Latvia Weekly

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  July 10th, 2026: Vanšu Bridge Closure Concerns, Air Baltic Debt Doubts, and Justice for Jelgava's Flower Thieves 17.07.2026 38分

  As Latvia gets ready for another weekend of summery weather, Joe talks through major stories such as the completion of a not-fully-usable new Central Station rail terminal, more financial fears for Air Baltic, the potential closure of one of Rīga's busiest bridges to personal traffic during renovations, and much more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Image credit: Juris Seņņikovs via Wikimedia Commons, used with a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Van%C5%A1u_tilts_-_panoramio_%282%29.jpg
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  July 10th, 2026: Road Ruffians, Election Season Kickoff, NATO Promises, and Avoiding Burnout(s) 10.07.2026 57分

  Joe is back with a full-length episode to discuss the opening of the election season with party lists submited, new polling data out, and a full month of the new coalition having gone by. Also, Gary Dickenson of Baltic Homesteaders once again calls in to update us on how his homestead has fared the massive rain that's hit Latvia over the past week. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8
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  June 23rd, 2026: Midsummer Greetings 23.06.2026 14分

  Līgo Līgo! As Joe was looking for oak branches this morning, he recorded a midsummer-themed mini episode, with Gary from Baltic Homesteaders also calling in with greetings!
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  June 16th 2026: Student Perspective on the News and Voicemail from Vidzeme 16.06.2026 29分

  For this mini-episode, Joe is joined by two of his students, Divs and Marja, to give their perspectives on some of the biggest stories such as the drone incursions into Latvia and the upcoming election in October, while Gary gives an update on his Baltic Homestead. Image credit: Pixabay Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8
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  May 28th, 2026: New Government, New Threats, and Hockey Hopes 28.05.2026 42分

  Joe recaps the collapse of the Siliņa government and the lightning-fast coalition formation process that has left Andris Kulbergs on the cusp of becoming the next prime minister, as well as other stories such as the arrest of high-level officials over alleged corruption in the forestry industry, continued drone incursions into Latvia, success (so far) at the international ice hockey championship, and much more! Photo credit: Reinis Inkēns, Saeima Used with a creatice commons license: https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/52916581420/ Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8
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  May 8th, 2026: Drone Drama, Parking Problems, and Wind Turbine Looting 08.05.2026 59分

  As the investigation over a series of drones that crossed into Latvian territory, some of which crashed into an oil storage facility, the political fallout has already begin to fall. Joe is also joined by Søren von Holmberg to discuss local controversy over traffic changes in the Grīziņkalns neighborhood of Rīga, as well as by Gary Dickensonnof Baltic Homesteaders to hear how things are going near Valmiera.
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  April 27th, 2026: Gone With the Wind 27.04.2026 36分

  Joe discusses the results of a wind storm over the weekend as well as follow-ups to stories from the previous week, while Gary checks in from Vidzeme on the latest developments at his homestead. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8
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  April 21, 2026: Planes, Trains, Automobiles, and Politics in an Election Year 21.04.2026 44分

  After an unintentional break due to being "aizņemts," Joe is back to discuss major happenings especially in the world of transportation and politics, with Gary calling in with a "Voicemail from Vidzeme" to let people know how things are going at his homestead near Valmiera. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8
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  LW Interviews: Checking in with Baltic Homesteader Gary Dickenson 07.03.2026 31分

  Following his appearance on the LTV1 show "Zemes stāsti" ("Stories of the Land"), Joe checks back in with Gary Dickenson of the popular "Baltic Homesteaders" social media pages as he gets ready for spring near Valmiera and reflects on how his content has evolved over the past few years. You can check out Baltic Homesteaders on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/baltichomesteaders/ You can listen to our first interview in 2020 here: https://soundcloud.com/latviaweekly/lw-interviews-baltic-homesteader-gary-dickenson
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  February 28, 2026: A Dream of Spring, a Lack of Stability (on Ice and in Parliament), and A Somber Anniversary 28.02.2026 1時間 2分

  Gary Dickenson of the Baltic Homesteaders social media pages joins Joe to discuss the long-awaited but potentially treacherous arrival of spring along with other stories, such as a real-life "Nāves ēnā" situation avoided thanks to 21st century telecommunications, Latvia's commemoration of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine, the ironic collapse of the "For Stability" faction in Saeima, Estonian frustration with Latvia over Rail Baltic, the introduction of more average speed cameras, a suspected supermarket cartel, and much more!
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  February 15th, 2026: White Alert, Winter Olympics, and Atvara goes Supernova 16.02.2026 51分

  Alan Anstead from the Englishman in Latvia podcast joins Joe for a look back over the previous weeks' major stories, such as the continued extreme winter weather, Latvia's Olympic ups and downs, more Rail Baltic controversy, and an official response from the Latvian Language Agency about the term "Coolcation!" Please listen to Alan's podcast here: https://englishman-in-latvia.com/ Photo credit: profernity, used with a Creative Commons License http://flickr.com/photos/flickr/55080045296/ Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission International Outlook music: Background News by MiroMaxMusic via Pixabay pixabay.com/music/upbeat-background-news-438895/ Akenfelds by the Sea music: Jamaica reggae (Sunny Dreamers) by u_98673jp944 via Pixabay pixabay.com/music/reggae-jamaic…ny-dreamers-327065/ Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8
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  February 1, 2026: Severe Frost Alerts, Disinfomation Consequences, and Rail Baltic Realities 02.02.2026 1時間 21分

