This week in Latvia
This week, Latvia grappled with several large-scale environmental incidents, including persistent forest fires in the Ances Nature Reserve and major blazes at waste management sites near Riga. Social issues also garnered attention, with a family doctor expressing concern over vaccine distrust and the "very risky" proposal to use pension funds for medical services. On a more positive note, Riga Technical University announced its full transition to green energy.
About Latvia
Latvia, a vibrant Baltic state, is renowned for its UNESCO-listed capital, Riga, a hub of Art Nouveau architecture and a rich historical tapestry. Its strategic location has fostered a dynamic cultural blend, reflected in a free and diverse media landscape that includes both Latvian and Russian-language outlets, with public broadcasters maintaining strong editorial independence.
Visiting Latvia
Media landscape
Latvia boasts a free press with a competitive media market, characterized by a mix of Latvian and Russian-language publications and broadcasters. Online news portals are highly influential, and the public broadcaster maintains editorial independence.
To gain a comprehensive understanding, consult both Latvian and Russian-language news sources, as they may offer different perspectives on national and international events.
Sources we track 1
Accused Former Justice Minister Ziobro Spotted in the US
- Zbigniew Ziobro, a former Polish Minister of Justice, has been spotted in the United States. - Ziobro faces various accusations in Poland. - The sighting was reported by the private broadcaster TVN2…
Ukraine Confirms Russian Actions Caused Drones to Fall in Latvia
- Ukraine's Foreign Minister confirmed that Ukrainian drones fell in Latvia due to Russian actions. - The drones were initially targeted at Russian military sites but were diverted into Latvia. - Latv…
Latvian Anti-Corruption Bureau Investigates Politician Šlesers' Promotional Campaign
- Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has launched an investigation into a promotional campaign by Ainārs Šlesers. - The campaign is officially organized by the association "Lat…
Latvia's Defense Minister Faces Resignation Calls After Drone Incidents
- Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds is facing calls for resignation following drone incidents near the Russian border. - Prime Minister Evika Siliņa has criticized Sprūds's handling of the situat…
Latvia: 98 Administrative Cases on May 9th, Fewer Public Violations Recorded
- Latvian police processed 98 administrative offense cases related to May 9th, primarily for glorifying military aggression and war crimes. - Fewer public violations were recorded this year compared t…
Latvia Detects Salmonella in Polish Chicken, Parasites in Norwegian Mackerel
- Latvia's Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) detected Salmonella Infantis and Salmonella Agona bacteria in Polish chicken products. - Parasitic Anisakis sp. pathogens were found in Norwegian mackerel …
Russia Halts Cooperation on Reburial of Soviet Soldiers' Remains in Latvia
- Russia has reportedly ceased to acknowledge or facilitate the reburial of Soviet soldiers' remains found in Latvia. - This cessation of cooperation began after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukrain…
"Gruža kauss": Children Collect 44.8 Tons of Batteries and 7.5 Tons of Small Electronics
- Over 136,000 children and young people across Latvia participated in the "Gruža kauss" campaign. - They collected 44.8 tons of used batteries and 7.5 tons of small electrical equipment. - The campai…
Glorifying Military Aggression and War Crimes: Latvian Police Launch 35 Cases
- Latvia's State Police have initiated 35 administrative cases, primarily related to the glorification of military aggression and war crimes. - The cases involve the use of symbols associated with the…
Tensions Rise as Russia's Victory Day Looms Amid Ukraine Conflict
- Tensions are rising between Russia and Ukraine as Russia's Victory Day (May 9) approaches. - Russia warned foreign embassies in Kyiv of potential strikes, threatening retaliation if Ukraine disrupts…
Vecmīlgrāvis Residents Endure Shaking Homes and Nausea Due to Freight Trains
- Residents of Vecmīlgrāvis and Mangaļi in Latvia regularly endure industrial nuisances including chronic noise, odors, and vibrations from passing freight trains. - One resident reported that the vib…
Ameriks Claims in Court He Was 'Nowhere Near' Demanding a Bribe for Passenger Transport
- Former Riga deputy mayor Andris Ameriks denies demanding a bribe in connection with passenger transport services. - Ameriks is accused of conspiring with former Riga Mayor Nils Ušakovs to push for f…
Latvia Faces Third Drone Incident: Calls for Action Amidst Defense System Questions
- Latvia's air space was violated by a drone for the third time in 1.5 years, prompting calls for the defense minister's resignation. - Defense officials argue that replacing the minister won't solve …
Chased and Fired Upon – Border Guards Detain Migrant Smuggler
- Latvian border guards apprehended a migrant smuggler in the Augšdaugava region after a pursuit and the use of a firearm. - Three other smugglers were detained in Krāslava and Preiļi regions, and 16 …
Kremlin Revokes Foreign Media Accreditation for Victory Day Parade
- Foreign media accreditation for Moscow's Victory Day parade has been revoked for the first time in history. - Russia cites changes to the parade's format due to the current situation, preventing acc…
Artūrs Miksons: Laziness or Hidden Burnout?
