Category
Diaspora

Swimming Instructor Warns: Alcohol and Water Don't Mix
Latvia has the highest drowning mortality rate among men in the EU, and alcohol is often involved in these tragedies, says swimming instructor Inga Amerika.
LSM Diaspora · 1 h ago

Bank of Latvia Lowers GDP Forecast, Raises Inflation Expectations
The Bank of Latvia now expects slower GDP growth and higher inflation this year and the next two years compared to its December forecasts.
LSM Diaspora · 3 h ago

Brigadier General Biletskyi: Peace in Ukraine Only After Russia Suffers Serious Defeat
Ukrainian Brigadier General Andriy Biletskyi stated that peace in Ukraine will only come after Russia suffers a serious defeat. He made the remark while receiving 14 infantry fighting vehicles from Latvia.
LSM Diaspora · 7 h ago

Czech Republic Abolishes Public Media Subscription Fee and Reduces Funding
The Czech government has approved controversial amendments to laws that eliminate the mandatory subscription fee for public television and radio, while also cutting allocated funding.
LSM Diaspora · 8 h ago

Riga's Major Hospitals Lack Underground Shelters, But Have Safety Plans
None of Riga's largest hospitals currently have underground bomb shelters, but they have developed alternative safety protocols and plan to construct new shelters in the future.
LSM Diaspora · 11 h ago

Lithuania Prepares to Dismantle Active Zones of Ignalina NPP Reactors
Lithuania is preparing to dismantle the active zones of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant's Chernobyl-type reactors, a world-first operation.
LSM Diaspora · 15 Jun, 08:20

Ivory Coast Edges Ecuador in Final Minute, Sweden Crushes Tunisia 5-1 in World Cup
On the fourth day of the World Cup, Ivory Coast scored a last-minute winner against Ecuador (1-0), while Sweden dominated Tunisia with a 5-1 victory.
LSM Diaspora · 15 Jun, 07:20

Last Karosta Festival concludes in Liepāja – organizers say goal achieved
The eighth and final Karosta Festival has taken place in Liepāja, with organizers stating that their original aim to transform the former military town into a recognized tourist destination has been accomplished.
LSM Diaspora · 15 Jun, 05:21

Slow Progress on Fast Credit Supervision Reform; PTAC Retains Oversight
The Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) announced that over one billion euros was issued in distance credits and non-bank loans last year, but discussions on transferring oversight to the Bank of Latvia have stalled as the new government decided to pause.
LSM Diaspora · 15 Jun, 04:21

Parties That Lost Seats in Previous Saeima Election to Run Again with New Leaders, Partners, Names
Several parties and politicians who failed to enter the Saeima four years ago are planning to participate in the upcoming 15th Saeima elections in October with new leaders, coalition partners, and names.
LSM Diaspora · 15 Jun, 03:20

“#DigitālāsBrokastis” Offers a Weekly Technology TOP
Latvijas Radio’s program “#DigitālāsBrokastis” has created a weekly overview of the most notable events and products in the world of technology.
LSM Diaspora · 14 Jun, 08:20

14th Saeima deputies receive 412,107 euros in transport compensations
Deputies of the 14th Saeima have been paid a total of 412,107 euros in transport compensations, according to LTV's investigation.
LSM Diaspora · 14 Jun, 06:21

Senior care crisis in Daugavpils: shortage of places and overworked staff
Demand for senior care is rising in Daugavpils, but the largest social care center has no vacancies, staff are overworked, and the hospital has closed its care unit, as CSP data shows the population is aging.
LSM Diaspora · 14 Jun, 05:20

Group Home for People with Severe Developmental Disabilities May Be Built in Imanta This Year
Construction of a group home for adults with severe developmental disabilities in Riga's Imanta neighborhood may begin this year. Funding comes from donations raised through candle sales.
LSM Diaspora · 14 Jun, 04:20

France Proposes Reforms to EU Diplomatic System; Kaja Kallas Faces Criticism
A sharp debate has begun in the European Union over the future of its diplomatic system, with France proposing reforms and EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas facing criticism.
LSM Diaspora · 14 Jun, 03:20

