Thursday, April 25

Name day: Līksma, Bārbala

Public broadcasting of Latvia
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Zane Mače

Latvian Television

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Author's articles
Survey: Latvians give politicians poor grades for security decisions
Survey: Latvians give politicians poor grades for security decisions
On average, people rate the achievements of politicians in strengthening Latvia's external and internal security since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine at 4.46 on a ten-point scale, according to a poll by "What's Happening in Latvia?/KNL" and SKDS poll conducted in February.
Survey: One in three Latvian residents think Ukraine should compromise
Survey: One in three Latvian residents think Ukraine should compromise
Two years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, one in three or 34.3% of Latvian residents surveyed by the pollster SKDS and Latvian Television's "What is happening in Latvia/KNL" program, think that it would be better if war stopped even  if Ukraine has to agree to compromises on its behalf. 
Latvian chickens eat Russian feed, LTV reports
Latvian chickens eat Russian feed, LTV reports
Latvia is currently discussing a ban on animal feed imports from Russia and Belarus. According to the Food and Veterinary Service, twelve establishments are indicated as the destination of these goods in Latvia at the time of crossing the border, of which the egg producer Balticovo is the most well-known to the general public, Latvian Television's "Kas notiek Latvijā/KNL" broadcast reported on February 21.
What is known so far about former PM Kariņš' expensive flights?
What is known so far about former PM Kariņš' expensive flights?
Since it has been unveiled that former Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity) had a liking to private jets and special flights, more so than most European politicians, the Latvian Television broadcast "What is happening in Latvia?" (Kas notiek Latvijā/KNL) has been analyzing related data from various sources. KNL compiled its findings so far as of February 19.
Kariņš' flying habits turn out to be expensive at EU level
Kariņš' flying habits turn out to be expensive at EU level
Travel expenses of the Latvian delegation to the European Council summits covered by the European Union (EU) budget between 2019 and 2022 were the largest among the Member States, more than a fifth of all payments in total, reports Latvian Television's broadcast "Kas notiek Latvijā?" (What is happening in Latvia?) on December 28.
Latvian sports officials criticize IOC's "pressure and manipulation" over Russian athletes issue
Latvian sports officials criticize IOC's "pressure and manipulation" over Russian athletes issue
Representatives of Latvian sports organizations and athletes who participated in teleconferences organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) got the impression that IOC President Thomas Bach was aiming to achieve a result already decided upon – namely, to allow athletes from the aggressor states Russia and Belarus to compete at the Olympic Games in Paris next year. 
Why Latvian universities do not hire foreign professors
Why Latvian universities do not hire foreign professors
Latvia has begun a political fight to open the doors of universities to foreign teaching staff, but the universities themselves object to it. Why don't Latvian smartest minds want to compete with foreign professors? The Latvian Radio broadcast “Open Files” studied the issue December 9.
Around 300 Latvian dependents held in jail overseas each year
Around 300 Latvian dependents held in jail overseas each year
The high profile extradition case of Kristīne Misāne has put the spotlight on Latvians detained abroad. On average, 300 Latvian citizens and nationals (so-called "non-citizens" are also entitled to consular protection) are detained abroad for various types of crimes each year, reported Latvian Radio on February 25. 
Illegal border crossing numbers diminshed in Latvia 2019
Illegal border crossing numbers diminshed in Latvia 2019
A couple of years ago, the reports of third-country nationals being caught entering Latvia and the European Union illegally - usually from Russia - appeared almost daily. But in 2019 the number of offenders has dropped significantly, reported Latvian Radio. 
Five years marked since deadly Zolitūde supermarket collapse
Five years marked since deadly Zolitūde supermarket collapse
On November 21, 2013 the greatest loss of life since renewal of independence took place, with the Maxima supermarket collapse in Rīga's Zolitūde neighborhood taking 54 lives and injuring many more. Three rescuers died during the tragedy, and court action has been ongoing for three years. 
Alleged murderer of former prosecutor detained
Alleged murderer of former prosecutor detained
The police have detained the possible murderer of Biruta Loze, a former prosecutor who used to work at the Prosecutor General’s Office department for the investigation of crimes of totalitarian regimes, reported Latvian Radio April 24.
Kin bury wrong body
Kin bury wrong body
In early April a family in the Jūrmala resort town underwent nothing short of a nightmare. They laid to rest who they thought was their recently deceased father. It was instead someone else. The police are investigating the case. 
More officials being fined for data misuse
More officials being fined for data misuse
Latvia's data protection law allows individuals to provide what information the authorities had collected about him, though this opportunity is used rarely. Nevertheless, the number of officials fined for peeking around in databases has grown over the last few years. 
15% of Latvian teenagers use marijuana
15% of Latvian teenagers use marijuana
About 15% of young Latvian people aged 15 and above use marijuana, according to research by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. 
Photos: Large drug bust near Rīga
Photos: Large drug bust near Rīga
The police have recently seized about 45 kilograms of amphetamine at a drug lab in the Ropaži municipality near Riga. Three arrests were made.
Anti-corruption chief says he can improve agency's reputation
Anti-corruption chief says he can improve agency's reputation
Jekabs Straume, the recently-installed head of Latvia's dedicated anti-corruption agency, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) told Latvian Radio December 11 that despite a decade of strife within the bureau, he is hopeful of improving its reputation and operational effectiveness.
Riga mayor proposes extra lessons in minority languages
Riga mayor proposes extra lessons in minority languages

Starting September 1, 2019 the Riga municipality will offer extra lessons for Riga minority language students, held in their native language, said Riga mayor Nils Ušakovs (Harmony) appearing on LTV on November 30.