Latvia Weekly

Kārlis Otto and Joe discuss the news of the week including the planned reopening of the Baltic States' borders with one another, a runaway drone, good news for Latvian hockey fans, and the meaning of the 4th of May.

Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission

Joe checks in with Eastern Border podcast host Kristaps Andrejsons after a rough month involving catching coronavirus and getting his podcast temporarily shut down by trolls. They also discuss the meaning of the 1st of May in Latvia and abroad.

Join Otto, Oļevs, and Joe in celebrating Kārlis Streips being awarded the Triju Zvaigžņu ordenis (Order of the Three Stars)! The four also discuss important news items of the week including the long road to cancelling a controversial energy surcharge, more frustration for Rīga's cyclists, and the latest updates to the COVID-19 situation in Latvia.

Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission

Otto and Joe are once again joined by Kārlis Streips to discuss new regulations for electric scooters, the final resolution to the Kristīne Misāne saga, more trouble for Latvian football, and the latest coronavirus-related news.

"Brāzma" (gust) is the word of the week, with strong winds blowing throughout most of Latvia as Otto and Joe discuss all of the latest news. Topics include high hopes for Jelgava in keeping its "city" status, the kickoff of grass fire season, more headaches from the disgraced PNB Bank, and, of course, the latest COVID-19 updates.

Joe and Otto are joined by two very special international guests to celebrate not only "Lieldienas," but also the 75th episode of the podcast! Listen and watch as they discuss the latest virus related and non-virus related stories from the previous week in Latvia.

Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission

Weather theme: Smooth Jazz (am) by Backing Track Ninja

Source: https://backingtrackninja.bandcamp.com/track/smooth-jazz-am

Otto and Joe are joined by the legendary Latvian media personality Kārlis Streips, and discuss the latest COVID-19 measures and implications, as well as the cancellation of some Rīgas satiksme discounts, the confirmation of a new economics minister, a hefty fine for Aldis Gobzems, a real shooting star, and much more!

Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission

Weather theme:

Smooth Jazz (am) by Backing Track Ninja

Source: https://backingtrackninja.bandcamp.com/track/smooth-jazz-am

Robeža (border) is the Latvian word of the week, with the year finally having crossed the border into Spring and borders being placed on regular services and personal contact due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Otto and Joe discuss the latest virus-related updates, including the infection of KPV LV Saeima deputy Artuss Kaimiņš and new limits being placed on shops, as well as other stories such as the series finale to the University of Latvia rector election soap opera, a WhatsApp fake news scandal, good news for Latvian food producers, and a sobering look at one of the most tragic events in Latvian history.

Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission

Weather theme:

Smooth Jazz (am) by Backing Track Ninja

Source: https://backingtrackninja.bandcamp.com/track/smooth-jazz-am

The world might seem as if it has stopped, but the news certainly hasn't! Attālināt ("to distance") is the word of the week as Kris Akenfelds joins Otto and Joe from Cambodia to discuss the pros and cons of government responses to COVID-19 and a few other non virus-related stories.

Although the COVID-19 coronavirus disease is dominating the news cycle throughout the world, Otto and Joe break down a bit of positive news as well such as a potential breakthrough in Rail Baltica bickering, half a million Euro seized under the Magnitsky Act, funding for renovating landmarks and more!