Latvia & nearby
How Latvians fell in love with Ukrainian: the story of two enthusiasts
Two Latvians – guitar teacher Oskars Peipiņš and music store manager Sandis Straujais – visited the LSM studio to share how Ukrainian has become part of their daily lives, each with his own unique path.
LSM (rus) · 13 Jun, 13:13
Kulbergs: Ministers' Work to Be Evaluated at Least Once a Month
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced that the implementation of ministers' priority tasks will be assessed regularly, not only at the end of the government's term, but at least once a month.
BNN · 13 Jun, 13:13
Prosecutor's Office Appeals Decision Allowing Crematorium Construction in Salgale Parish
The Prosecutor's Office has filed an appeal against the administrative court's decision that allowed the construction of a crematorium in Salgale parish, Jelgava municipality, citing insufficient transparency in the process.
TVNET · 13 Jun, 13:13
Prosecutor's Office Appeals Court Decision Allowing Crematorium Construction in Salgale Parish
The prosecutor's office has appealed an administrative court ruling that permitted the construction of a crematorium in Salgale parish, Jelgava region, arguing that the building permit was issued improperly.
TVNET · 13 Jun, 13:13
Jēkabpils Municipality Establishes No-Hunt Zones in Towns Even for Dangerous Animals
In Jēkabpils, Aknīste, and Viesīte, areas have been designated where hunting wild animals is prohibited even in dangerous situations. The regulations were approved before a bear entered Jēkabpils in late May.
Jauns.lv · 13 Jun, 13:12
Jēkabpils Municipality Bans Hunting in Certain City Zones Even in Dangerous Situations
In the cities of Jēkabpils, Aknīste and Viesīte, designated areas have been established where hunting wild animals is prohibited even if they pose a threat. The regulations were adopted before a bear wandered into Jēkabpils, aiming to prevent public risks.
Jauns.lv · 13 Jun, 13:12
Illegal Migrant Who Crossed Border Hopes for Asylum in Latvia
A young man who illegally crossed the Belarus-Latvia border a month ago is now in a hospital in Daugavpils, hoping Latvia will grant him asylum.
LSM · 13 Jun, 13:12
Radio History in Lithuania: From 1926 Broadcasts to Countering Fascism
Lithuania's first radio broadcast in 1926 marked the start of a journey that intertwined entertainment, education, and propaganda during the interwar period.
LRT English · 13 Jun, 12:59
Lithuania scrambles NATO jets over suspected drone, object turns out to be weather balloon
On Saturday, June 13, Lithuanian authorities alerted Vilnius residents about a possible drone incursion, but later said the alert was caused by a meteorological aerostat that entered from Belarus.
Ukrainska Pravda · 13 Jun, 12:58
Lithuania issues alert over suspected drone incursion; turns out to be weather balloon
On Saturday, June 13, Lithuania briefly declared an alert in the Vilnius region, scrambling NATO fighter jets amid suspicions of a drone incursion from Belarus. The object was later identified as a meteorological balloon.
Pravda — ziņas · 13 Jun, 12:58
Kleinbergs orders investigation into 'Rīgas nami' management over Meat Pavilion closure
Riga mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs has ordered a review of SIA "Rīgas nami" management after the State Construction Control Bureau closed the Central Market's Meat Pavilion due to serious structural defects, leaving over 50 businesses without work.
TVNET · 13 Jun, 12:58
Temporary air alert issued in Vilnius county; cause: weather balloon from Belarus
On Saturday morning, a temporary air alert was issued in Vilnius county and lifted before 11 a.m. The alert was triggered by radar detection of a drone-like object, later confirmed as a weather balloon entering Lithuanian airspace from Belarus.
LSM · 13 Jun, 12:58
Nearly 500 abandoned fishing nets pulled from Estonian side of Lake Peipus
Estonian authorities removed almost 500 abandoned fishing nets from Lake Peipus during a four-day operation, highlighting the risk of microplastics entering the food chain.
ERR News · 13 Jun, 12:06
LRT Radio turns 100: from first words to digital era
Lithuania's public broadcaster LRT celebrates 100 years of radio, marking key milestones from the first broadcast in 1926 to modern digital platforms.
LRT English · 13 Jun, 12:06
Estonian finance minister opposes easing EU budget rules for energy projects
Estonian Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi (Reform Party) at the EU finance ministers' meeting in Luxembourg opposed easing EU budget rules to finance energy projects, emphasizing that defense investments should remain the priority.
ERR (rus) · 13 Jun, 12:05
Ukrainian refugees' integration needs: language learning, tax advice, and child care
According to a survey from the “Common Horizon” project, Ukrainian refugees prioritize Latvian language learning, consultations on taxes, healthcare and employment, as well as children's education and leisure activities.
LSM (rus) · 13 Jun, 12:05
Avitela Opens New Concept Store in Revamped Europa Shopping Centre in Vilnius
Avitela will launch a new concept store in the first quarter of 2022 at the Europa shopping centre in Vilnius, which is undergoing a major upgrade. The store will offer a wide range of products from beauty items to business computers, focusing on high-quality customer service and expert advice.
15min · 13 Jun, 12:03
Commemorative Events in Latvia for Victims of Communist Genocide
This year marks 85 years since the first mass deportation, which began on the night of June 13–14, 1941. Latvia annually remembers the victims of deportations and Soviet genocide on June 14.