- The article questions whether a lack of motivation in the modern workplace stems from laziness or hidden burnout. - It suggests that high stress levels are common in today's dynamic work environment…
Search for second drone that crashed in Latgale to continue
- Search efforts for a second drone that entered Latvia will continue on Friday. - Residents are urged not to approach any found drone debris and to report sightings to emergency services. - The Inter…
Riga's paid city center entry plan criticized as 'defective'; residents may sue state over pollution
- Riga's City Development Committee chairman Edgars Bergholcs criticized the current plan for a low-emission zone (LEZ) in the city center. - Bergholcs argued that public transport needs improvement b…
NBS to evaluate effectiveness of air defense near eastern border after drone incidents
- Following drone incidents near the Latvian-Russian border, the National Armed Forces (NBS) will assess the effectiveness of current air defense systems. - NBS Commander Kaspars Pudāns stated that th…
"Now let's have this discussion" – Toro sharply responds to Hermanis and challenges him to a public debate
- Arigo Toro has challenged New Riga Theatre artistic director Alvis Hermanis to a public debate. - The challenge comes after Hermanis publicly compared himself to Toro and Artuss Kaimiņš, highlightin…
Foreign Ministry Protests to Russia Over Drone Incident in Latgale
- Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested to Russia over a drone incident in Latgale. - Latvia stated that drones entered its airspace from Russia, refuting Russian claims of Latvian permission…
Test Your Knowledge of the European Union in the Annual European Exam
- The 12th annual European Exam is now accessible online from May 7th to 9th via a dedicated website. - The exam offers participants a chance to test their knowledge of the European Union, its values,…
Yellow warning issued: Frost expected in parts of Latvia overnight
- Latvia is under a yellow warning for frost expected overnight into Friday, May 8. - The Latvian Environment, Geology, and Meteorology Centre forecasts temperatures near 0 degrees Celsius in some are…
Latvia's 15th Saeima elections: Riga gains seats, Latgale and Kurzeme lose
- Latvia's Central Election Commission has confirmed the number of parliamentary seats per electoral district for the upcoming 15th Saeima elections. - Riga will gain two seats, while Latgale and Kurz…
Latvian Security Committee Head Hesitant to Trust Defense Ministry Leadership After Drone Incident
- A Latvian parliamentary committee head expressed difficulty in trusting the political leadership of the Ministry of Defense following a drone incident. - The incident involved drones entering Latvia…
Latvia Urged to Act on Drone Incidents, Researcher Warns of Russian Strategy
- A researcher urges Latvia's defense sector to move from monitoring to action regarding drone incidents near its border. - The researcher suggests Russia is strategically using Ukrainian drones to fl…
'This is truly shocking.' Can CSDD Exams Be Taken in Russian?
