A priest has been arrested for smuggling a mobile phone inside a traditional Russian Easter cake to an inmate at the Riga Central Prison. Generally, the cake includes raisins, nuts, and honey, but not contraband communication equipment. The cake was passed by the prison chaplain along with six Easter eggs and a greeting card. Criminal proceedings have been launched against the chaplain.
An explosion tore through The State Revenue Service's (VID) building in Daugavpils in the early morning of April 16. Eleven windows were blown out, but no one was hurt. Finance Minister Einars Repse said the blast could have been a humanitarian act on the part of the criminals, as the actions were carried out at night when the building was empty. The State Police informed LETA news agency that they suspect hooliganism, but do not yet know what materials were used to set off the explosion. Police also said that it may have been the work of a former employee or someone acting against the agency. The Finance Minister also commented by saying that if the blast was a result of the VID's work, then that means that they are doing their job well and should keep doing so.
The Education and Science Ministry and teacher's unions have agreed that teachers' salaries are to be reduced by 20 percent per shift. Among the available options on the table, this proposal had been seen as the most likely compromise decision that would come about. Inga Stale, director of the finance department of the ministry, said that they took into consideration the terms and conditions of the changes so the process would not affect the reforms to be carried out in the education sector. Among the proposed changes is the plan to turn control of the schools over to local municipalities. The government still needs to approve the proposal and should it pass, salaries will be reduced by 69 lats (98 euros) per shift.
A 46 year old Latvian man was found dead in his apartment in Galway, Scotland. Police are currently investigating the cause of death and have quartered off the scene. The police found the body in his apartment on the afternoon of April 16 where the man had been living for the last five years with a partner. The Galway police are awaiting the results of pathologist Michael Curtis before determining what direction to take the investigation.
Latvian ladies' tennis players have advanced through the ranks, with top ranked player Anastasija Sevastova achieving a career high by moving up 19 places in the WTA singles rankings. Liga Dekmeijere also achieved her highest position in doubles ranking after qualifying for the Charleston WTA "Premier" tournament semifinals.
