**Electronic signature upgrade postponed until next year**

LSM recently reported that Latvia's electronic signature system, eParaksts, was due to be offline temporarily on October 21 as the system was being given a major upgrade. Well, now it's not happening.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/05.10.2023-electronic-signature-upgrade-postponed-until-next-year.a526638/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Large migrant group stopped in forest near Rīga**

A van carrying migrants who had crossed the Latvian border illegally was detained in the Tīraine forest area of Olaine parish on Wednesday, October 4. A group of 23 men have been detained, according to the State Border Guard, Latvian Radio reported October 5.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/05.10.2023-large-migrant-group-stopped-in-forest-near-riga.a526590/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Rīga Conference to take place in October**

The annual Rīga Conference geopolitical talking shop will take place again later this month, with the main event on October 20-21 preceded by the Future Leaders Forum on October 18-19.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/05.10.2023-riga-conference-to-take-place-in-october.a512922/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvian family creates makeshift maternity ward for snakes**

Snakes are often feared and are often killed because of that. But there is a family in the municipality of Augšdaugava who have achieved the opposite, helping hundreds of little snakes hatch, Latvian Television's 4. studija reported October 5.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/05.10.2023-latvian-family-creates-makeshift-maternity-ward-for-snakes.a526539/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Construction material exchange point opens in Latvia**

As of Wednesday, October 4, the first exchange point of construction debris, construction materials, and tools has been opened in Latvia in Stopiņi Parish. People may hand over, free of charge, the unneeded remaining construction items, as well as take what is necessary, Latvian Television reported.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/05.10.2023-construction-material-exchange-point-opens-in-latvia.a526530/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvian police search for missing mother and daughter**

Svetlana Ižika and her three-year-old daughter have been missing since October 1 from Krāslava municipality Robežnieki parish. Several searches have been conducted without results, so the police have announced them missing throughout Latvia, Latgale regional television reported October 4.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/05.10.2023-latvian-police-search-for-missing-mother-and-daughter.a526527/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **3,255 Russians will receive letters asking them to leave Latvia**

The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) has sent out 3,255 information letters about the expiry of residence permits to those Russian citizens who have not submitted documents requesting the status of a long-term resident of the European Union (EU), PMLP Chief Maira Roze told Latvian Television on October 5.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/05.10.2023-3255-russians-will-receive-letters-asking-them-to-leave-latvia.a526523/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Estonia steps up security on Latvian border**

The Estonian Border Guard and police will conduct additional inspections on the Estonian-Latvian border as well as at ports and transport hubs due to the migration pressure coming from Belarus, Estonia's public broadcaster ERR.ee reports October 4.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/04.10.2023-estonia-steps-up-security-on-latvian-border.a526463/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Rīga needs a hand in sowing urban meadows**

With a cleanup at Jugla Strazdupīte on Saturday, October 7, at 11:00, the Latvian Fund for Nature (LDF) will start this autumn's urban meadow sowing, during which eight new wildlife oases will be set up in Rīga, LDF said Wednesday, noting that all are welcome to join.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/04.10.2023-riga-needs-a-hand-in-sowing-urban-meadows.a526430/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvia's R&D spend confirmed as very low**

Final data for 2021 indicates that the EU spent €331 billion on research & development (R&D), up 6.9% compared with the previous year (almost €310 billion), according to updated Eurostat figures.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/04.10.2023-latvias-rd-spend-confirmed-as-very-low.a526101/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **CyberChess 2023 cybersecurity conference taking place in Rīga**

On October 4 and 5, during European Cybersecurity Month, Rīga will host the tenth international cybersecurity conference CyberChess 2023, run by CERT.lv, Latvia's national cybersecurity agency.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/04.10.2023-cyberchess-2023-cybersecurity-conference-taking-place-in-riga.a526405/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Border guard chief: pressure on Latvia-Belarus border remains high**

The pressure of illegal migrants on Latvia's border is not decreasing and the challenge to the border guard is large enough, the Chief of the Border Guard Guntis Pujāts in an interview with Latvian Television morning broadcast on October 4.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/04.10.2023-border-guard-chief-pressure-on-latvia-belarus-border-remains-high.a526387/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **LTV: Latvian volunteer killed on Ukrainian front**