- Claims that driving exams in Latvia can be taken in Russian have caused controversy on social media. - Some users see this as a concession to the Russian language, while others view it as a failure …
"This is the place for me" – Tisenkopf-Iltnere on why she founded her company in Latvia
- Lotte Tisenkopf-Iltnere, founder of "MADARA Cosmetics," expresses a deep sense of belonging and contentment in Latvia. - Despite traveling extensively, she finds Latvia to be the place where she fee…
Several Drones from Russia Enter Latvian Airspace, Two Crash
- Several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) entered Latvia's airspace from Russia early Thursday morning. - Two of the UAVs subsequently crashed within Latvia. - The National Armed Forces (NBS) have con…
Latvian Senate Rules Pre-Election Municipal Promotion Can Be Indirect Campaigning
- Latvia's Senate has ruled on a dispute between lawyer Viktorija Baire and the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB). - The case involved the public promotion of municipal achievements be…
Terrorist weapons – massage devices and creams. "DHL" employee tells of her suspicions in Vilnius Regional Court
- A DHL employee testified in Vilnius Regional Court about suspicious packages containing explosives. - The main suspect, Lithuanian citizen Aleksandras Šuranovas, allegedly sent the packages with the…
U.S. Halts Hormuz Escort Operations as Trump Cites 'Great Progress' with Iran
- The U.S. has halted its escort operations for ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to President Trump. - Trump announced the pause of "Project Freedom" after stating "great progress" had been ma…
Latvian Goaltender a Surprise in NHL Draft Projections?
- Latvian defenseman Alberts Šmits is projected to be a high pick in the upcoming NHL draft. - Goaltender Patriks Plūmiņš is also gaining attention after a strong performance at the U-18 championship,…
Edvards Lūkass: NATO Faces Existential Crisis Ahead of July Summit Amid 'Ongoing Disintegration'
- The upcoming NATO summit in July is crucial for the alliance's survival, with concerns about its "ongoing disintegration." - Internal political weaknesses in major European powers and a slow decisio…
Restaurateurs Predict Further Price Hikes Amid Industry Woes
- Several well-known restaurants in Latvia have closed this year, prompting questions about the industry's health. - Restaurant owners cite multiple factors contributing to the sector's difficulties, …
One says – try, others – accept yourself, still others – eat right and love yourself. What is the reality of treating excess weight?
- The article explores the complex reality of treating excess weight, moving beyond simplistic advice to focus on it as a chronic illness. - Psychologists and doctors emphasize that weight issues are …
"Traitor, Agent, and Liar" – How Kremlin Propagandists React to Roslikov
- Russian propagandists are reportedly critical of Andrey Roslikov, a Belarusian "political exile." - Roslikov, who presents himself as a friend of Lukashenko and Putin, is seeking to engage with Krem…
Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Claims Three Lives En Route to Cape Verde
- A cruise ship traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde is experiencing a hantavirus outbreak, with one confirmed and five suspected cases. - Three passengers have died, including a Dutch couple, and a…
'We're Glad if a Woman is Beside Us...': Men Overestimate Their Health, Notes Family Doctor
- Latvian men significantly overestimate their health status compared to women, despite living nearly 10 years less on average. - A family doctor suggests that men lack health education and often rely…
Rapper Ansiss: "The Latvian flag is also my flag"
- Latvian rapper Ansiss (Ansis Kolmanis) declares his patriotism, stating "The Latvian flag is also my flag." - He reflects on a past period where his relationship with patriotism was unclear. - This …
Singer Ieva Akuratere on Latvia, Family, and Patriotism
- Singer Ieva Akuratere discusses Latvia, family, and patriotism in an interview. - She emphasizes the importance of remembering Latvia as a free country. - The conversation touches on life's challeng…
Police Search for Missing Boy in Jūrmala
- Police are searching for Mihails Šulgins, a boy born in 2012, who went missing on May 3rd. - He was last seen leaving his residence on Tauvu Street in Jūrmala around 2:30 PM. - Authorities are reque…
Is it safe to travel to Mexico? The allure of pyramids and the unseen side of Mayan civilization
- Mexico is perceived as unsafe due to media reports on violence and drug cartels, but the author found it safe by following basic precautions. - The country's tourism zones are heavily protected by m…
French Sovereignist Dupont-Aignan Calls for Swift Exit from EU to Restore Borders and French Law
- French sovereignist presidential candidate Nicolas Dupont-Aignan advocates for France's swift withdrawal from the European Union. - He proposes rebuilding a "light, Gaullist" Europe based on coopera…