PBLA Successfully Holds “Latvia in Focus” Forum in Helsinki
In late April, the PBLA business forum “Latvia in Focus” gathered around 60 Latvian diaspora entrepreneurs, professionals, and students in Helsinki to strengthen ties with Latvia and foster networking in the Nordic region.
PBLA · 13 Jun, 13:16

UK expands eGate eligibility for children aged 8 and 9
From 8 July 2026, children aged 8 and 9 who are at least 120cm tall and accompanied by an adult can use UK eGates, benefiting up to 1.5 million children per year and speeding up border crossings for families.
GOV.UK Vīzas (UKVI) · 13 Jun, 13:16
Call to Thank Latvian Language and Literature Teachers
The Latvian Language Agency invites students and parents to submit five reasons why their Latvian language and literature teacher is the best by June 19, 2026. The five most heartfelt entries will receive a set of five books.
Latviešu valodas aģentūra · 13 Jun, 13:15

More children eligible for UK eGates from July 2026, speeding up family travel
From 8 July 2026, children aged 8 and 9 who are at least 120cm tall and accompanied by an adult will be allowed to use UK eGates, potentially benefiting 1.5 million more children over the next year.
GOV.UK Vīzas (UKVI) · 13 Jun, 13:15

PBLA Successfully Hosts “Latvia in Focus” Forum in Helsinki, Attracting Diaspora Entrepreneurs
At the end of April, the World Federation of Free Latvians (PBLA) held the “Latvia in Focus” business forum in Helsinki, bringing together around 60 Latvian diaspora entrepreneurs, professionals, and students to strengthen ties with Latvia.
PBLA · 13 Jun, 13:15
Latvian Language Agency Invites Students to Thank Their Language Teachers
Until June 19, 2026, students and parents can submit a questionnaire with five reasons why their Latvian language and literature teacher is the best. The five winners will receive a set of books.
Latviešu valodas aģentūra · 13 Jun, 13:14

Illegal migrant from the Middle East: 'With one shoe across the border' – hopes for asylum in Latvia
Ahmed (name changed) illegally crossed the Belarus–Latvia border after traveling over 5,000 km and is now hospitalized in Daugavpils with abdominal inflammation. He hopes to be granted asylum in Latvia.
LSM Diaspora · 13 Jun, 13:12

Fairness of Song and Dance Festival Design Competitions Questioned; LNKC Rejects Allegations
The Procurement Monitoring Bureau has received complaints about the design competitions for the upcoming Song and Dance Festival, alleging potential conflicts of interest among jury members. The National Cultural Centre denies the accusations.
LSM Diaspora · 13 Jun, 12:05

UK universities face ban on international students over visa abuse
The UK is tightening rules for universities that recruit international students. If too many students drop out or fail to enrol, universities risk losing their right to sponsor foreign students.
GOV.UK Vīzas (UKVI) · 13 Jun, 12:02

UK Tightens Rules on International Student Sponsorship, Universities Face Bans
The UK government has introduced stricter thresholds for universities sponsoring international students, including lower visa refusal rates and higher enrolment and completion targets. Institutions that fail to meet the new standards could lose their right to recruit international students, with a traffic-light rating system coming in 2027.
GOV.UK Vīzas (UKVI) · 13 Jun, 12:02

Ukrainian musician Marichka reaches top of world music chart with 'Daughters of Donbas'
Marichka, a Ukrainian ethnomusicologist and activist living in Canada who has dedicated her art to Ukraine's freedom struggle since the 2014 Maidan events, reached number one on the European world music chart in April 2026 with her debut album 'Songs of Stolen Children' by the band 'Daughters of Donbas'.
LSM Diaspora · 13 Jun, 11:58

Ukrainian Ethnomusicologist Marička: Art as a Weapon for Freedom
Marička, a Ukrainian ethnomusicologist and activist living in Canada, has used art to support Ukraine since the 2014 Maidan events. Her latest project 'Daughters of Donbas' topped the European world music chart in April with debut album 'Songs of Stolen Children'.
LSM Diaspora · 13 Jun, 11:58