A volunteer warrior from Latvia has died in Ukraine, several soldiers confirmed to Latvian Television (LTV). His name or nickname is not currently disclosed and there is no official confirmation from the authorities of Latvia or Ukraine.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/04.10.2023-ltv-latvian-volunteer-killed-on-ukrainian-front.a526376/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **LTV goes undercover to expose people smugglers on the Latvia-Belarus border**

Latvian Television's Aizliegtais Paņēmiens ('Forbidden Method', AP) investigative journalism show tackled a very topical subject October 2 with a daring probe into the murky world of people smugglers operating along the Belarus-Latvia border to get third-country citizens into the European Union.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/03.10.2023-ltv-goes-undercover-to-expose-people-smugglers-on-the-latvia-belarus-border.a526291/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **LTV goes undercover to expose people smugglers on the Latvia-Belarus border**

Latvian Television's Aizliegtais Paņēmiens (Forbidden Method', AP) investigative journalism show tackled a very topical subject October 2 with a daring probe into the murky world of people smugglers operating along the Belarus-Latvia border to get third-country citizens into the European Union.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/03.10.2023-ltv-goes-undercover-to-expose-people-smugglers-on-the-latvia-belarus-border.a526291/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Jēkabpils signs EUR 17-million contract for dam reconstruction**

A contract has been signed between Jēkabpils municipality and Jēkabpils PMK Ltd for the reconstruction of the Daugava protective dam in the amount of under EUR 17 million, the municipality said in a release on Tuesday, October 3.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/03.10.2023-jekabpils-signs-eur-17-million-contract-for-dam-reconstruction.a526270/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Pierīga is Latvia's longest-living area**

Rīga's surrounding districts are where you're likely to find the longest-lived people in Latvia, according to data published by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) October 2.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/03.10.2023-pieriga-is-latvias-longest-living-area.a526264/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Pierīga is Latvia's longest-living area**

Rīga's surrounding districts are where you're likely to find the longest-lived people in Latvia, according to data published by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) October 2.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/03.10.2023-pieriga-is-latvias-longest-living-area.a526264/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvia working on 'quantum communications' network**

The Latvian State Radio and Television Centre (LVRTC) is collaborating with communications firm Tet, the Electronic Communications Office of Latvia and the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Latvia to begin work on the formation of a national quantum communications infrastructure system and network, reports Labs of Latvia.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/03.10.2023-latvia-working-on-quantum-communications-network.a526252/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Some fire stations in Latvia still close periodically due to staff shortage**

The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) continues to implement periodic and temporary suspension of work at some fire stations, as the critical shortages of staff have not been resolved, LETA reported October 3.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/03.10.2023-some-fire-stations-in-latvia-still-close-periodically-due-to-staff-shortage.a526254/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **'High Five' 2023 to help at-risk youth in Latvia**

This year's 'High Five!' charity marathon will raise money for at-risk youth in Latvia, it has been announced.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/03.10.2023-high-five-2023-to-help-at-risk-youth-in-latvia.a526248/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **All immigrants should learn Latvian, says integration fund**

One of the foundations of integration is language knowledge, so it is important that the country provides an opportunity to learn the language. According to the Society Integration Foundation (SIF), all people who enter Latvia and live here for a certain time should learn Latvian, SIF's secretariat director Zaiga Pūce said on Latvian Television October 3.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/03.10.2023-all-immigrants-should-learn-latvian-says-integration-fund.a526233/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Citizenship revocation for naturalized 'traitors' considered**

Latvia may need to introduce the right to withdraw citizenship from people who have acquired citizenship through naturalization, but who can be considered traitors due to actions after naturalization, Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity) said in a briefing on Monday while indicating that discussions on a specific solution will continue.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/03.10.2023-citizenship-revocation-for-naturalized-traitors-considered.a526229/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvian Border Guard: offenders are better-prepared**

It has been another tense weekend in the Latvian-Belarusian border area. A total of 471 cases of illegal crossing attempts were recorded over the weekend. Recent sightings by border guards show larger groups of 20-30 people trying to cross the border at the same time, Latvian Television reported October 2.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/03.10.2023-latvian-border-guard-offenders-are-better-prepared.a526228/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **One month since minority schools switched to more Latvian language instruction**

