Latvia & nearby

Children should learn to swim once a week for at least three years — expert
Expert Zane Gemze states that children need at least three years of weekly swimming lessons to become confident swimmers, and instruction should be by professional coaches, not parents.
LSM (rus) · 14 Jun, 02:21
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Road rage escalates to stabbing in store: Bloody evening in Jēkabpils
A road rage argument in Jēkabpils turned violent: a driver chased a pedestrian with his car, then stabbed him inside a store. The court later heard unimaginable excuses.
TVNET · 14 Jun, 02:20

Construction Foreman Refuses to Work Unpaid Overtime at Exhibition
A construction worker asked for advice after his employer refused to pay for overtime work at a trade show, citing high costs and calling it an 'investment in the company's future.'
Latvijas Avīze · 14 Jun, 01:21

Water Quality in Gulbene Municipality Swimming Areas Meets Standards
Tests at 18 popular swimming spots in Gulbene municipality show clean water with no pollution or harmful bacteria.
Jauns.lv · 14 Jun, 01:21

Sunday Forecast: Rain, Thunderstorms, and Gusty Winds
Estonia will experience rain, possible thunderstorms, and strong coastal winds on Sunday, with calmer and warmer weather expected later in the day.
ERR (rus) · 14 Jun, 00:17

Riga to Commemorate Victims of Communist Genocide on 85th Anniversary
On June 14, Riga will hold multiple remembrance events marking the 85th anniversary of the first mass deportations of Latvian residents.
Delfi · 14 Jun, 00:16
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Procurement Watchdog Halts Contract for National Football Stadium Financial Analysis
The Procurement Monitoring Bureau has blocked LNSC's tender for financial calculations for a new national football stadium in Riga after a complaint by KPMG Baltija, finding the complaint justified.
TVNET · 13 Jun, 21:30

Two BMW drivers race illegally in Ķengarags; one crashes
On Friday evening, two BMW drivers engaged in an illegal street race on Latgales Street in Riga, resulting in one losing control and crashing into a barrier. No injuries were reported, but the car sustained significant damage.
Jauns.lv · 13 Jun, 21:29
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Latvia’s Procurement Bureau Halts Contract for National Football Stadium Financial Calculations
The Procurement Monitoring Bureau annulled LNSC's procurement decision for financial calculations for a new national football stadium in Riga after a complaint by KPMG Baltija.
TVNET · 13 Jun, 20:27

Reinsalu: Outgoing government already acts as if it will lose power after elections
With less than a year until Estonia's 2027 parliamentary elections, the opposition criticizes the coalition for failing to fulfill promises and worsening the budget deficit. Coalition members defend their record, citing ongoing reforms and the need to keep the state functioning.
ERR (rus) · 13 Jun, 19:25

Biodiversity Demonstration Zone Planned for Lucavsala Island in Riga
A four-hectare biodiversity demonstration zone is planned for the Kazas sēklis area of Lucavsala, an island near Riga city center known for its unique ecosystem.
LSM · 13 Jun, 19:25

Court Does Not Revoke Building Permit for Crematorium in Jelgava Region
The Administrative District Court rejected the prosecutor's application to cancel the building permit for a crematorium in Salgale parish, ruling that the construction complies with the spatial plan and no significant violations were found.
Delfi · 13 Jun, 18:23

Unprecedented aerial tricks wow audiences at Liepāja airshow
The airshow in Liepāja concluded with never-before-seen aerobatic maneuvers in Latvia, including one of the world's most dangerous tricks performed by elite pilots.
LSM · 13 Jun, 18:22

Estonia Unveils New Drone Roadmap to Expand Counter-Drone Capabilities
The Estonian government has published a new drone roadmap aimed at expanding counter-drone capabilities, easing testing rules, and accelerating drone adoption in defense and the economy.
ERR News · 13 Jun, 17:20

Edgar Latushkevich Leaves Position as Head of Lasnamäe Youth Centre
After five and a half years at the Lasnamäe Youth Centre, its head Edgar Latushkevich has decided to step down to seek new professional challenges in school education.
ERR (rus) · 13 Jun, 17:20

Lithuania, Poland, and France to hold military exercises near Russia's border
From June 16 to 26, the international exercise 'Gallant Boar 2026' will take place near the Suwałki Gap, involving Lithuanian, Polish, and French troops to enhance coordination and combat readiness.
Ukrainska Pravda · 13 Jun, 17:20

Lithuania, Poland, and France to Hold Military Drills Near Russian Borders
From June 16 to 26, the international exercise "Gallant Boar 2026" will take place near the Suwałki Gap, involving troops from Lithuania, Poland, and France to enhance cooperation and readiness to defend this strategically vital region.
Pravda — ziņas · 13 Jun, 17:20

Riga Residents Critique Outdated Trams; Replacement Requires Hundreds of Millions of Euros
Residents of Riga express dissatisfaction with the city's old trams, which are a popular symbol for tourists but fail to meet modern standards, with replacement costs reaching hundreds of millions of euros.
LSM · 13 Jun, 17:19

