Latvia & nearby
Why apples rot before ripening — and how to save this year's harvest
Horticultural experts explain that even a tiny wound on an apple can trigger dangerous brown rot, destroying fruit before it fully ripens. Timely prevention can still help save this year's crop.
Latvijas Avīze · 30 Sept, 14:26
Estonian security police chief: Russia's planned hybrid operations repeatedly thwarted
Estonia's Security Police executive director Margo Palosons said in an interview that authorities have in recent years foiled several Russian-planned sabotage and attack attempts. No specific cases or figures were disclosed.
LSM · 30 Sept, 14:25
Nearly 400-year-old protected forest cut down near Rucava
A forest stand near Rucava containing a pine tree at least 377 years old, along with other trees of similar age, has been felled on land managed by a Forest Research Station, the Latvian Fund for Nature reported.
LSM (rus) · 30 Sept, 14:23
Latvijas Attīstībai Files Police Complaint Over Ramoliņš's Claims
The Latvijas Attīstībai party has filed a police complaint against businessman Andris Ramoliņš over his public claims that the party pressured the Competition Council in the sale of the Norupe sawmill. The party denies any involvement and calls the claims false.
Delfi · 30 Sept, 14:22
Court to again consider parole for Saaremaa arsonist whose fire killed two people
Harju County Court will hear on October 20 a new parole request from Gevin Kütt, convicted in 2016 of setting a fire in Aste, Saaremaa, that killed two residents.
ERR (rus) · 30 Sept, 14:21
Estonia to replace survivor's pension with new benefit from October 1
From October 1, Estonia will replace the survivor's pension paid to children and young people with a new benefit, also shifting the payment date to the 8th of the month.
ERR (rus) · 30 Sept, 13:21
Lithuania offers to pay for permanent US troop presence on its territory
Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas... Actually, Lithuania's PM Mindaugas Sinkevičius said the country is ready to cover the costs of a permanent US military presence and has already raised the issue with Washington. Currently, US troops in Lithuania are deployed only on a rotational basis.
Ukrainska Pravda · 30 Sept, 13:20
Smiltene Library exhibits Estere Lārmane's creative works 'Stories of Colour and Line'
The Children's Department of Smiltene Library is hosting an October exhibition of paintings and drawings by Smiltene Art School student Estere Lārmane, featuring nature, animals and people.
Ziemeļlatvija · 30 Sept, 13:20
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Ministry Proposes Scrapping Six-Month Ban for Taxi Drivers Over Violations
Latvia's Transport Ministry has drafted amendments that would eliminate the current six-month ban or removal from the Taxi Drivers Register for drivers penalized for violating passenger transport rules.
TVNET · 30 Sept, 12:26
Lithuania's Justice Ministry continues resisting same-sex partnership registration
A regional court in Klaipėda has rejected the Justice Ministry's appeal, ordering the state to register the partnership of two women married abroad. The ministry has not yet decided whether to escalate the case to the Supreme Court.
LRT English · 30 Sept, 12:25
Disability pension recipient: 298 euros not enough to cover treatment costs
A reader named Santa says her 298-euro disability pension has driven her into debt due to high medical costs, criticizing Latvia's pension indexation system for penalizing younger recipients with short work records. Latvia's annual pension indexation takes effect on October 1.
Latvijas Avīze · 30 Sept, 12:24
Three cars catch fire in Bauska municipality within one day
Firefighters in Bauska municipality responded to two separate incidents within 24 hours in which three passenger cars caught fire, in the Vecumnieki and Iecava parishes. No injuries were mentioned.
Bauskas Dzīve · 30 Sept, 12:20
Life Doesn't End With Retirement: Former Teacher Shares Her Senior University Experience
Former Latvian language teacher Lilija Zēberga talks about staying active after retirement through a senior university and an advisory council in Jēkabpils municipality. Several senior schools across Latvia begin a new academic year in early October.
Zemgales Ziņas · 30 Sept, 11:25
15th Saeima elections: how, when and where to vote
Ahead of the October 3 Saeima elections, information is available on advance voting, voter eligibility, and at-location voting for those unable to reach a polling station due to health reasons. Several well-known public figures have shared why voting matters to them.
Žurnāls Ir · 30 Sept, 11:25
Latvia's SPKC releases educational videos on heart health for World Heart Day
To mark World Heart Day, Latvia's Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) has published three educational videos on cardiovascular risk factors. Cardiovascular disease remains Latvia's leading cause of death, killing about 14,000 people a year.
Ziemeļlatvija · 30 Sept, 11:24
Road Jelgava–Dalbe blocked after fatal crash
On Wednesday morning a fatal traffic accident closed the road between Jelgava and Dalbe. The crash occurred near the turn to Cena.
LSM · 30 Sept, 11:24
Constitutional Court: Low income alone doesn't mean a debt can't be repaid
Latvia's Constitutional Court has ruled unconstitutional a legal framework allowing individuals to be discharged from debt without a full assessment of their financial situation. The provisions will lose effect on October 1, 2027, giving lawmakers time to draft new rules.
BNN · 30 Sept, 11:23
How politicians sway voters' emotions during election campaigns
During election campaigns, politicians compete not only for votes but also for voters' emotions, often using emotional statements and exaggerations in their rhetoric instead of facts.