It has been a month since classes in which lessons which were previously conducted both in Latvian and Russian now to learn only in the official language. First hurdles are also encountered, Kurzeme regional television reports October 2.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/02.10.2023-one-month-since-minority-schools-switched-to-more-latvian-language-instruction.a526201/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Major hospital construction at standstill, says Health Minister**

The construction of the new A building of Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital (PSKUS) is at a standstill, said Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri, who has requested full information on the planning of the significant project by the end of the week, the Ministry of Health (VM) said on October 2.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/02.10.2023-major-hospital-construction-at-standstill-says-health-minister.a526146/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Does Latvia use Pegasus spyware? It's a secret**

"It's a state secret", "It seems not, but I don't know exactly", "I can't comment" – these were all answers to Rus.LSM.lv's questions about whether Latvian special services use the controversial "Pegasus" espionage software.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/02.10.2023-does-latvia-use-pegasus-spyware-its-a-secret.a526126/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Work starts to protect rare Latgale nature reserve**

This autumn, "Latvijas Valsts meži" (Latvian State Forests, LVM) will start extensive works at the Grebļukalns nature reserve in Ludza district to improve the condition of the very aspen forest which is the habitat for  various rare plant and butterfly species, reports Latvian Radio.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/02.10.2023-work-starts-to-protect-rare-latgale-nature-reserve.a526115/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Safety first during driven hunting season, urge officials**

Sunday, October 1 saw the start of the 'driven' hunting season in Latvia, when it is permitted to 'drive' game through the forest towards waiting hunters, by means of 'beaters' making loud noises, reports Latvian Radio.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/02.10.2023-safety-first-during-driven-hunting-season-urge-officials.a526106/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **CERT: Cyber attacks on Latvia will continue**

Since last spring, when Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, the level of threat to Latvia's cyber environment has been high, and there is currently no hope that this activity will decrease, Baiba Kaškina, head of information technology security incident prevention institution Cert.lv, told Latvian Television on October 2.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/02.10.2023-cert-cyber-attacks-on-latvia-will-continue.a526094/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Revisions planned in state-compensated medicines: LTV's De Facto**

The Ministry of Health has committed to improving the system of reimbursable medicinal products together with doctors and experts of the World Health Organization, as well as to make the determination of criteria for prescribing medicinal products more transparent, especially if funding is limited, reports the Latvian Television broadcast De Facto on October 1.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/02.10.2023-revisions-planned-in-state-compensated-medicines-ltvs-de-facto.a526078/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Criminal proceedings started against former MEP Mamikins**

On Friday, September 29, the State Security Service (VDD) said it had started criminal proceedings against former politician and MEP Andrejs Mamikina for allegedly glorifying and justifying the crimes committed by the aggressor state Russia in Ukraine.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/29.09.2023-criminal-proceedings-started-against-former-mep-mamikins.a525926/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvian Radio investigation involves dog, homeless man, gas station, animal shelter, billionaire...**

More than 20 animal shelters in Latvia take care of neglected dogs and cats. The largest of them is the "Ulubele" shelter. It receives hundreds of thousands of euros every year not only from Rīga and surrounding municipalities, but also from charitable donors.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/29.09.2023-latvian-radio-investigation-involves-dog-homeless-man-gas-station-animal-shelter-billionaire.a525652/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Electronic signature system to get an October update**

Latvia's electronic signature system, eParaksts ('eSignature') will get a major update in October that will temporarily take it offline and will require users to set up new passwords, it was announced September 29.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/29.09.2023-electronic-signature-system-to-get-an-october-update.a525816/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Saeima approves updated National Security concept for Latvia**

On Thursday, September 28, the Saeima approved Latvia's new National Security concept, a document prepared on the basis of national threat analysis. It defines the basic strategic principles and priorities for the prevention of national-level threats. It also examines threats that directly and indirectly affect Latvia's national security.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/28.09.2023-saeima-approves-updated-national-security-concept-for-latvia.a525735/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Rīga to host a forum for a safe and sustainable Baltic Sea Region**

