airBaltic Rescue Talks: Latvia’s Saeima Budget and Finance committee backed a draft plan for state participation in airBaltic’s financial stabilisation, including up to €30m in interim financing bonds and a €50m bond-to-equity conversion, with an urgent first reading expected Aug 20. State Company Governance: Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs hit the “political retirement home” model for state-owned firms, arguing executive pay and rotation are misaligned with responsibility, and pointing to CSDD supervisory leadership resignations amid scrutiny. CSDD Cyber Fallout: Latvia’s Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) is reeling after a major cyberattack that reportedly stole data on 1.2m people and 200,000 companies; Transport Minister Rihards Kozlovskis launched an accelerated investigation, while CSDD leadership and the Tet contract are under fire. Rail Baltica Reality Check: A New Unity candidate warned Rail Baltica won’t be completed by 2030 and pushed for a cheaper, lower-speed version (e.g., 180 km/h). Housing for Professionals: VNĪ and the Ministry of Finance plan a PPP to build 732 affordable rental homes in Riga by 2030, with the first phase covering 1,290 homes across six local authorities. Border Security: Latvia boosted border security amid threats tied to Russia and Belarus, including more drone-related measures. Energy Market Signal: Eurostat data shows solar overtook hydropower in the EU electricity mix for the first time in 2025. Retail & Sanctions: Latvia moved to help Mere food suppliers recover perishable goods after the retailer’s closure linked to EU sanctions. Business Expansion: Flexotrap and Millog expanded a Nordic and Baltic distribution partnership for modular bullet trap systems. Scam Alert: Police reported a “psychics” scam that cost two women more than €150,000.