Latvia & nearby
High turnout at Riga polling station points to long vote count
Staff at a Riga polling station in the 85th primary school expect a lengthy vote count due to unusually high voter turnout. The 15th Saeima elections are taking place in Latvia on Saturday, with polling stations open until 8 p.m.
Jauns.lv · 3 Oct, 19:22
Instead of raking, try mulching: a quick fix for autumn leaf cleanup
German portal Chip.de suggests that instead of raking fallen autumn leaves, homeowners can simply mulch them with a lawn mower and leave them on the lawn as natural fertilizer. The method is not advised if the leaves show signs of fungal disease.
Latvijas Avīze · 3 Oct, 18:22
Highest voter turnout in Riga so far recorded at Domina Shopping polling station
In Latvia's 15th Saeima elections, the highest voter turnout in Riga by 4 p.m. on Saturday was registered at the polling station located in the Domina Shopping mall. The data comes from the Central Election Commission.
Apollo.lv · 3 Oct, 18:22
SKDS Director: Lower Voter Turnout Would Not Be Surprising
SKDS research center director Arnis Kaktiņš told the LETA news agency that lower overall voter turnout in these Saeima elections compared to previous ones would not be surprising.
TVNET · 3 Oct, 18:21
Ombudsman's Office monitors voting access at social care homes
Representatives of Latvia's Ombudsman's Office visited 20 nursing homes across all regions on October 3 to check that residents can participate in the 15th Saeima elections. No violations have been found so far.
LSM · 3 Oct, 18:20
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Riga court to resume hearing border guard bribery and procurement fraud case on October 16
Riga City Court will resume hearing on October 16 at 10:00 a criminal case involving alleged corruption and fraud in several public procurements, with seven people charged, including border guards and company representatives.
Apollo.lv · 3 Oct, 17:22
Security Service: only minor violations found at polling stations
Latvia's State Security Service has inspected most polling stations nationwide and found minor violations of election procedure at some of them, which were immediately corrected together with local election commissions. No serious issues were reported.
TVNET · 3 Oct, 17:20
Police receive 20 reports of possible violations on election day
Latvia's State Police responded to 20 reports of possible violations during Saturday's Saeima election day as of 5 p.m., with administrative violation proceedings opened in four cases. Most of the reports received did not get confirmed.
Delfi · 3 Oct, 17:20
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In Liepāja, election day feels like a holiday — even a "Santa Claus" shows up to vote
At the Liepāja Latvian Society House, voters turned out actively for Saturday's Saeima elections, with the local election commission head saying residents treat the day as a celebration — one voter even arrived dressed as Santa Claus.
TVNET · 3 Oct, 16:27
Santa Claus shows up to vote in Saeima elections in Liepāja
On the day of the 15th Saeima elections, an 80-year-old man in Liepāja drew attention by arriving at his polling station dressed as Santa Claus. Election officials say a festive mood has taken over the polling site at the Liepāja Latvian Society House.
Jauns.lv · 3 Oct, 16:26
Estonia's nuclear power plans draw criticism over cost and feasibility
Estonia's draft 2027 budget sets aside €2.5 million to create a nuclear safety regulator even as other spending is cut, prompting a commentator to question whether the planned nuclear power plant project makes economic or practical sense.
ERR (rus) · 3 Oct, 16:24
Latvian road accident numbers stay flat, but their cost keeps climbing
The number of road traffic accidents in Latvia has remained largely unchanged over the past five years, but the average compulsory motor insurance payout has risen by almost 23% and now exceeds 1,800 euros, according to LTAB data.
LSM · 3 Oct, 16:22
Estonian commentator: mid-sized towns, not Tallinn, are the best place to raise kids
Estonian commentator Raul Rebane argues that Estonia's county centers of 10,000–20,000 residents offer the ideal environment for children, letting them move independently and safely between school, hobbies and home.
ERR News · 3 Oct, 16:21
Election officials in Jūrmala and Olaine: low turnout may be linked to voting in Riga constituency
The heads of the Jūrmala and Olaine election commissions have told LETA that the relatively low voter turnout observed in their municipalities could be explained by residents choosing to vote for Riga constituency lists instead.
LSM (rus) · 3 Oct, 16:20
Motorcyclist seriously injured in collision with car near Medemciems
A motorcyclist was seriously injured on Saturday after colliding with a car on the Jelgava highway near Medemciems. The victim was hospitalized with multiple traumatic injuries.
Delfi · 3 Oct, 16:19
Estonian universities warn new funding won't match surge in applicants
Estonia's government has pledged extra funding to expand university places for record-large graduating cohorts, but universities say it covers only about two-thirds of what's actually needed.
ERR News · 3 Oct, 15:29
Sunday forecast: warmer air up to +17°C, rain in some areas
Meteorologists at Latvia's Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre forecast temperatures rising to +17°C on Sunday, with rain expected in some areas.
Apollo.lv · 3 Oct, 15:24
Latvia to see changeable weather Sunday, temperatures up to +17°C
Sunday's forecast for Latvia calls for a mix of sun and rain with temperatures climbing to +17°C, followed by a foggy night.