Estonia's Social Democrats push to criminalize deepfake explicit images
Estonia's Social Democratic Party (SDE) has proposed amendments to criminalize the creation and distribution of non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake images, arguing that current laws are insufficient to address the growing threat posed by AI tools.
ERR News · 13 Jun, 16:18

MP Simanovska earned nearly €68,000 last year
Saeima deputy Jana Simanovska (Progressives) declared income of €67,977 for last year, with the majority coming from her parliamentary salary.
Delfi · 13 Jun, 16:18

Estonia's state architect: How to manage changes with no single owner
Estonian state architect Tõnis Arjus shares insights on his role, emphasizing collaboration, reducing bureaucracy, and fostering quality spatial solutions to address complex challenges.
ERR (rus) · 13 Jun, 16:18

Hazardous waste: Creosote-soaked railroad ties abandoned for years in Rūjiena parish
Hundreds of old railroad ties saturated with creosote, a substance considered hazardous by the EU, have been left in nature in Rūjiena parish, Valmiera municipality. The local municipality did not initially regard them as hazardous waste, but the State Environmental Service has ordered their removal by July 1.
LSM · 13 Jun, 16:17
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Thousands Participate in Pride March in Central Riga
On Saturday, June 13, several thousand people took part in the Pride march "Ceļš uz brīvību" in central Riga, led by Riga City Council Chairman Viesturs Kleinbergs.
TVNET · 13 Jun, 15:15

Kõlvart: Rail Baltic a Symbol of Incompetence and Irresponsibility of Reform Party
Mihhail Kõlvart, chairman of the Centre Party, criticized the Reform Party-led government for its management of the Rail Baltic project, citing incompetence, cynicism, and irresponsibility.
ERR (rus) · 13 Jun, 15:15

Pride March 'Road to Freedom' Takes Place in Central Riga
Today, the Pride march 'Road to Freedom' was held in central Riga, with participants gathering at Esplanade and moving through several streets, ending with a festive closing event.
Jauns.lv · 13 Jun, 15:15

Head of maritime school: Children need to respect the sea, not fear it
At Sõru Maritime School on Hiiumaa, children learn sailing and safety basics. The school head emphasizes teaching respect for the sea rather than fear.
ERR News · 13 Jun, 14:13

Grave Markers Installed for Unidentified Border Crossers Who Died in Latvia
An NGO has installed grave markers for 11 unidentified individuals who died after crossing the Latvia-Belarus border and were buried without identification.
Delfi · 13 Jun, 14:13

Notus Developers selects contractor for Nemunaičiai project in Kaunas
Notus Developers, part of SBA group, has chosen Eikos Statyba as the contractor for the construction of five apartment buildings in the Nemunaičiai residential area in Kaunas. The project marks the first residential construction for Eikos Statyba in Kaunas.
15min · 13 Jun, 13:16

Thousands March in Vilnius Pride Parade for Equal Rights
Around 18,000 people took part in Vilnius's annual Pride march, urging politicians to recognize same-sex partnerships and adoption rights, while small counter-protests occurred along the route.
LRT English · 13 Jun, 13:16

Notus Developers Picks Contractor for Nemunaičiai Residential Project in Kaunas
Notus Developers, an SBA company, has selected Eikos Statyba as the contractor for the Nemunaičiai residential project on the left bank of the Nemunas River in Kaunas. The project includes five apartment buildings, with demand for prestigious housing remaining strong.
15min · 13 Jun, 13:15

Abundance of Choices Makes It Hard for Latvian Youth to Decide on Studies
With over 3,000 study programs available in Latvia, young people face a paradox of choice, leading to stress and dissatisfaction. Experts note that it is now normal to change study fields, and education should focus on personal and professional growth.
Žurnāls Ir · 13 Jun, 13:15

Thousands March in Vilnius Pride Parade, Demand Equal Rights
Around 18,000 people took part in Vilnius’s annual Pride march on Saturday, calling for same-sex partnerships and adoption rights. Small counter-protests occurred, and eight people were detained for various offences.
LRT English · 13 Jun, 13:15

Experts: Boosting R&D Could Help Estonia Tackle Rising Public Debt
Estonia's economic growth has stalled and public debt is rising. Experts suggest that increasing research and development spending could restore growth without adding to the debt burden.
ERR News · 13 Jun, 13:15

Paradox of choice: How study program abundance stresses Latvian students
With over 3,000 study programs available in Latvia, young people face a paradox of choice, leading to stress and indecision.
Žurnāls Ir · 13 Jun, 13:14

Kulbergs: Ministers' work to be evaluated monthly, not only at the end of term
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced that ministers' priority tasks will be assessed at least once a month, not just at the end of the government's term. The first evaluation is scheduled for June 30.
BNN · 13 Jun, 13:14

Experts: Boosting R&D Could Help Estonia Tackle Rising Public Debt
Estonian economists and entrepreneurs call for increased investment in research and development to spur economic growth and address the growing public debt.
ERR News · 13 Jun, 13:14