The total volume of slate roofs in Latvian households could be around one million tonnes. However, it is relatively expensive to dispose of asbestos-containing slates, which not everyone can afford, Latvian Television reports.
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Mobile operators are gradually turning off third-generation communications network technologies, or 3G, to free up frequencies for future generations of networks. Some people do not have adequate technologies, including phones that can switch to 4G and 5G technologies, Latvian Television reported on April 23.
Biodegradable waste placed by residents in specially designed containers will form compost and can then be used in gardening. In Vidzeme, one of the waste managers, which serves several hundred kilometers of territory, says that this is the intent, Latvian Television reported on April 3.
In greenhouses, harvest time will start in mid-April and this year's vegetable harvest promises to be good, Latvian Television reported on April 1.
Rapeseed fields in Vidzeme and Latgale have almost completely perished during the winter, causing significant losses for farmers. In other regions, the changing winter conditions have not been without consequences, but the losses are smaller, Latvian Television reported Thursday, March 21.
There is a shortage of housing in the northern Latvian city of Valmiera, so prices are high – sometimes even comparable to property prices in Riga.
In Vidzeme region's schools, as in other parts of Latvia, the fight against the use of e-cigarettes is now almost a daily occurrence, reports LTV.
The electricity prices have forced many people to pay close attention to its consumption. Municipalities have also drawn up different plans to save. In Vidzeme municipalities, most is saved by partially switching off street lighting, Latvian Television reported January 16.
In Vidzeme, the cold is severe at night, reaching as low as -25 C. During this time, people without a permanent residence, or those unable to find accommodation, need a roof over their heads and warm food. In night shelters, the number of customers has doubled, Latvian Television reported January 7.
Over Christmas and the New Year, residents throughout Latvia practically bought out the shops – in all shop networks, Item No. 1 was tangerines, followed by ingredients for the Latvian version of potato salad, Latvian Television reprots.
Around 12,000 new refugees from Ukraine could arrive in Latvia in 2024 – such estimates are provided in the plan of measures prepared by the Ministry of the Interior to provide support to Ukrainian refugees. Vidzeme municipalities express their readiness to welcome about 100 more war refugees in each of the local administrations, Latvian Television reports.
The Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) face rescue missions when people fall through thin ice every year, and every year there are also deaths. Rescuers advise: even when temperatures are well below zero, don't step on the ice anyway, Latvian Television reported December 20.
The early arrival of large quantities of snow has been good news for Latvia's ski slopes and winter sports fans, with many slopes already doing strong business, reports Latvian Television.
The idea of teaching Estonian in Latvian schools is being considered in the Latvian-Estonian border area. Some parents and children in Valka's side would love to have that opportunity. The main problem is the lack of wages and teachers, Latvian Television reported October 19.
On eight sections of Latvia's roads, the average speed is currently being measured. More than 2,500 infringements have been recorded since they were installed – most for the absence of compulsory road user insurance (OCTA) rather than speeding, Latvian Television reported on September 21.
At Vidzeme Regional Hospital, the situation with Covid-19 patients has deteriorated in a few weeks – currently, half the inpatient unit is occupied by patients with this virus. In other regional hospitals, the situation has not escalated so much, but in virtually all medical facilities, medics are already starting to wear masks and expecting surges of the virus, Latvian Television reported September 20.
Latvia's dedicated anti-corruption force, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) was in action in the northern city of Valmiera September 12 in connection with suspected misappropriation of European Union funds by officials of the local municipality.
Latvian residents have been puzzled and angry about their electricity bills for July. Not only those with traditional connections have had to look into their wallets – those with solar panels have also received higher bills, Latvian Television reported on August 14.
Nearly half of planned roadworks for this year have been completed in mid-August, but the repairs continue in many places, Latvian State Roads told Latvian Television on August 13.
Bears have returned to stay in Latvia, experts agree. As the bear population grows, people are more and more likely to encounter one, but no hunting is yet to be allowed, Latvian Television reported August 9.
The water quality of a spring that feeds Vaidava lake in Valmiera district has been found to be poor, and so locals who use the spring to collect water have been advised not to do so, reports Latvian Television.
A large proportion of Vidzeme farmers are likely to end this harvest season with losses. The only hope is a decent rain, but even then the harvest will be smaller than in other years. Livestock farmers, too, have difficulty getting fodder due to drought, and may have to take a painful decision on the reduction of herds, Latgale regional television reported June 29.