LW #101: Lāčplēša diena lockdown and News from November 1st - 8th, 2020
As we all continue fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Latvia remembers the brave people who fought in the War of Independence 100 years ago by celebrating "Lāčplēša diena" on the 11th of November. Otto and Joe discuss the importance of this day in history and cover the latest updates to the COVID-19 situation and other news stories throughout Latvia. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission
8 Nov 20201h 34min
LW #100: A Centennial Special and News from October 27th - 31st, 2020
Olevs (Baltic Security Foundation), Kārlis (Rīga TV24), and Kristaps (Eastern Border Podcast) join Otto and Joe to discuss the news of the week and to celebrate Latvia Weekly's 100th episode! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission
2 Nov 20201h 14min
LW #99: Clocks Fall Back and News from October 21 - 26, 2020
As Latvia switches its clocks and hour back for the fall, the amount of new COVID-19 cases in Latvia continues to skyrocket. Joe explains all of the newest restrictions and reflects on life in Latvia during the pandemic, while also covering stories such as new environmentally friendly busses for Valmiera, the introduction of young pike to Juglas ezers, and a moose on the loose in the middle of Riga! Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission
26 Okt 202042min
LW #98: The COVID "Second Wave" Arrives in Latvia, and News from October 9th - 20th, 2020
Kārlis Streips joins Joe to discuss the worrying rise in COVID cases and new restrictions such as masks in public places and a return to distance learning for grades 7-12. They also discuss other stories from the week such as the new budget for 2021, a new president of the constitutional court, a Latvian-created robot that can do your weeding for you, and an international chess scandal in the tiny town of Valka. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission
20 Okt 202049min
LW #97: New Council, New Restrictions, and News from October 4th - 8th, 2020
Otto and Olevs discuss important domestic and international news stories of the week, such as the re-introduction of COVID-related restrictions in Latvia and the first days of work of the new mayor of Rīga. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission
9 Okt 202031min
LW #96: State Visit, the State of Education, and News from September 21 - October 3, 2020
Join Otto and Olevs as they discuss French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Latvia along with a number of other important stories from the week, including a worrying rise in the amount of new COVID-19 cases and the implications. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission
4 Okt 202028min
LW #95: Saskaņa Shakeup and News from September 15th - 20th, 2020
The fallout of the Rīga City Council election continues to settle, with former prime minister candidate Vjačeslavs Dombrovskis and fellow Saeima deputy Ļubova Švecova being kicked out of the struggling Saskaņa party in a crackdown on critical voices. Otto and Olevs discuss the implications of this move along with other important news items, such as yet another tragic murder of a lawyer, the future of a major Rīga skyscraper, and more developments with the situation in Belarus. Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission
21 Sep 202035min
LW #94: Train Traps, Constitutional Fun, and News from September 2nd - 14th, 2020
Otto and Olevs discuss the latest drama in the Rīga City Council as well as some interesting stories regarding passenger rail, constitutional issues, and much more!
15 Sep 202036min