LSM (rus) · 30 Sept, 11:22
Car collides with moose in Aizkraukle region, two children and several adults injured
A car collided with a moose on Tuesday evening on the road between Aizkraukle and Jēkabpils, injuring two children and several adults, the State Police reported.
Apollo.lv · 30 Sept, 11:22
Ķegums to host Michaelmas fair with bread and meat festival
Ķegums will hold a Michaelmas fair featuring a bread and meat festival with a tasting contest, alongside seasonal produce and craft stalls. A folklore group will also lead games for children.
OgreNet · 30 Sept, 11:20
Latvia's State Forests works to repair roads damaged by August storm
Following August's storm and the heavy rain that followed, sections of Latvia's forest roads remain damaged or inaccessible, with state forestry company LVM gradually restoring access based on priority.
TVNET · 30 Sept, 01:46
Video: Drivers stop traffic to let mother moose and newborn calf cross safely
A video circulating on TikTok shows drivers halting traffic so a mother moose could help her newborn calf safely cross a road.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Sept, 23:47
Wednesday brings variable cloud with clear spells, temperatures up to 18C
Wednesday will see variable cloudiness with clear spells and scattered rain, improving conditions in the afternoon, with daytime temperatures reaching 15 to 18 degrees.
ERR (rus) · 29 Sept, 22:47
Around 58% turnout in youth mock elections
About 26,000 young people took part in a mock Saeima election, with roughly 58.5% of the target group casting a vote; results will be announced on October 3.
LSM · 29 Sept, 22:44
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Warehouse fire in Riga's Sarkandaugava injures three firefighters after hours-long battle
A large fire broke out on Monday at a multi-storey warehouse building on Aptiekas Street in Riga's Sarkandaugava district; three firefighters were injured while battling the blaze.
Apollo.lv · 29 Sept, 22:44
Vidzeme Hospital unveils memorial plaque for its first director Uldis Laucis
Vidzeme Hospital in Valmiera has unveiled a memorial plaque honoring its first director and longtime chief physician, Uldis Laucis. The initiative came from former staff members in recognition of his contribution to the hospital's development.
Jauns.lv · 29 Sept, 22:41
Police and relative appeal for help finding missing 84-year-old man in Krāslava region
Latvian State Police and relatives are searching for Alberts Krūms, born in 1942, who went missing on September 17 from a relative's home in the Krāslava region. The public is urged to come forward with any information on his whereabouts.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Sept, 21:42
Estonian media companies ask ministry to reconsider Russian dubbing ban
Heads of four Estonian media companies, including public broadcaster ERR, have asked the education minister to reconsider summer amendments to the Language Act banning Russian-language dubbing and voice-over for foreign films and shows.
ERR (rus) · 29 Sept, 21:41
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Latvia to spend €422 million on artillery in coming years
Latvia is working on another rocket artillery project, and acquiring various artillery systems in the coming years will require €422.25 million, according to information obtained by the LETA news agency.
TVNET · 29 Sept, 20:47
Estonian opposition parties slam draft state budget, vow to vote against it
Prime Minister Kristen Michal presented next year's state budget to the Riigikogu on Tuesday, drawing sharp criticism from all opposition parties, which promised to vote against it. With the ruling coalition lacking a majority, it must seek support from opposition MPs, fueling mutual suspicion among parties.
ERR (rus) · 29 Sept, 20:45
Latvia needs €422 million for artillery systems
Latvia's government has approved a reallocation of over €43 million within the Defence Ministry's budget, while total artillery procurement costs through 2029 will reach €422.25 million. The funds will cover Czech-made self-propelled howitzers and a new rocket artillery project.
Delfi · 29 Sept, 20:45
Latvia needs over €422 million for artillery purchases through 2029
Latvia's government has approved reallocating more than €43.6 million for artillery system procurement, while the total funding needed through 2029 reaches €422.25 million. The defense ministry is also working on a new, undisclosed rocket artillery project.
Latvijas Avīze · 29 Sept, 20:42
Latvia developing another rocket artillery project, total artillery procurement worth €422 million
Latvia is working on an additional rocket artillery project alongside its already-ordered HIMARS systems, with total artillery procurement over the coming years requiring more than €422 million. The government on Tuesday approved a reallocation of funds to support these purchases.
Jauns.lv · 29 Sept, 20:42
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Kulbergs: temporary bridge idea during Vanšu Bridge repairs is "outside the box"
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has commented on a proposal to build a temporary bridge while Riga's Vanšu Bridge undergoes repairs, saying state co-financing of such a project would depend on several factors.
TVNET · 29 Sept, 19:47
OECD report: teacher shortage remains an issue in Latvia
A new OECD education report finds that the share of vacant teaching positions in Latvia has grown in recent years, as teachers age and young educators tend to leave the profession. A future decline in student numbers could ease demand for teachers, but would not fully solve the problem.
LSM (rus) · 29 Sept, 19:42
Rimi Latvia Requests Driver Involved in Accident Be Removed From Logistics Routes
Retailer "Rimi Latvia" said on Monday, September 28, that it has requested the driver involved in an accident on Kārļa Ulmaņa Street no longer be assigned to the company's logistics routes, according to its spokesperson.
Apollo.lv · 29 Sept, 18:47