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Latvian Radio probes suspicious supplement seller
Latvian Radio probes suspicious supplement seller
Attracting attention with absurd advertisements, a company markets suspicious supplements, Latvian Radio reported September 19 after an investigation. Shoppers are lured in by promising a cure for vision dystrophy, foot fungus, back pain, and other problems. Industry experts see various potential violations in the company's operations.
Minister: internal affairs departments are under-staffed
Minister: internal affairs departments are under-staffed
The most important issue in Latvia's internal affairs system currently is a lack of personnel, which can be observed in all the services, the new Minister of Internal Affairs, Rihards Kozlovskis (New Unity party), told LTV's "Morning Panorama" news show September 18.
Municipalities want financial help setting up local police forces
Municipalities want financial help setting up local police forces
As of January 1, 2024, all municipalities in Latvia are obliged to establish and finance a local, municipal police. State money is not intended for this purpose and local governments have to finance their autonomous functions, such as ensuring public order and security, themselves. 
Latvian nurse gets Ukrainian state award
Latvian nurse gets Ukrainian state award
September marks one year since Latvian nurse Sarmīte Cīrule has been helping the wounded on the Ukrainian front day and night. She has received several awards recently, including the Order of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, after she herself was wounded in an attack, Latvian Television reported September 7.
State audit finds shortcomings in public administration disciplinary cases
State audit finds shortcomings in public administration disciplinary cases
More than 10 years ago, shortcomings were identified in the regulation of disciplinary responsibility for public administration, but they have still not been addressed. It is the competence of the State Chancery. In general, the authorities shall evaluate disciplinary violations, but not in all cases, the State Audit Office said September 6 after a review.
Majority of Russians fail Latvian language test on first try
Majority of Russians fail Latvian language test on first try
During the period from April 11 to August 29, the Latvian language test was passed by 39% of Russian citizens taking it for the first time, while 61% of Russian citizens did not pass the test on the first try, the State Educational Content Center (VISC) reported on September 5.
Fate of many Russian citizens in Latvia still unclear
Fate of many Russian citizens in Latvia still unclear
According to the law currently in force, a number of citizens of the Russian Federation who have not shown an initiative to pass the Latvian language check lose their permanent residence permit in September. Meanwhile, additional proposals are coming in and there is no complete clarity on what's awaiting these people yet, Latvian Television reported on September 4.
Over 80 Russians denied residency by State Security Service
Over 80 Russians denied residency by State Security Service
About 80 Russian citizens who have applied for residence permits in Latvia in connection with the amendments to the Immigration Law have received a negative opinion from the State Security Service (VDD), reports the Latvian Television broadcast "Forbidden Method" (Aizliegtais paņēmiens) on September 4.
Around 4,500 Russians could be asked to leave Latvia
Around 4,500 Russians could be asked to leave Latvia
More than 25 thousand Russian citizens living in Latvia have their permanent residence permits expire on September 1. About 19 thousand people have applied for the status renewal or are planning to do so. A little over 800 people have applied for a temporary permit. The others have done nothing to get a residence permit, Latvian Radio reported.
Campaign asks public to enjoy sunflowers and donate
Campaign asks public to enjoy sunflowers and donate
Enjoy the beauty of sunflowers and help someone in need. With this goal, sunflower fields have been sown close to the roads throughout Latvia. People are invited to take photos with the sunflowers and pay for the scenery in the “People have Power” program on the “Ziedot.lv” platform. The money in there will help someone in sudden trouble, Skrunda Television reported on August 31.
Few NGOs active in civic engagement, says alliance
Few NGOs active in civic engagement, says alliance
More than 30,000 non-governmental organizations are registered in Latvia, but only about 1,000 participate actively in the decision-making of various state and local governments, said Kristīne Zonberga, director of the Civic Alliance, in an interview with Latvian Radio on August 29.
Russians might get more time to pass Latvian language exam
Russians might get more time to pass Latvian language exam
The government will urge the Saeima to amend the Immigration Law, providing that those Russian citizens who have not passed the Latvian language exam until September 1 will have the opportunity to apply for a temporary residence permit for two years during which the exam is to be set, Minister for Interior Māris Kučinskis told Latvian Television on August 23 after the government meeting.
Ukraine's independence day to be celebrated in Rīga
Ukraine's independence day to be celebrated in Rīga
The Independence Day of Ukraine will be celebrated in Riga on August 24 with a wide program of art performances, flash events, a concert and the illumination of the Freedom Monument in Ukrainian colors, Riga City Council representatives have announced.
New refugee center opens doors in Liepna
New refugee center opens doors in Liepna
At the end of August, the new asylum-seeker accommodation center in Liepna, Alūksne municipality, will house its first 50 inhabitants, Latvian Television and Latvian Radio reported on August 17.
Insurers say few Latvians value property adequately
Insurers say few Latvians value property adequately
On August 7, Latvia was hit by a devastating storm that ripped off rooftops and caused other damage to buildings, destroyed fields, and broke windows of cars and houses. Insurers have received 2,500 claims of €14 million so far, but insurers can say that few residents insure their properties and they are often insured for much lower amounts than their fair value, Latvian Radio reported on August 18.
Births and deaths both down in first half of 2023
Births and deaths both down in first half of 2023
Central Statistical Bureau provisional data published August 14 show that in the first six months of 2023, some 14 291 deaths were registered, which is 1 434 deaths or 9.1 % fewer than in the same period a year ago and 49 deaths or 0.3 % fewer than before the pandemic (i.e. the first half of 2019).

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