Much done, but not all planned
Latvian parliamentarians gathered on Thursday for the last meeting of the spring session, summing up achievements and outlining issues to be addressed in autumn.
LSM (rus) · 19 Jun, 06:22

Germany Commits to Become NATO's Conventional Backbone, Expert Highlights Challenges
German society largely supports the country's commitment to become the strongest conventional army in Europe and NATO's backbone, but there remains a gap between general support and acceptance of specific measures, German expert Andrea Rotere said in an interview.
Bauskas Dzīve · 19 Jun, 06:21

Ringolds Balodis Receives Reprimand from University of Latvia for Praising Russian Military Symbolism
Riga City Council deputy Ringolds Balodis has received a reprimand from the University of Latvia's Academic Ethics Commission for expressing admiration on social media for a photo of a person in Russian airborne forces uniform.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jun, 06:20

President Rinkēvičs in interview: unexpected number of laws returned to Saeima, discusses NATO and domestic politics
In the season finale of "Kas notiek Latvijā?", President Edgars Rinkēvičs admitted he did not plan to send so many laws back to the Saeima and commented on public evaluation. Topics included NATO, Ukraine, domestic politics, and plans for the final term year.
LSM · 19 Jun, 06:20

116 New Nurses Receive Diplomas from RSU and Begin Work in Healthcare
On Thursday, 116 new nurses received diplomas from Riga Stradins University (RSU), took the solemn oath, and can start working in healthcare from Friday. Most of them already have jobs lined up in Latvia's major hospitals, and while they are not afraid of night shifts or difficulties, salary remains a concern.
LSM · 19 Jun, 05:21

Proposal to Allow Early Withdrawal of 2nd Pillar Pension Savings
The party "Latvija pirmajā vietā" has gathered nearly 55,000 signatures by mid-June for its legislative initiative to allow early withdrawal of 2nd pillar pension savings. The initiative needs 154,241 signatures within a year to be considered by the Saeima.
Žurnāls Ir · 19 Jun, 05:21

Large-format fire sculptures take shape in Jelgava – international symposium explores identity
Four artists from Latvia, the United Kingdom and Estonia are creating large-format chamotte sculptures on the theme of “Identity”. The works will be fired and will be on display from June 22.
Bauskas Dzīve · 19 Jun, 05:21

Job Vacancies in Jelgava: Lawyers, Cardiologists, and Other Specialists Wanted
The municipality of Jelgava, its institutions, and companies have announced several job openings across various fields, from healthcare to manufacturing. Among the most sought-after professionals are lawyers, cardiologists, data protection specialists, and production operators.
Zemgales Ziņas · 19 Jun, 05:20

Milov: Putin Weighs Attack Scenario for Baltics, But Panic Unnecessary
Russian opposition politician Vladimir Milov says Putin is considering an attack on the Baltic states, but urges calm and highlights Russia's manpower shortage.
Jauns.lv · 19 Jun, 05:20

Estonian Officials Criticize Second Pension Pillar Liberalization
Estonia's finance minister and prime minister strongly condemn the previous parliament's decision to allow citizens to withdraw savings from the second pension pillar, calling it a financial mistake.
Žurnāls Ir · 19 Jun, 04:21

V. Voicehovskis: In case of invasion, all of Latvia becomes a 'zero zone'; everyone must know first aid
Associate professor Vladimirs Voicehovskis from RSU warns that Latvia has lived in a false sense of security and that survival in war will depend on people's ability to provide first aid, as drone warfare makes medical evacuation almost impossible.
TVNET · 19 Jun, 04:21

The beginning of pension reform: March 1995 and Māris Gailis' vision
Thirty years ago, the Saeima started discussing pension reform to break away from the Soviet legacy. Prime Minister Gailis called for splitting the social tax and changing payment proportions.
Žurnāls Ir · 19 Jun, 03:20