On October 4 and 5, Latvia will host the 14th Annual Forum of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), “Safe and Sustainable Baltic Sea Region for Future Generations”. Its thematic focus will be placed on green energy, climate issues, and youth engagement.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/28.09.2023-riga-to-host-a-forum-for-a-safe-and-sustainable-baltic-sea-region.a525728/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Aivars Lembergs sentenced to four years in prison**

After 14 years of litigation, the court of the second instance – Rīga Regional Court – announced its verdict in the trial of former Ventspils mayor Aivars Lembergs on September 27.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/27.09.2023-aivars-lembergs-sentenced-to-four-years-in-prison.a525525/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Military drills to take place in central Rīga Thursday**

The defense training “Namejs 2023” will be held around the Ministry of Defense building complex in Rīga on Thursday, September 28, the Ministry said.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/27.09.2023-military-drills-to-take-place-in-central-riga-thursday.a525526/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvian police ask to report provocative signage on cars**

The letters Z and V, as well as other openly supportive symbolism of Russian aggression, have mostly been eradicated from Latvia's public space. Instead, pro-kremlin activists are beginning to put stickers on cars spreading the same message in a slightly more hidden form, Latvian Television reported September 26.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/27.09.2023-latvian-police-ask-to-report-provocative-signage-on-cars.a525491/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvian police ask public to report provocative signs on cars**

The letters Z and V, as well as other openly supportive symbolism of Russian aggression, have mostly been eradicated from Latvia's public space. Instead, pro-kremlin activists are beginning to put stickers on cars spreading the same message in a slightly more hidden form, Latvian Television reported September 26.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/27.09.2023-latvian-police-ask-public-to-report-provocative-signs-on-cars.a525491/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Former politician accused of hate crime goes missing**

Former Rīga City Council deputy Ruslans Pankratovs, who has been accused of acts aimed at causing national hatred and intolerance against Ukrainians, has vanished, LETA reported Tuesday September 26.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/27.09.2023-former-politician-accused-of-hate-crime-goes-missing.a525490/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Rise in Covid deaths last week in Latvia**

Over the past three months, there were seven weeks in Latvia in which no lives were taken by Covid-19, while one or two victims died in other weeks. In turn, four Covid-19 patients died last week, a significant upturn, according to data from the Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC) September 26.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/26.09.2023-rise-in-covid-deaths-last-week-in-latvia.a525398/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvia ready to host German Air Force in 2024**

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius continued a two-day visit to Latvia September 26 with a meeting with President Edgars Rinkēvičs on his agenda.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/26.09.2023-latvia-ready-to-host-german-air-force-in-2024.a525372/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvia's adult education project comes to a close**

The liefelong education program “Learning for adults”, which was running for six years, has closed. In the future, it is likely to be replaced by an even wider curriculum and accessibility, LSM's Ieva Strazdiņa reports Tuesday, September 26.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/26.09.2023-latvias-adult-education-project-comes-to-a-close.a525336/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvia's adult education project comes to a close**

The lifelong education program “Learning for adults”, which was running for six years, has closed. In the future, it is likely to be replaced by an even wider curriculum and accessibility, LSM's Ieva Strazdiņa reports Tuesday, September 26.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/26.09.2023-latvias-adult-education-project-comes-to-a-close.a525336/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Swamp town Seda hopes for a revival**

Currently, one of the main problems in Latvia's northern city of Valmiera is a lack of apartments, but in Seda, which is half an hour's drive away, about 100 municipal apartments are available and are planned to be sold at an auction in order to attract new residents to the town.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/25.09.2023-swamp-town-seda-hopes-for-a-revival.a525242/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **State Security Service reportedly revisits microchips-to-Russia investigation**

The State Security Service (VDD) has started an additional investigation into the possibility that Latvian companies could have been supplying Russian military factories with microchips, reported the LETA newswire September 25.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/25.09.2023-state-security-service-reportedly-revisits-microchips-to-russia-investigation.a525235/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvia-based Russian journalist says her phone was hacked**

British newspaper The Guardian reported September 25 on an alleged hacking incident involving a Latvia-based independent Russian journalist.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/25.09.2023-latvia-based-russian-journalist-says-her-phone-was-hacked.a525208/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Children's hospital calls for help filling 'courage box'**