Latvijas Avīze · 3 Oct, 15:22
In Liepāja, voting day activity highest at city-centre polling stations
On the day of the 15th Saeima election, voter turnout in Liepāja was highest at polling stations located in the city centre, while more than 5,000 residents had already cast their ballots for safekeeping ahead of election day.
LSM · 3 Oct, 15:21
Estonian Finance Ministry: slower pay growth for top officials to save €32.3 million
Estonia's government has extended reduced wage indexation for senior civil servants until the end of 2030, saving €32.3 million, but judges argue the move may conflict with the Constitution.
ERR (rus) · 3 Oct, 14:25
Christmas decorations appear in Latvian stores weeks before national holidays
A social media discussion has erupted after shoppers noticed Christmas decorations in stores as early as late September, before Latvia's Lāčplēsis Day and independence anniversary have even been marked. Opinions are split between annoyance and enjoyment.
Latvijas Avīze · 3 Oct, 14:24
Anti-corruption bureau receives 20 reports of possible campaigning violations by noon
Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) received 20 reports of possible pre-election campaigning violations by noon on the day of the 15th Saeima elections. Most reports concerned free social media communication by candidates.
Jauns.lv · 3 Oct, 13:25
Poet Māra Zālīte voices concern over tone of current election campaign
Latvian poet Māra Zālīte has shared concerns on social media about the current pre-election period ahead of the 15th Saeima elections, criticizing both the cynicism of anti-state parties and voters' lenient attitude toward questionable candidates. She also pointed to the role of social media algorithms in amplifying negativity.
Latvijas Avīze · 3 Oct, 12:22
Opinion: Average Estonian student lives in an "educational paradise," ERR News commentary argues
An ERR News opinion piece argues that Estonian university students' complaints about workload and living costs are exaggerated when compared to far harsher systems in the US, Asia and Germany. The author suggests recent campus protests reflect youthful solidarity rather than a genuine crisis in higher education.
ERR News · 3 Oct, 12:21
Latvian security service receives 24 reports of possible election violations
Latvia's State Security Service says it received 24 reports of possible unlawful activity during the parliamentary elections and held preventive talks with some individuals. No systematic foreign interference has been detected so far.
Jauns.lv · 3 Oct, 12:20
Relatively High Voter Turnout Observed in Skrunda on Saturday Morning
A polling station in Skrunda saw comparatively high voter activity on Saturday morning, with some voters finding their choice easy and others more difficult.
LSM · 3 Oct, 12:20
Latvia's parliamentary election sees clash between pro-Western and pro-Russian forces
Latvia held parliamentary elections on October 3, with long-ruling party blocs hovering near the electoral threshold while pro-Russian forces could win over a third of seats, following a highly active early voting period.
ERR (rus) · 3 Oct, 11:22
Election day prompts warnings about disinformation risks
As Latvia holds the main and final day of voting in the Saeima election on October 3, 2026, authorities note that while no systematic disinformation campaigns have been detected, foreign experience shows false information can be used to influence voters on election day itself.
LSM (rus) · 3 Oct, 11:21
Riga to carry out night-time repairs to storm drains on Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street
Starting Saturday, Riga will repair several storm water drains on a stretch of Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street between Z. A. Meierovica Boulevard and Elizabetes Street, with work carried out at night. The announcement came from the Riga City Council's Communications Department.
TVNET · 3 Oct, 11:20
Aluksne opens unique collection of vintage cars and machinery
A new private museum called "Elevators" has opened in a historic grain elevator building in Aluksne, showcasing rare vintage cars, motorcycles and a steam locomotive. The site is currently open to visitors by prior arrangement only.
Ziemeļlatvija · 3 Oct, 10:25
Rescuers pull car with trailer from river in Riga
On Friday, rescue workers from the State Fire and Rescue Service pulled a car with an attached trailer out of a river in Riga.
TVNET · 3 Oct, 10:25
Raccoon numbers rising on Lithuania's Curonian Spit, cull plan in works
Lithuanian authorities are drafting a management plan for a growing population of invasive raccoons on the Curonian Spit, with trapping and hunting possibly starting next spring.
LRT English · 3 Oct, 10:24
Latvia votes in parliamentary election overshadowed by Russia and cost of living
Latvians headed to the polls on Saturday in a parliamentary election dominated by security concerns near Russia and economic hardship. Polls suggest the governing coalition will emerge weakened while populist parties gain ground.
Euronews · 3 Oct, 10:24
Estonian Chancellor of Justice challenges three more municipalities over infrastructure fees
Estonia's Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise has petitioned the Supreme Court to void infrastructure-fee regulations in the town of Loksa and the municipalities of Jõelähtme and Viimsi, following an earlier similar complaint against Keila.
ERR (rus) · 3 Oct, 10:23
Voters in advance voting objected to names written on ballot envelopes
Heads of several Riga polling stations report that during advance voting, some voters objected to having their first and last names written on storage envelopes. Officials explained the procedure complies with the Constitution.
Jauns.lv · 3 Oct, 10:22
Yellow air threat alert declared in Lithuania, fighter jets reportedly scrambled
Lithuania has declared a yellow air threat level in the Vilnius region and Ukmergė district over drone-related danger, warning residents via the national alert system. Unconfirmed reports say fighter jets have already been scrambled.
Latvijas Avīze · 3 Oct, 10:21