Category
Latvia

Latvian Public Media Prioritizes Coverage of 15th Saeima Elections
LSM, Latvia's public broadcaster, has made the upcoming 15th Saeima elections its top content priority, with detailed plans to be presented by Anita Brauna.
LSM (rus) · 23 min ago

Amendments to Competition Law: Decision-Makers Also Liable for Bid Rigging
The Saeima has supported in second reading amendments that will allow holding not only companies but also their officials accountable for illegal agreements in public procurement.
LSM · 23 min ago

Organized Opposition to Wind Farms in Latvia: Concerns, Studies, and Regulatory Gaps
As Latvia plans dozens of new wind parks, organized resistance spreads arguments based on controversial studies. Authorities admit the regulatory framework is still evolving, fueling public distrust.
LSM · 25 min ago

Injured Latvian climber Martins Bilzens in stable condition after Alaska tragedy, but treatment may take months
Martins Bilzens, who was severely injured in the Alaska mountain tragedy that killed three Latvian climbers in late May, has overcome the critical phase and is now in stable condition, though his treatment in the US may continue for several months.
LSM (rus) · 2 h ago

Head of the State Revenue Service: Political decisions fuel smuggling
Baiba Šmite-Roke, Director General of the State Revenue Service, stated on Thursday at a smuggling forum that poorly considered bans on e-cigarettes contribute to the growth of illicit trade.
LSM (rus) · 2 h ago

Saeima Eliminates Risk of NGOs Losing Public Benefit Status for Donating to Ukraine
The Saeima adopted urgent amendments to allow non-governmental organizations to donate to Ukraine without losing their public benefit status.
LSM · 2 h ago

Saeima approves 30-meter protective zone along Latvia's external border
On Thursday, June 11, the Saeima adopted urgent amendments to the Protective Zone Law in the final reading, establishing a 30-meter protective zone along Latvia's external land border to enhance security and facilitate infrastructure maintenance.
LSM · 2 h ago

Taxi associations to challenge Competition Council's decision on Bolt; plan new protest
Taxi associations intend to appeal the Competition Council's decision that found no abuse of dominant position by Bolt, and they are planning a new protest action.
LSM (rus) · 2 h ago

New booklet helps parents support children after emotional shock
The Child Protection Center has published 'Emotional Trauma First Aid Kit' – a practical guide for parents and caregivers on how to respond after a child experiences emotional trauma.
LSM · 2 h ago

Supreme Court: Using Rat Emoji in Student Correspondence Violates Ethical Standards
The Supreme Court has ruled that a student's use of a rat emoji to mock others who reported academic integrity violations violates the university's ethics code. The court rejected the student's cassation appeal regarding a disciplinary penalty.
LSM · 2 h ago

Load-bearing structures of Meat Pavilion rusted – it will have to be closed
The Meat Pavilion of Riga Central Market must be urgently closed for safety reasons, as experts have found corrosion in the load-bearing structures. Two solutions are being discussed with traders: continue trading in mobile trailers or move to another pavilion.
LSM (rus) · 2 h ago

Riga residents worried about oaks on Deglava Street – could renovation works have damaged the trees?
Residents near Augusta Deglava Street fear that renovation work may have damaged the root systems of old oak trees. The Riga municipality claims that after adding new fertile black soil, the trees should face no issues.
LSM · 2 h ago

Associations Get More Freedom to Donate for Ukraine's Defense
Latvia has adopted changes allowing associations and foundations to donate more freely to support Ukraine, retroactively covering aid provided since 2022.
TVNET · 3 h ago

30-meter protective strip to be installed along Latvia's external land border – Saeima
The Saeima urgently adopted amendments to the Law on Protective Strips, establishing a 30-meter wide protective strip along Latvia's external land border to enhance border security and infrastructure maintenance.
LSM (rus) · 3 h ago

Saeima passes new Immigration Law with stricter controls
On June 11, 2026, Latvia's Saeima adopted a new Immigration Law in its final reading, introducing stricter migration controls, broader supervision of third-country nationals, and new integration requirements to strengthen security and reduce risks of illegal immigration.
LSM · 3 h ago

