Archived edition · July 24, 2026 Today's news →

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Fires, election hurdles, and police probes dominate headlines

Several fires, some with suspected foreign involvement, have sparked concern across Latvia, drawing the attention of security services. In tandem, the upcoming elections are seeing notable developments, including candidate disqualifications and ongoing debates about the integrity of the justice system and the use of state funds.

Beyond these immediate domestic issues, media outlets are also tracking international developments, including the complexities of sanctions against Russia and political shifts in Ukraine. AirBaltic's expansion into Switzerland also made headlines.

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Fires and suspected foreign involvement

Multiple fires have been reported across Riga, with authorities investigating potential links to Russian interests in at least two incidents. One fire occurred at a pro-Ukraine society, while another affected the warehouse of the organization 'Your Friends'. Security services are actively involved in these investigations.

Criticism of the justice system and police investigations

Journalist Lato Lapsa has voiced strong criticism regarding a State Police investigation, questioning the credibility of a victim's account and the police's findings. This criticism ties into broader concerns about the honesty and effectiveness of the justice system in the country.

RTU Supercomputer aids cancer research

A new supercomputer at Riga Technical University (RTU) is significantly boosting computational power for researchers and businesses, leading to advancements in fields like cancer treatment and artificial intelligence.

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