baltic news network

Outage in Microsoft services affects tens of thousands of users A large number of users worldwide have reported disruptions to the availability of Microsoft's online services.

Latvia's Saeima Speaker wants MPs to use artificial intelligence to work faster and more efficiently in parliament Saeima Speaker Edvards Smiltēns proposes using AI to accelerate parliamentary analysis, alongside more flexible staffing and clearer committee objectives.

Trump removes Vice President from handling the war in Iran The US President has called on his Vice President to focus on combating potential corruption in states and cities led by Democrats.

Weekend plans may need to change – unsettled weather expected across Latvia Latvia faces a wet and windy weekend, with coastal gusts reaching 19 m/s, possible sleet and widespread rain expected next Tuesday.

"You cannot bear what you cannot afford" – Latvia considers freezing Rail Baltica project Latvia may freeze Rail Baltica without sufficient EU funding, as Finance Minister Māris Kučinskis warns the country cannot afford its escalating costs.

Initial checks of transit grain shipments in Latvia find no grain stolen from Ukraine Tests of 28 transit grain samples in Latvia found no indication of Ukrainian origin, as authorities continue checking shipments for potentially stolen grain.

Attacks on military personnel intensify in Russia; colonel killed in car bombing Even thousands of kilometers from the front line, Russian military officials cannot escape the consequences of the war they themselves initiated—as demonstrated by yet another car bombing in St. Petersburg.

The Kremlin hides the death toll; graves cannot be concealed As Russia's aggression in Ukraine continues, the Kremlin is resorting to ever-new methods to conceal the true number of those killed.

Formation of Latvia's new government approaches decisive moment – deadline revealed Latvia's governing coalition could be agreed by Saturday, with ministerial candidates announced by Monday as United List continues negotiations with the National Alliance.

Ship sunk off the coast of Florida; set to become world's largest artificial reef The ship, which once crossed the Atlantic Ocean with celebrities, politicians, and members of royal families on board, will now become the world's largest artificial reef.

"We're fed up with empty promises!" – farmers dump tonnes of vegetables outside Riga City Council in protest over school food procurement Latvian farmers dumped tonnes of vegetables outside Riga City Council, demanding fairer school food procurement and stronger support for local producers.

Russian ambassador to the US has died The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced that Moscow's ambassador to Washington has died at the age of 66.

Threats at Latvia's border persist – Interior Ministry proposes extending enhanced border security measures Latvia's Interior Ministry proposes extending enhanced border security until June 2027 amid persistent migration pressure, border damage and hybrid threats.

Weather conditions in Latvia set to deteriorate sharply – forecasters warn of strong winds and slippery roads Latvia faces worsening weather, with sleet, slippery roads, possible thunderstorms and coastal wind gusts reaching 22 metres per second.

Heightened security during right-wing march in Poland Following the tragic events in Kraków over the weekend, Poland has deployed additional police forces to monitor a nationalist march taking place in Warsaw.

Food prices in Latvia could rise again Latvia's Finance Ministry warns that rising fuel and energy costs could push food prices higher next year despite current declines.

NATO to focus more on defence against Russia; reduce missions elsewhere NATO faces major changes regarding the deployment of troops and weaponry; it plans to place greater focus on deterring Russia.

"Appropriate operational conditions were not met" – Latvian Armed Forces explain why drone was not shot down Latvia's military says civilian safety and unsuitable operational conditions prevented NATO fighter jets from shooting down a drone crossing Latvian airspace.

Oaths taken in Israeli Parliament; Netanyahu's rival to attempt government formation In Israel, members of the new parliament have taken their oaths, but the formation of a government still lies ahead—and the process promises to be complex.

US soldier arrested in Great Britain on suspicion of spying for Russia British police have detained an American soldier accused of passing sensitive information to foreign intelligence services.

Latvia plans to reduce the number of government ministries Latvia plans to reduce ministries, freeze salary increases and cut public spending as Kulbergs prepares a four-year reform programme.

Several members of the Kennedy family have filed a lawsuit against plans for a Trump-backed arch Members of the Kennedy family have taken legal action to halt Trump's plans to build an imposing arch near Arlington Cemetery, arguing that it would damage the historically significant landscape.

Night of alarm in Latvia: Several drones approach the border, one flies over five municipalities Multiple drone threats triggered overnight alerts across Latvia, with one drone escorted by NATO fighter jets through five municipalities before entering Estonia.

Frost and sleet expected in Latvia on Lāčplēsis Day Latvia faces frost, sleet and slippery roads on Lāčplēsis Day, followed by gusty coastal winds and unsettled weather.

"Working for pennies is no art" – hundreds of Latvian cultural workers march in protest Hundreds of Latvian cultural workers protested low wages, warning that persistent underpayment threatens the sector's workforce and cultural accessibility.

Lithuania plans ten new power plants to enhance grid resilience New power plants and "energy islands" will be established in Lithuania, capable of operating independently of the main electricity grid during emergency situations.

Not even under a neutral flag – Russian luge athletes will not be allowed to compete in Sigulda Latvia will bar Russian luge athletes from competing in Sigulda, even under neutral status, despite a forthcoming international federation vote.

The Nvidia CEO's affair: espionage, technology, and ripples felt at home and globally The affair involving the CEO of tech giant Nvidia has become a widely discussed topic within the tech world as well, with many concerned about the potential disclosure of secrets to an alleged Chinese spy.

Woman in Latvia sentenced to three years in prison for glorifying Russian war crimes on TikTok A Latvian court sentenced Tatjana Masenko to three years in prison for glorifying Russian war crimes on TikTok, with her lawyer planning to appeal.

French officials blame Iran for cyberattacks on stores France has uncovered Iran's involvement in cyberattacks against French supermarkets that took place in October, resulting in losses amounting to several million euros.