This Year 355 Latvian High School Graduates Will Receive Centenary Scholarship
For the ninth time, the Latvian Centenary Scholarship will be awarded this year to 355 graduates, each receiving €750, funded by the Centenary Lottery.
TVNET · 3 h ago

469 Soldiers Complete National Defense Service; Many Choose Military Career
On June 11, 469 young soldiers completed their national defense service at the Ādaži military base, with nearly 120 opting to continue as professional soldiers.
LSM · 3 h ago

Patient Waits Long for Help; Gridlock of 12 Ambulance Crews at Stradiņš Hospital
A patient with suspected stroke experienced a prolonged wait due to an ambulance congestion at Stradiņš Hospital, raising questions about patient diversion and the capacity of other hospitals in Latvia.
TVNET · 3 h ago

Latvian PM: Ukrainian Drone Experts to Arrive in Latvia Next Week
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced that Ukrainian military experts will arrive in the Baltic states next week to help address repeated drone incursions. He also emphasized the need for rapid anti-drone measures and linked economic strength to national defense.
LRT English · 3 h ago

Win a Flight in a Cessna 172 – Exclusive Prize for TVNET+ Subscribers
TVNET+ subscribers have the chance to win a flight in a Cessna 172, tied to the upcoming Baltic International Airshow 2026. Entries close June 18.
TVNET · 3 h ago

Poles in middle of sidewalk spark complaints in Valka
After grid reconstruction in Valka, electricity and lamp poles ended up in the middle of a sidewalk. The municipality refuses to accept the work and demands redo.
LSM · 3 h ago

Gobzems Returns to Politics with New Party 'Gobzema Saraksts'
Aldis Gobzems, who has been living in Spain and making a living by soliciting donations on Instagram, has announced the formation of a new political party called 'Gobzema Saraksts'.
TVNET · 3 h ago

Hundreds of Teachers in Vidzeme to Retire in Coming Years; Recruitment Remains Challenging
Over the next few years, hundreds of teachers in the Vidzeme region are expected to retire, leading to a severe shortage, especially in STEM subjects and foreign languages. Local municipalities call for greater state and local efforts to optimize the school network.
LSM · 3 h ago

Concerns over oaks on A. Deglava Street in construction zone – Riga City Council reassures
Residents of Riga have expressed worries about oak trees on A. Deglava Street where earthworks are underway. Riga City Council representative Ieva Grisle stated on LTV's program "4.studija" that a new layer of fertile soil has been added under the trees, ensuring their well-being.
LSM (rus) · 3 h ago

Courland launches inventory of tree alleys; residents invited to become 'alley detectives'
A major project has started in Courland to inventory tree alleys, an important but understudied element of Latvia's cultural and historical landscape. Residents are encouraged to help as 'alley detectives' and participate in educational events.
LSM · 3 h ago

CSDD Inspector Refuses to Administer Bus Driving Test Due to Heat
A man in Saulkrasti was unable to take his bus driving test because the CSDD inspector refused to conduct it, citing excessive heat inside the vehicle. The CSDD has no specific regulations on maximum cabin temperature, leaving inspectors to rely on their own judgment.
TVNET · 3 h ago

Wind rips off large part of roof from Bebrene Catholic Church
Strong wind tore off about two-thirds of the roof of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bebrene parish, Augšdaugava municipality.
LSM · 4 h ago
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«Will Grandma Die?» How to Talk to Children in Latgale Where Funeral Announcements Are More Frequent Than Alarm Clocks
A family from Riga shares how their summer plans were disrupted by children's fears of death, amplified by frequent funeral announcements in Latgale. Their second-grade son is particularly anxious, crying at night and worrying about grandparents.
TVNET · 4 h ago

Saeima Adopts New Immigration Law – Stricter Control and New Requirements
Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, has passed a new Immigration Law in its final reading, introducing stricter migration control, expanded oversight of third-country nationals, and new integration requirements.
LSM (rus) · 4 h ago

Latvian Parliament Rejects Ban on Battery Cages for Laying Hens
The Saeima rejected in the first reading amendments to the Animal Protection Law that would have banned battery cages for laying hens with a transition period until 2032.
LSM · 4 h ago