Latvian Furniture Loses Foreign Markets: What Happened
At the same time, imports of furniture from China increased by 58.1%, according to data from the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture.
From January to August, Latvia exported wooden furniture worth a total of €130.593 million. A year earlier, this figure was €138.688 million.
Denmark remains the main buyer of Latvian wooden furniture. Over the eight months, products worth €35.907 million were supplied there — 3.4% less than in the same period of 2025.
Despite the decrease in supplies, Denmark's share in the total volume of Latvian furniture exports actually increased — from 26.8% to 27.5%.
Who Buys Latvian Furniture?
Sweden ranks second among export markets, with wooden furniture sold worth €12.439 million over the eight months. This is 2.3% more than a year earlier. Sweden's share in total exports grew from 8.8% to 9.5%.
A nearly identical volume of products was sent to Germany — €12.409 million. However, there is a noticeable decline here: exports decreased by 12.8%, and Germany's share fell from 10.3% to 9.5%.
Imports Are Also Declining, but China Increases Supplies
At the same time, imports of wooden furniture in Latvia also decreased. From January to August 2026, products worth €53.23 million were imported into the country — 8.3% less than in the same period last year, when imports amounted to €58.041 million.
Poland remains the largest supplier of wooden furniture to the Latvian market. Over the eight months, products worth €19.746 million were imported from this country, which is 12.3% more than a year earlier.
As a result, Poland's share in the total volume of wooden furniture imports increased from 30.3% to 37.1%. Thus, more than a third of all wooden furniture imported into Latvia comes from Poland.
Lithuania ranks second. Supplies from the neighboring country amounted to €8.105 million, down by 8.2%. At the same time, Lithuania's share in the import structure remained unchanged — 15.2%.
China demonstrated the most noticeable growth. Over the eight months, Latvia imported Chinese wooden furniture worth €7.029 million, which is 58.1% more than in the same period of 2025.
China's share in the total volume of imports increased from 7.7% to 13.2%. Thus, Chinese manufacturers have significantly strengthened their positions in the Latvian furniture market.
Autumn has prepared a pleasant surprise: what the weather will be like in Latvia on Monday
On Monday, October 19, most of Latvia will be sunny, reports the LETA agency citing meteorologists' forecasts.
In most regions, the sky will remain clear. Only in the southern part of the country is cloudy weather expected in many places, but no rain is forecasted.
A weak to moderate east and northeast wind will blow. The maximum air temperature will range from +7 to +12 degrees.
What weather is expected in Riga
In the capital, Monday will be dry and sunny. The east and northeast wind will remain weak to moderate.
During the day, the air will warm up to about +10 degrees.
Why dry weather has settled in
The weather conditions in Latvia are determined by a powerful anticyclone, which provides predominantly clear skies and the absence of precipitation.
The atmospheric pressure at sea level has reached 1034–1039 hectopascals, which is significantly higher than normal values.
Thus, the beginning of the work week will pass without rain, and in many areas of the country, one can expect sunny autumn weather.
The Day of Apostle Thomas. What Orthodox Christians in Latvia can and cannot do on October 19, 2026?
He entered history as Thomas the Doubter, because he showed us that we must believe in the Lord without having proof. He was considered the patron of abundance by the people and was thanked for the opportunity to stock up.
What is remembered in the Church on October 19, 2026
Thomas was a contemporary of Jesus and lived in the Galilean city of Paneas; he was a simple fisherman. His name means twin, but there is no information in history about whether Thomas had a brother. Therefore, another version of the origin of the name is that the future apostle was born with his index and middle fingers fused together (which he later used to touch the wounds of the resurrected Jesus).
He lived very quietly, but one day he witnessed Christ's preaching, after which he left his home and trade to follow Him. From that time on, he followed Jesus along with 11 other chosen disciples.
This apostle entered history as Thomas the Doubter; he is one of the most unusual disciples of Jesus. He received this nickname due to an amazing incident that happened to him.
As the Gospel of John states, Thomas was absent when the resurrected Jesus appeared to the disciples. Upon returning and hearing about the miracle from them, he refused to believe their words — his deep sorrow and love for Christ did not allow him to take their word for it about what had long been foretold. After this, the apostles all gathered in Thomas's house, and then the Lord appeared to them again, offering Thomas to touch His wounds with his hand. And then Thomas believed in the miracle.
As John Chrysostom described, after this event, Thomas became stronger than all in faith; he preached almost all over the earth. Therefore, it seems he was also not present at the Dormition of the Mother of God. Upon returning after her burial, he asked to open her tomb to say goodbye. Thus, it became clear that there was no body in the burial cave — it had been taken to heaven in its bodily form.
He founded churches in Palestine, Mesopotamia, Parthia, Ethiopia, and India. It was in the latter state that he met a martyr's end. He was imprisoned for converting the son of the ruler of the city of Meliapor to his faith. Fragments of his relics are kept in India, Italy, Hungary, and Mount Athos.