Latvia Issues Airspace Threat Alert in Eastern Regions
- Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) issued a civil defense alert due to a potential threat to airspace in eastern regions. - Residents were advised to seek shelter and close windows and doors, with…
Family Doctor: 'Vaccination is a mirror of society's education and maturity'
- A Latvian family doctor expressed concern over persistent public distrust in vaccines and the spread of misinformation, which he stated negatively impacts patient care. - The doctor noted that the p…
After Four-and-a-Half Hour Search, Girl Found Safe in Her Daugavpils Home
- An eight-year-old girl, Natalya, who went missing in Daugavpils, was found safe in her own residence after a four-and-a-half-hour search. - The girl had reportedly gone for a walk and could not be f…
Riga Technical University Switches to 100% Green Energy
- Riga Technical University (RTU) has transitioned to using only green energy, sourced from renewables and high-efficiency cogeneration. - This shift is expected to reduce RTU's environmental impact b…
Firefighters Battle Blaze in Ances Nature Reserve for Second Day
- Firefighters have been battling a forest fire in the Ances bogs and forests nature reserve for two days. - The affected area spans 6.51 hectares, with the State Forest Service continuing suppression…
Major Fire at Latvian Waste Site Localized, Firefighting Continues
- A large fire broke out at a construction debris and industrial waste management site in Rumbula, Latvia, involving a pile of waste and machinery. - The fire produced significant smoke, prompting res…
Latvian Doctor Calls Pension Fund Use for Medical Care 'Very Risky'
- A proposal to allow the use of second-pillar pension funds for medical services is considered a "very risky issue" by a Latvian family doctor. - The president of the Latvian Rural Family Doctors Ass…
Fire Engulfs Waste Processing Center Near Riga, Smoke Blankets Neighborhoods
- A large fire erupted at a waste sorting and processing center in Rumbula, near Riga, Latvia. - The blaze covered an area of approximately 3,000 square meters, with flames visible from afar and smoke…
Ukraine Drones Strike Tuapse Oil Refinery Again Amid Ongoing Fires
- Ukraine launched drone attacks on the Tuapse oil refinery in Russia for at least the fourth time in two weeks. - Fires have been ongoing at the refinery for several days following the drone strikes,…
Latvia to complete essential election system delivery by June
- The delivery of all essential election systems in Latvia is scheduled to be completed by the end of June. - This update was provided by the Director of the State Digital Development Agency (VDAA), V…
May Holidays to Be Warm and Sunny in Latvia, With Chance of Thunderstorms
- Latvia is set to experience warm and sunny weather for the May holidays, with temperatures reaching up to 20-25 degrees Celsius. - While the first few days will be dry, there is a possibility of rai…
Children's Hospital Foundation Head Steps Down After Nearly 20 Years of Service
- The head of the Children's Hospital Foundation (BSF) in Latvia, Dace Dambiņa, is stepping down after nearly 20 years. - Dambiņa stated that the foundation has grown into a strong organization with a…
Ukraine Plans Arms Exports Amidst Calls for Continued US Support
- Ukraine plans to export surplus weapons, having produced more than its armed forces require. - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this plan. - British King Charles III urged the US to…
Parents Arrested for Child Neglect Due to Extreme Alcohol Intoxication
- Latvian authorities discovered parents in Rēzekne municipality heavily intoxicated and neglecting their 1.5-year-old child. - The parents, found with blood alcohol levels of 2.51 and 1.97 per mille,…
Less Than 30% of Oil Fields Operational in Venezuela
- Venezuela is currently operating less than 30% of its oil fields. - The country is producing approximately one million barrels of oil per day. - This information was shared at a forum by the Venezue…
German court rules border controls unlawful, violating Schengen Agreement
- Germany's administrative court in Koblenz ruled that restoring border controls violates the Schengen Agreement on free movement. - The ruling challenges a measure that allows temporary border checks…
Wind Turbine Collapses in Latvia's Dienvidkurzeme Municipality
- A wind turbine collapsed in the Bunkas parish, Dienvidkurzeme municipality, Latvia, on Sunday. - The owner of the company SIA "Jaunmiki," Jānis Meisters, confirmed the incident. - No further details…
"Violence Has No Place in Politics" – Rinkēvičs and World Leaders Condemn US Incident
- World leaders, including the presidents of Latvia, Venezuela, Mexico, and the prime ministers of Israel, Canada, Japan, and India, have condemned an incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinne…