At the Children's Clinical University Hospital (BKUS), 'courage boxes' are placed in the procedure rooms. They contain various items, like toys, that a child may receive after performing the procedure. The hospital invites everyone in Latvia to help fill the courage boxes, thus making the visit to the hospital more enjoyable for children, Latvian Television reports Monday.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/25.09.2023-childrens-hospital-calls-for-help-filling-courage-box.a525196/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Health Minister reiterates need of comprehensive e-health services**

It is necessary to create a single health system database with a patient register, which will show all information regarding the patient and his or her previous checkups, the newly appointed Health Minister Hosams Abu Meri (New Unity) said in an interview with Latvian Television on September 25.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/25.09.2023-health-minister-reiterates-need-of-comprehensive-e-health-services.a525193/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Ministry: Latvia has an invasive species combat plan**

A plan to combat invasive species in Latvia has been submitted to the European Commission (EC). Consequently Latvia will avoid sanctions which could have been imposed if such a plan were not in place, says Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (VARAM). Meanwhile, this summer the number of population reports on observations of invasive species in the nature of Latvia has increased six times, Latvian Radio reported September 25.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/25.09.2023-ministry-latvia-has-an-invasive-species-combat-plan.a525163/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **More illegal border crossers detained in eastern Latvia**

On Friday, September 15, border guards in Aglona detained another group of 21 third-country nationals who had entered Latvia illegally.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/16.09.2023-more-illegal-border-crossers-detained-in-eastern-latvia.a524233/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Indian businessman and scientist granted Latvian citizenship**

On Thursday, September 14, the Saeima granted Latvian citizenship to Indian businessman and scientist Kannan Vishwanatth.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/14.09.2023-indian-businessman-and-scientist-granted-latvian-citizenship.a523930/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Kuldīga 'Erasmus Mundus' course is an international hit**

This week, 32 students from many different countries have gathered together for the first time in Kuldīga, Latvia to start their studies in the "Erasmus Mundus" Master's program of the Latvian Academy of Arts "Service Design Strategies and Innovations (SDSO)" reports Latvian Radio.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/education/14.09.2023-kuldiga-erasmus-mundus-course-is-an-international-hit.a523915/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Popular 'Mushrooms 2023' exhibition open to the public**

For foragers, forest fans and foodies alike, it's one of the highlights of the year – the annual mushroom exhibition is now on at the Latvian Nature Museum!

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/14.09.2023-popular-mushrooms-2023-exhibition-open-to-the-public.a523912/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Anti-graft squad swoops on Valmiera municipality**

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.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/12.09.2023-anti-graft-squad-swoops-on-valmiera-municipality.a523731/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Agriculture sector lost more than EUR 400m this year, says Ministry**

Estimated economic losses in the agricultural sector this year due to drought, an adverse market situation and natural disasters amount to 412 million euros, concluded the Ministry of Agriculture (ZM) at a government meeting September 12.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/environment/12.09.2023-agriculture-sector-lost-more-than-eur-400m-this-year-says-ministry.a523667/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **More than 100 illegal border crossings attempted in last day**

During the last 24 hours, large numbers of attempts to illegally cross into Latvia from Belarus continued.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/12.09.2023-more-than-100-illegal-border-crossings-attempted-in-last-day.a523599/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Latvia and Estonia sign on the dotted line for German-made missile system**

Monday, September 11 saw Latvia and Estonia moving one step closer to getting their own joint, medium-range air defense missile system with the signing of a so-called 'umbrella agreement' with Germany.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/defense/11.09.2023-latvia-and-estonia-sign-on-the-dotted-line-for-german-made-missile-system.a523502/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **Suspected taxi-driving Russian spy detained by Latvian security service**

Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) said August 18 it had detained an individual on suspicion of spying for Russia.

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/crime/18.08.2023-suspected-taxi-driving-russian-spy-detained-by-latvian-security-service.a520678/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links 

 **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).

https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/14.08.2023-births-and-deaths-both-down-in-first-half-of-2023.a520078/?utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=rss&utm_medium=links