  This week, Joe is joined by the one and only Anete Germane from the Irregular Latvian YouTube channel to discuss the ongoing cold snap in Latvia which has led to phones buzzing with emergency alerts for three nights in a row along with other topics such as the increasing public admissions by officials that Rali Baltic will be nowhere near on time, more trouble for Ogre mayor Egils Helmanis, Wikipedia edit wars, the Supernova song competition, and more! Photo Credit: Joe Horgan Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission International Outlook music: Background News by MiroMaxMusic via Pixabay pixabay.com/music/upbeat-background-news-438895/ Akenfelds by the Sea music: Jamaica reggae (Sunny Dreamers) by u_98673jp944 via Pixabay pixabay.com/music/reggae-jamaic…ny-dreamers-327065/ Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8
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  January 23rd, 2024: A Little Peace, a Lot of Transportation Headaches, and Winter's Continuous Chill 23.01.2026 42分

  Joe breaks down major stories of the week including Speaker of Saeima Dace Mieriņa's surprise support for Donald Trump's Nobel Peace Prize campaign, a reality check for Rail Baltic, expensive renovations for Vanšu tilts, winters continued bite, and much more! Photo: Ieva Ābele, Saeima Izmantošanas noteikumi: saeima.lv/lv/autortiesibas Source https://www.flickr.com/photos/42130586@N02/53376328817/ Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission International Outlook music: Background News by MiroMaxMusic via Pixabay pixabay.com/music/upbeat-background-news-438895/ Akenfelds by the Sea music: Jamaica reggae (Sunny Dreamers) by u_98673jp944 via Pixabay pixabay.com/music/reggae-jamaic…ny-dreamers-327065/ Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8
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  January 9th, 2026: Translating "Coolcation," New US Ambassador, More Blizzards, and a New Ammunition Factory Underway 10.01.2026 42分

  Kris Akenfelds comes to Rīga to join Joe for a discussion on Kurzeme's attempt at becoming a (not so) hot tourist destination, the continued wintry weather, the prosecution of individuals allegedly (illegally) assisting Moscow's nefarious ambitions, a new munitions factory, and an attempt to reduce bureaucracy. Cian again covers major international stories.
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  January 5, 2026: A Wintry New Year, DIY Danger, What's in a Name (Change), and Akenfelds by the Sea 06.01.2026 59分

  It's already been a hectic new year in Latvia, with a massive wind storm ushering in the true beginning of winter and other major stories such as a fatal gas explosion in Torņakalns, the reestablishment of a single train between Rīga and Tallinn, and a number of high profile passings. Cian joins the team as international correspondant, and Kris calls in from Liepāja to tell about his experience during the storm and how life is settling into the city where wind was born. Image credit: Jānis Vilniņš, used with a Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike License v. 3.0 https://lv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Att%C4%93ls:Um%C4%81ras_upe_2013._gada_mart%C4%81.JPG Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission International Outlook music: Background News by MiroMaxMusic via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-background-news-438895/ Akenfelds by the Sea music: Jamaica reggae (Sunny Dreamers) by u_98673jp944 via Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/reggae-jamaica-reggae-sunny-dreamers-327065/ Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8
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  2025 in Review: Stories and People of the Year 28.12.2025 1時間 14分

  Happy New Year! Joe is back with a roundup of the top stories of 2025 in Latvia, as well as the Latvia Weekly people of the year! "Auld Lang Syne" performed by the Concert Band of the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band. Track 21 from disc 2 of Ceremonial Music (2005). Fragment of "I've Been Working on the Railroad" by Mitch Miller
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  June 12th, 2025: Interview with Composer Scott Brickman and Local Election Results 13.06.2025 1時間 11分

  Joe breaks down the biggest takeaways from the muniicpal elections that happened Saturday as well as the aftermath before interviewing composer and professor of music and education Scott Brickman about his experiences reconnecting with his Latvian roots in a big way over the past few years. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Middle song courtesy of Ausma Apsīte Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Cheesy harp sound effect courtesty of the freesound community via pixabay.com
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  May 6th, 2025: Interview with Artist Katrīna Tračuma, Old Town Banditry, Traffic Towards Tallinn, and Jelgava's Market Nightmare Nearly Over 07.05.2025 56分

  Latvia Weekly is back in a new format, with Joe covering some main happenings of the week and then interviewing Jelgava artist Katrīna Tračuma about the opening of her solo exhibition in Jelgava "Zemnieki. Zeme. Nieki. Zemieši. Zemgale." or "Farmers. Earth. Nothings. Zemgale. Earthlings." Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Middle song courtesy of Ausma Apsīte Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8
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  LW #233: Budget Pain, Drug Busts, and News from October 5th - 16th, 2024 18.10.2024 1時間 7分

  As Latvia's coalition forces compromise on a budget, law enforcement crack down on one of the largest drug producing operations in Latvian history. Otto and Joe discuss these and other stories such as a smartphone ban, the announcement of candidates for the upcoming Riga city council election, and important trip to Moldova, and more!
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  LW #232: One Year for Siliņa, Drone Disconnect, and News from September 4th-19th, 2024 21.09.2024 49分

  As the Siliņa government celebrates its one year anniversary, Otto joins Joe from Budapest to discuss major issues such as fallout after an explosive-packed Russian drone landed in Rēzekne, bad news for Latvia's health sector, major updates to the Rail Baltic implementation plan, post-flood repairs, and more! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8 Image: Gatis Rozenfelds, Valsts kanceleja https://www.flickr.com/photos/valstskanceleja/54001945739/ Used with Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic