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John Malkovich directs epic play 'Leopoldstadt' in Latvia

“Leopoldstadt” is a gripping play about the changing fortunes of a Jewish family in Austria. In 2023, it won a number of Tony Awards, including for best play. Now, a new production of “Leopoldstadt” is being performed in Riga, Latvia. And the choice of director has helped it draw a lot of attention.

John Malkovich directs epic play 'Leopoldstadt' in Latvia
In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda, left, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attend a welcoming ceremony in Presidential Courtyard, Vilnius, Lithuania, Jan. 10, 2024.

Zelenskiy visits Baltic states to rally support for Ukraine

Zelenskiy visits Baltic states to rally support for Ukraine
The border between Belarus and Latvia is about 100 miles long and is partially separated by a fence monitored by border officers.

A migrant crisis at the Latvia-Belarus border

A migrant crisis at the Latvia-Belarus border
Photo of s street crossing with barriers

Ukrainians at the Russia-Latvia border

Ukrainians at the Russia-Latvia border
Ukrainian families spend 10 days with the Children's Hospital program in Riga, Latvia.

‘I’m feeling free’: Families from Ukraine find respite from war in Latvia

‘I’m feeling free’: Families from Ukraine find respite from war in Latvia
In eastern Latvia, the closer you get to the Russian border, the more monuments to fallen Soviet soldiers you’ll find.

As war rages on in Ukraine, some ethnic Russians in Latvia say they feel marginalized

Ethnic Russians have been living in Latvia for decades. But with public opinion turning sharply against Russia since the war in Ukraine began, some say they are increasingly worried about their place in Latvian society.

As war rages on in Ukraine, some ethnic Russians in Latvia say they feel marginalized
Cars line up to cross from Latvia into Russia

Desperate Ukrainians crossing into Latvia while Russians are blocked

Latvia, like the rest of European Union countries, has closed its border to virtually all Russians — even those fleeing conscription into the army. These days, it’s desperate Ukrainians who are crossing into Latvia from Russia, most notably young men fearing they might be drafted, too.

Desperate Ukrainians crossing into Latvia while Russians are blocked
Traditional firewood and pressed sawdust bricks used to be a cheap way to heat your home in Latvia. But with inflation and soaring demand, wood heat has tripled in cost so far this year — and winter hasn't yet begun.

Latvians brace for harsh winter under new austerity measures to lessen dependency on Russian energy

Latvia's government is capping the heat in health facilities and other buildings to about 65 degrees Fahrenheit in an attempt to keep some heat flowing during the cold winter months while lessening its dependency on Russian energy.

Latvians brace for harsh winter under new austerity measures to lessen dependency on Russian energy
A woman walks past painted letter Z's, which has become a symbol of the Russian military, on bridge piers in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, April 15, 2022. 

No Z allowed: Some European countries move to ban the symbol used to promote Russia’s war in Ukraine

The letter Z has been used to glorify Russia's war in Ukraine. Now, countries like Lithuania and Latvia are moving to ban the letter as one step toward stemming Russia’s pro-war propaganda. 

No Z allowed: Some European countries move to ban the symbol used to promote Russia’s war in Ukraine
Russian state-owned television station RT logo is seen through a window with caution tape in front of a building

Baltic ban on Kremlin-tied RT step toward dismantling ‘machinery of disinformation,’ says media expert

Latvia and Lithuania have banned Kremlin-tied RT television channels over links to Dmitry Kiselev, who is sanctioned by the EU for spreading propaganda about Ukraine. "The problem is that RT is a part of this infrastructure of propaganda," media expert Solvita Denisa-Liepniece told The World's Carol Hills.

Baltic ban on Kremlin-tied RT step toward dismantling ‘machinery of disinformation,’ says media expert
A person on an orange bicycle rides past a billboard of people with masks

Baltic 'bubble' looks to reopen regional travel

The Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are poised to become one of the first blocs to reopen regional travel, thanks to their swift response to the pandemic and measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Baltic 'bubble' looks to reopen regional travel
A close up of hands holding a bourbon bottle and a bottle of hand and surface sanitizer

Iconic distilleries turn to hand sanitizer production around the world

Many places around the world are synonymous with their alcoholic beverage of choice — German beer, Kentucky bourbon, London dry gin. Now, many producers are adding hand sanitizer to their production line.

Iconic distilleries turn to hand sanitizer production around the world
People look at a visualization on a wall

Don't let your vote get stolen — 5 essential reads about disinformation in 2020

Who’s manipulating what you know before you vote?

Don't let your vote get stolen — 5 essential reads about disinformation in 2020
A film still of a man sitting at a dressing room mirror with lights

In 'The Humorist,' Soviet comedy is no joke

Michael Idov's new film, “The Humorist,” captures the oxymoronic nature of state-sanctioned Soviet comedy and the downfall of the system through the eyes of character, Boris Arkadiev.

In 'The Humorist,' Soviet comedy is no joke
A row of multi-colored woolen skirts

For these Latvian Americans, summer is for learning about their roots

A new academic year is kicking off around the world, but for some American teens, the end of summer brings a close to a different school experience — learning their immigration history and family language in heritage summer schools. 

For these Latvian Americans, summer is for learning about their roots