Tourism & Travel (Latvia): Riga’s Old Town gets a new stay option as Carillon Aparthotel opens in a restored 19th-century building on Pils Street, offering 61 self-contained apartments with kitchens and workspaces for weekend breaks or longer visits. Tourism & Travel (EU funding): Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia ask the EU for tourism support, saying visitor numbers are down in regions affected by security fears near Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Air Travel (airBaltic): Lithuania’s president says his country shouldn’t invest in airBaltic until the airline is profitable, while also stressing the importance of reliable connections for Lithuania’s EU Council presidency. Border & Travel Safety (Latvia-Belarus): Latvia’s border guards report another migrant tunnel near the Belarus frontier, with 28 people detained after an underground crossing attempt. Weather Watch (Latvia): Heavy downpours, possible thunderstorms and damaging winds are forecast for Saturday, with flooding risks and road damage expected in central and western areas. Cyber & Public Services: Latvia’s CSDD data leak and cyberattack raise fresh questions about crisis readiness “on paper,” with calls for faster fixes and stronger protection of sensitive systems. Accommodation Demand (Latvia): Latvia’s tourist accommodation sector shows a slight rise in Q2 nights, with non-resident arrivals down but resident stays up. Travel Tech (payments): GCash launches instant digital tax refunds in 16 countries, including Latvia, letting outbound travelers receive refunds in minutes after airport validation. Adventure & Culture: World Cleanup Day plans a new Happiness Tree Park on the Daugava River, adding another outdoor stop for visitors and locals.