The Meaning of the Holiday
After Thomas touched His wounds and believed in the resurrection of Jesus, He said to him: "You have believed because you have seen Me; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Thus, we too should believe.
Folk Weather Signs
No wind — it will soon get colder. Smoke and fog are spreading — bad weather is approaching. Birds have arrived from the north — early cold is coming. The ground is dusted with snow; winter will settle on Matrona of Moscow by November 22.
What can be done on October 19, 2026
It is time to take stock for winter. It is very important to show thrift on this day. A great day to start attending any courses to learn something new.
What cannot be done on October 19, 2026
One should not sleep in and lie in bed for long. Laziness is not allowed. It is forbidden to chatter aimlessly. One should not overeat.
Housing Prices Rise Even Without Renovations: What Is Happening with Prices for Standard Apartments?
This is evidenced by the data from the latest real estate market review by Arco Real Estate.
In September, the price increase for standard apartments was recorded in Jelgava and Salaspils. In Ogre and Kauguri, the cost of housing remained unchanged over the month; however, compared to the beginning of the year, apartments there have also noticeably increased in price.
In Jelgava, the average price of apartments in September increased by 0.9%, reaching 807 euros per square meter. Since the beginning of the year, housing in standard buildings has become 5% more expensive.
In Salaspils, the monthly growth was significantly more modest — only 0.1%. The average cost per square meter reached 913 euros. At the same time, since the beginning of 2026, prices have risen by 8%.
In Ogre, September saw no changes: the average cost per square meter remained at 977 euros. However, this is where the most significant growth among the considered settlements has been recorded since the beginning of the year — an increase of 11%.
In Kauguri (Jūrmala), prices also remained at the August level — 887 euros per square meter. Compared to the beginning of the year, apartments have become 7% more expensive.
Nepal Refused Aid from Latvia: 6000 Blankets and 50 Helmets Were Not Needed
This is evidenced by information prepared by the Ministry of the Interior of Latvia.
On August 29, 2026, after catastrophic floods and landslides caused by glacier collapse, Nepal activated the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), requesting international humanitarian assistance.
The State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia (VUGD), acting as the national contact point for this mechanism, received the corresponding request through the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC).
In response, VUGD, together with the Emergency Medical Service (NMPD), assessed the available state material reserves and determined what assistance Latvia could provide to the affected country.
As a result, it was proposed to send 6000 blankets and 50 protective helmets to Nepal for rescue operations. Half of the blankets were allocated by the fire and rescue service, and the other half by the Emergency Medical Service.
After a political decision was made, Latvia officially submitted the offer through the European humanitarian aid coordination system. The authorities in Nepal initially confirmed their readiness to accept the cargo.
VUGD prepared the humanitarian shipment from state reserves, and the government of Latvia approved its transfer.
However, the situation unexpectedly changed.
As events unfolded and search and rescue operations were conducted, the authorities in Nepal reassessed the needs of the affected areas and concluded that the assistance offered by Latvia was no longer required.
In mid-September, the Latvian fire and rescue service received official notification of the refusal of the humanitarian cargo.
The Ministry of the Interior has now prepared a draft government decision to revoke the previously adopted order to provide assistance to Nepal.
It is worth noting that the devastating floods that struck Nepal and Tibet at the end of August resulted in numerous human casualties. According to previously published data, about 1450 people died, and more than 4500 are reported missing.
Among the missing in China and Nepal, according to reported data, are also 33 citizens and other subjects of Latvia.
After multimillion losses, LDz Cargo puts dozens of wagons up for auction
All wagons are divided into eight lots. The highest starting price — €246,500 — is set for a batch of five covered wagons. The cheapest lot, which includes three wagons, is offered at a starting price of €51,600.
The auction will be conducted on a price increase basis. The minimum bidding increment for all lots will be €100.
The auction will start on Tuesday, October 20, and end on Wednesday, October 21, on the electronic platform auctioncargo.ldz.lv.
The sale of the wagons comes against the backdrop of worsening financial performance for LDz Cargo.
By the end of 2025, the company's turnover amounted to €77.111 million, which is 23.2% less than the previous year. At the same time, the company finished the year with a loss of €5.348 million, whereas in 2024 it operated at a profit.
In October of last year, as part of a reorganization, two other subsidiaries of Latvijas dzelzceļš — LDz ritošā sastāva serviss and LDz loģistika — were merged into LDz Cargo.
The LDz group also includes the company LatRailNet, which is responsible for determining fees for the use of railway infrastructure and allocating its capacity, as well as the security company LDz apsardze.
In Salaspils, a train hit a person: the victim is in serious condition, unconscious
A train traveling on the route Lielvarde — Riga hit a pedestrian who, for unknown reasons, decided to cross a closed railway crossing despite the warning signals.
According to Sigita Paula, a representative of the company Pasažieru vilciens, the incident occurred at a railway crossing in Salaspils. At the time the train approached, the crossing was closed, and the warning signals were operational.