LSM (rus) · 13 Jun, 12:03
Latvia to commemorate victims of communist genocide – 85 years since 1941 deportations
On June 14, Latvia will hold memorial events marking the 85th anniversary of the mass deportations in 1941, when over 15,000 Latvian residents were forcibly deported to Siberia and Kazakhstan.
LSM (rus) · 13 Jun, 12:02
Lithuania pledges to support Armenia-EU trade promotion efforts
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys announced Vilnius's active backing for measures to boost trade between Armenia and the European Union, emphasizing Armenia's right to sovereign decisions and free elections without foreign interference.
The Baltic Times · 13 Jun, 12:02
/nginx/o/2026/06/10/17704936t1h9956.jpg)
Estonian parliament ratifies prison rental agreement with Sweden
The Riigikogu approved an agreement allowing the transfer of up to 600 Swedish inmates to Estonia to serve their sentences. The deal aims to keep Tartu Prison operational and generate €30-60 million for Estonia's state budget.
Postimees · 13 Jun, 12:02
Estonian parliament ratifies prison rental agreement with Sweden
The Riigikogu approved the agreement allowing up to 600 Swedish inmates to serve sentences in Estonia, with the first transfers expected in August.
Postimees · 13 Jun, 12:02
Wooden House Manufacturers: High Demand, Waiting Times and Prices Revealed
Demand for wooden houses remains strong, with manufacturers reporting queues, while average areas and cost trends are disclosed.
Delfi · 13 Jun, 11:59
Vilnius Yellow Air Alert Lifted After Object Identified as Weather Balloon
A yellow-level air threat alert issued for Vilnius county on Saturday morning has been lifted after the object that triggered it was identified as a weather balloon that had drifted into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus.
LRT English · 13 Jun, 11:59
Vilnius Yellow Air Alert Lifted After Radar Contact Identified as Weather Balloon
A yellow-level air threat alert for Vilnius county on Saturday morning was lifted after the object that triggered it was identified as a weather balloon that had drifted into Lithuanian airspace from Belarus.
LRT English · 13 Jun, 11:59
Kleinbergs dissatisfied after visiting Meat Pavilion, questions investment use
Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs personally visited the Meat Pavilion and expressed dissatisfaction with the closure of trading premises by the Food and Veterinary Service. He criticized the lack of effective solutions and demanded an investigation into past investments.
Jauns.lv · 13 Jun, 11:58
Kleinbergs dissatisfied with closure of Meat Pavilion; criticizes lack of action
Riga City Council Chairman Viesturs Kleinbergs personally visited the Central Market and expressed dissatisfaction that no effective solutions have been found after the BVKB closed the Meat Pavilion for meat trading. He ordered an investigation into management's actions and the use of investment funds.
Jauns.lv · 13 Jun, 11:58
Vilnius County Air Alert Lifted After Radar Contact with Drone
A brief yellow-level air threat alert in Vilnius County on Saturday was lifted after the military confirmed that the radar contact matched characteristics of a drone.
LRT English · 13 Jun, 11:00
Martin Mölder: The possible cost of an easy political victory for Estonia's opposition
Estonia's opposition parties are likely to win the next elections easily, but political analyst Martin Mölder warns that this easy victory may come at the price of difficult governance afterward due to eroded public trust.
ERR News · 13 Jun, 10:59
Consumer rights: what to do if a summer event is rained out
Consumer protection officials remind ticket holders of their rights if an event is canceled, postponed, or significantly changed.
ERR News · 13 Jun, 10:40
/nginx/o/2026/06/08/17697806t1h7c6c.jpg)
Man Arrested After Causing Accident and Brandishing Weapon-Like Object in Līvāni
Police arrested a man on Friday evening who had caused a traffic accident in Līvāni, then fled the scene while brandishing an object resembling a weapon. No one was injured in the crash.
TVNET · 13 Jun, 10:39
Oleg Martovoy may be released early from prison
The Viru County Court will consider on June 16 the possibility of early release for Oleg Martovoy, who was sentenced to nine years for leading a criminal group and illegal alcohol trafficking.
ERR (rus) · 13 Jun, 10:39
Study: Soviet legacy still influences Latvian voters' values
A recent study on Latvian voters' values shows that the Soviet legacy continues to affect part of the public's views, especially the older generation's desire for a stronger hand in politics.
LSM · 13 Jun, 10:38
Deadline Approaches: Apartment Owners Must Decide on Unified Water Metering
By January 1, 2027, owners of apartments in multi-dwelling buildings in Latvia must decide on a unified water metering system. A successful pilot project in Riga demonstrates the effectiveness of smart meters.
Jauns.lv · 13 Jun, 09:36
/nginx/o/2026/06/13/17712829t1h806a.jpg)
Driver Dies After Car Hits Wild Animal in Latgale
A fatal collision with a wild animal occurred early Saturday in Krāslava municipality, leaving the driver dead at the scene.
TVNET · 13 Jun, 09:36
Koknese Begins Construction of Public Recreation Area with Universal Design
Koknese has launched the construction of a new public outdoor space at a downtown intersection, designed to be accessible for all residents, including inclusive playground equipment and sensory-friendly features.
Staburags · 13 Jun, 09:36