With the recent retirement of Jēkabs Straume, the head of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), discussions are intensifying regarding the challenges of appointing a new director through the formal selection process, amid investigations into an alleged network associated with Juris Jurašs that potentially involves other institutions like ENAP, VID, and the Prosecutor's Office.

Pietiek: KNAB, ENAP, VID, and Prosecutor's Office: How Far Does Juraš's Network Extend?

This article investigates the alleged network of Juraš, potentially involving institutions like KNAB, ENAP, VID, and the Prosecutor's Office, following the recent departure of the head of KNAB. It explores reasons for the departure and the health of the institution.

Pietiek: The New Head of KNAB Cannot Be Appointed Through Formal Selection Process

This article discusses the challenges and potential reasons why the new head of KNAB cannot be appointed through the standard formal selection process, suggesting issues with professional qualifications and integrity.

Following a high-profile incident in Priekule involving a drunk officer, Minister for the Interior Jānis Dombrava plans to implement mandatory daily morning alcohol checks for police officers who carry weapons and operate service vehicles. This development comes amid ongoing scrutiny of police leadership, including Armands Ruks, and questions about the effectiveness of recent police reforms.

Pietiek: Lato Lapsa: Let's See Who Controls Whom - the Interior Minister or the Police…

An opinion piece by Lato Lapsa questioning the relationship and power dynamics between the Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava and potentially problematic police officers, following a service inquiry.

Pietiek: Police Reform Fails to Deliver Promised Results. Why?

An analysis of the reactive police officer reform introduced in the second half of 2022, examining why it has not yielded the expected outcomes.

Pietiek: Two Corpses, Two Ministers, and Ruks

This piece examines the death of Normunds Vamžs and uses it as a catalyst to evaluate the performance of Armands Ruks, the head of the State Police.

Pietiek: Tragic Event: When the System Stumbles Towards Death

This story details a tragic event involving Vice-Procurator Andis Silnieks and the investigation of Valsts policijas (State Police) issues, potentially linked to the 'Apgērbu dizains' production.

TVNET: Dombrova Plans to Require Police Officers to Undergo Breathalyzer Tests in the…

After a high-profile incident in Priekule that resulted in a person's death, the Ministry of the Interior plans to tighten internal control within the State Police. For employees who carry weapons and operate service vehicles, daily morning alcohol checks are to be made mandatory. This was announced in an interview with Latvian Radio by the Minister of the Interior, Janis Dombrova.

Delfi: A Mother's Story: 'Perhaps this was the best solution for us both to survive.'

A personal story from Agnese about raising her firstborn child who has severe cerebral palsy, detailing the challenges and the mother's perspective on finding the best solutions for survival.

Delfi: Who is the Latvian Beer King? One company produces 61% of all available beer.

This business story identifies the leading player in the Latvian beer market, highlighting that a single company holds a dominant 61% market share.

Pietiek: Who Will Pay Thirty Thousand Lats for Our Pensions?

An article questioning the funding and sustainability of pensions, specifically referencing a sum of thirty thousand lats.

The collapse of the Dursupe Dam in the Talsi region has prompted warnings from an expert at the World Nature Fund, highlighting concerns that many of Latvia's over 1500 artificial river barriers are poorly monitored and pose a significant danger.

IR: The Collapse of Dursupe Dam Signals the Danger of Latvia's Dams

An expert from the World Nature Fund warns that the dam collapse in the Talsi region is not an isolated incident, as many of Latvia's over 1500 artificial river barriers are poorly monitored.

A significant portion of ninth-graders are not passing their primary school exams, raising concerns about the educational system and what steps should be taken to address this issue.

IR: Every 20th 9th Grader Fails Primary School Exams. What to Do?

A significant portion of ninth-graders are not passing their primary school exams, raising concerns about what steps should be taken.

Latvian beach volleyball duo Plaviņš/Fokerots have made history by securing their first-ever 'Elite 16' championship title. Separately, the leading player of Latvia's U-16 national basketball team is attracting significant attention, receiving multiple offers from prominent American universities.

Delfi: Plaviņš/Fokerots win the first 'Elite 16' championship title in Latvian history.

This sports story celebrates a significant achievement in Latvian beach volleyball, with the pair Plaviņš/Fokerots securing their first-ever 'Elite 16' championship title.

Delfi: Latvia's U-16 team leader continues to receive offers from top US universities.

This sports news reports that the leading player of the Latvian U-16 national basketball team is attracting attention from prominent American universities, receiving multiple offers.

In a remarkable medical achievement in Latvia, neurosurgeon Julija Dolgopolova successfully performed brain surgery on a patient who remained awake during the entire procedure.

TVNET: Brain surgery performed on awake patient; neurosurgeon Julija Dolgopolova

This story highlights a remarkable medical achievement in Latvia, where neurosurgeon Julija Dolgopolova performed brain surgery on a patient who remained awake during the procedure.

After enduring 30 years of decay and passing through numerous owners, the unique Kaucminde Castle is finally seeing hope for restoration as new owners commit to its preservation.

IR: Kaucminde Castle Restored Without Rose-Tinted Glasses

After 30 years of decay and numerous owners, the unique Kaucminde Castle is finally seeing hope as new owners commit to its restoration.

Actor Matiss Ozols (26) has returned to Latvia after leaving the New Riga Theatre to travel the world, now sharing his story about a quarter-life crisis. Separately, sculptor Gļebs Panteļejevs discusses monumental personalities, endangered freedom, and history in his new exhibition and interview.

IR: From the New Riga Theatre to the Ends of the Earth - Matiss Ozols and His…

Actor Matiss Ozols (26) has left the New Riga Theatre and traveled the world, now returning to Latvia to share his story about a quarter-life crisis.

IR: Sculptor Gļebs Panteļejevs: Prosperity is Not Freedom

In his new exhibition and interview, sculptor Gļebs Panteļejevs discusses monumental personalities, endangered freedom, and history that doesn't end.

An article accuses Latvia's public media (LSM) of misleading its audience with 'pseudo-experts' discussing the Russian army, questioning the narrative presented to the public.

Pietiek: What LSM 'Experts' Don't Tell You About the Russian Army

This article accuses Latvia's public media (LSM) of misleading its audience with 'pseudo-experts' discussing the Russian army, questioning the narrative presented.

An article scrutinizes the procurement process for Riga's public lighting energy efficiency project, highlighting potential conflicts of interest within the Riga City Council leadership.

Pietiek: Riga's Lighting ESKO Project Procurement: Riga City Council Leadership…

An article scrutinizing the procurement process for Riga's public lighting energy efficiency project, highlighting potential conflicts of interest within the Riga City Council leadership.