Despite this, the person attempted to cross the railway tracks and was struck by the train.
Emergency services and the State Police were called to the scene.
According to the police, the report of the incident was received on Sunday at approximately 16:59.
The person, with multiple injuries to various parts of the body and in an unconscious state, was transported to the hospital.
The State Police is investigating all the circumstances of the incident.
What is Kulbergs Planning? After the Elections, the Prime Minister is in No Rush to Reveal His Cards
As reported by the government’s communications advisor Elina Shverna, there is currently no schedule for negotiations with parliamentary factions.
At the end of the week, the Prime Minister's working calendar for the following week was published. However, it did not include any meetings with representatives of the parties that entered the 15th Saeima, where the formation of a new government could be discussed.
In response to a direct question from journalists about when such consultations would begin, the Prime Minister's representative stated that the meeting schedule has not yet been established.
It should be noted that the elections for the 15th Saeima took place on October 3, and on October 15, the Central Election Commission officially approved the results.
Thus, more than two weeks after the voting, the timeline for the start of official negotiations on the formation of the future government remains unknown.
In Latvia, assistance is offered to children with behavioral issues: applications are accepted until October 25
The Latvian Child Protection Center (BAC) has announced the acceptance of applications for a special support program. Teenagers over the age of 14 can seek help independently, without parental involvement.
According to the LETA agency, applications are accepted until October 25, 2026. The program is intended for children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 inclusive, who already have behavioral problems or addictions, or are at risk of developing them.
The main feature of the program is an individual approach to each child. Specialists will assess their needs, determine what assistance is necessary, and develop an appropriate support plan.
Depending on the situation, the child and their family may be offered individual consultations with specialists, group activities, and if necessary, more intensive assistance with the provision of a safe environment.
Particular attention is paid to the timely identification of problems to prevent their escalation and to help the child cope with difficulties at an early stage.
The goal of the program is to ensure coordinated work among specialists from various fields, improve the psychological and social well-being of children, help them adapt to society, and support families in difficult situations.
Assistance is provided within the framework of the project "Support measures for children with behavioral problems or addictions and their families," co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus.
The program is implemented by the Child Protection Center in collaboration with the Latvian Child Support Fund, the Resilience Center, as well as the municipalities of Riga, Ventspils, Daugavpils, Bauska, Ropaži, and Valmiera.
Tea with a Dangerous Surprise: What Was Discovered in Products from Armenia at the Latvian Border
Residues of a banned pesticide were found in green tea from Armenia, and the mustard seeds from Kazakhstan exceeded the permissible levels of erucic acid. Both batches are prohibited from sale.
According to reports, the violations were detected during border control and confirmed by laboratory tests.
In a batch of green tea of Armenian origin weighing 57.6 kilograms, with the number 8810, specialists found residues of tolfenpyrad—a pesticide whose use is banned in the European Union.
Additionally, laboratory analyses showed that the maximum allowable levels of two other pesticides—lambda-cyhalothrin and thiamethoxam—were exceeded.
Violations were also identified in a large batch of mustard seeds that arrived from Kazakhstan. In a shipment weighing 22 tons with batch number 248K-2013, the erucic acid content was found to be above the established standards.
Erucic acid is classified as a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. It naturally occurs in oilseed crops, including rapeseed and mustard, as well as in the oils produced from them. However, excessive levels in food products can pose health risks.
The PVD emphasized that the distribution of both batches is prohibited. The products are planned to be destroyed or sent outside the European Union to a third country.
Information about the identified violations has already been transmitted to the European Union's rapid alert system for unsafe food and feed.
Where in Latvia No One Lives: Statistics Named the Most Desolate Corners of the Country
The Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) has determined where in Latvia the population density is the lowest and highest.
According to CSB data, at the beginning of 2026, the least populated areas of Latvia were the Saka, Līdumnieki, Zvārdze, and Ance parishes. In all four, the population density was just one person per square kilometer.
Of course, this does not mean that residents are evenly distributed across the territory. In some places, there may be small villages and individual homesteads, while significant areas may have no residential buildings at all.
For comparison: on average, Latvia has 30 people living per square kilometer. Thus, the population density in the least populated parishes of the country is 30 times lower than the average figure.
And where in Latvia do people live the closest together?
At the opposite end of the ranking are Riga, Ogre, and Rēzekne — settlements with the highest population density.
The capital remains the leader. At the beginning of 2026, there were 2,322 people living per square kilometer in Riga. However, compared to the beginning of 2025, this figure decreased by 32 people.
In Ogre, the population density was 1,569 people per square kilometer — 17 fewer than the previous year.
Rēzekne ranks third, with 1,525 people living per square kilometer. A year ago, this figure was 1,546 people.
Thus, even in the most densely populated cities of Latvia, the population density is gradually decreasing.
The contrast is striking: while more than 2,300 people live per square kilometer in Riga, in the least populated parishes, there is an average of just one. In other words, the population density of the capital exceeds that of the most desolate corners of the country by more than two thousand times.
