Wednesday, May 15

Name day: Sofija, Taiga, Airita, Arita

Public broadcasting of Latvia
In Riga +21 °C, N wind, 2m/s

Vita Anstrate

Latvian Television

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Historic cobblestones illegally sold online
Historic cobblestones illegally sold online

The State Cultural Monument Protection Authority (VKPAI) has started an inquiry into the illegal sales of Swedish cobblestone - a staple of many Latvian cities such as Rīga and actually protected by the law as cultural heritage - taking place on the ss.lv portal (a classifieds website similar to Craigslist). It's not clear how the cobblestone made it into the illegal market, while the City Council of Liepāja, where the seller say the cobblestone comes from, thinks it may have some answers, reported Latvian Radio Friday. 

Poor quality of paving slabs ubiquitous
Poor quality of paving slabs ubiquitous

Municipalities renovate roads and sidewalks with concrete paving slabs, either with their own funds or by procuring EU financing. However, this paving is often damaged within the first year and even the first month of use.

Latvia helps Ukraine with reforms and humanitarian relief
Latvia helps Ukraine with reforms and humanitarian relief

A year and a half after Euromaidan, Eastern Ukraine is still a war-torn region, while reforms in governmance are still wanting. Latvian Radio visited Ukraine and inquired how Latvia helps and can help the country on the path to European integration and better governance.

Experts: Riga's feline problem requires euthanizing kittens
Experts: Riga's feline problem requires euthanizing kittens

Below and by apartment buildings in Riga, myriads of feral cats are leading a somewhat felicitous life, and litters are common during the warm months. There are ongoing efforts to control the cats' population, but, according to veterinarians and animal rights activists, feral kittens should be not only sterilized but also put to sleep, reported a story on Latvian Radio Wednesday.

Website gives voice to immigrants
Website gives voice to immigrants

A website called Voice of Migrants was launched in May, showcasing blogs and introductions from young people and adults who have moved to Latvia from abroad. The website aims to fill a communication void, publicizing the underrepresented position of the immigrants, reported a story on Latvian Radio Tuesday.

Latvia’s castle ruins keep crumbling
Latvia’s castle ruins keep crumbling

Most of Latvia’s 75 medieval castle ruins are in dire need of salvage and buttressing works as they continue to fall apart, in some cases threatening public safety, reported Latvian Radio Monday.

Long lines form for EU aid packages
Long lines form for EU aid packages

It was evident Tuesday that large numbers of Latvian residents are living on the breadline as lines of people formed for handouts at 480 distribution points across the country, reported Latvian Radio's Vita Anstrate.

 

Breakthrough antibiotics project at risk of forfeiture
Breakthrough antibiotics project at risk of forfeiture

The Institute of Organic Synthesis (OSI) warned Tuesday that a milestone development in the field of antibiotics development was at risk of being killed by lack of required state co-financing in this year’s budget.