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Latvia is bracing for another week of cold weather, with temperatures expected to remain below freezing across much of the country. While conditions are expected to improve with clearer skies and less snowfall overall, a significant weather event is anticipated mid-week.

Cold Temperatures and Regional Snowfall

Nighttime temperatures throughout the week are forecast to range between -17 and -10 degrees Celsius. However, areas with clear skies could see temperatures plummet to around -20 C. Daytime temperatures will generally be between -13 C and -6 C, though coastal regions, particularly in the westernmost part of Kurzeme, may see temperatures approaching 0 C on Thursday.

Significant snowfall is expected Thursday night and Thursday in western and central Latvia, potentially adding 2-5 centimetres to the existing snow cover. The weekend is expected to remain cold, but with a reduced chance of snowfall and increased sunshine.

The current cold snap follows a pattern of lower-than-average temperatures for the start of January. While the forecast suggests a slight warming trend in some coastal areas on Thursday, the overall pattern indicates continued cold conditions.

Looking ahead, the weather is likely to remain cold through the weekend. However, the forecast suggests a decrease in precipitation, with many areas potentially experiencing sunshine. It is possible that temperatures could fluctuate slightly, but a significant warming trend is not currently indicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the expected nighttime temperatures this week?

Nighttime temperatures throughout the week will mostly be between -17 and -10 degrees Celsius, but could reach around -20 C in areas where the skies clear.

Where is the most significant snowfall expected?

Significant snowfall is expected on Thursday night and Thursday in western and central Latvia, where the snow cover could increase by 2-5 centimetres.

How does this January compare to the usual climate?

The first 11 days of January have seen an average temperature of -5.5 degrees Celsius in Latvia, which is 3 degrees colder than the climatic norm.

How do you prepare for extended periods of cold weather in your community?

Indonesia has quietly surpassed all other nations to become the country with the most coffee shops in the world. As of November 2025, data from OpenStreetMap shows Indonesia boasts 461,991 cafés and coffee-related spots, according to the Specialty Coffee Association of Indonesia.

Coffee as a Central Hub

This growth isn’t simply about increased coffee consumption. In Indonesia, coffee shops have become vital social spaces, driven by the concept of nongkrong – a practice of gathering and spending time together. These spaces serve as neutral ground for work, conversation, and community.

Coffee shops are ubiquitous, appearing not only in traditional commercial areas but also on residential streets and near university campuses. The variety is also striking, ranging from simple street-side stalls to modern cafés serving beans from regions like Gayo, Toraja, Kintamani, and Flores.

The Role of Technology

The rapid expansion of Indonesia’s coffee scene has been aided by technology. Delivery apps and digital maps have lowered the barriers to entry, allowing many businesses to operate from homes or small kitchens and reach customers online. This has reduced the financial risk associated with opening a traditional storefront.

Indonesia is the world’s fourth-largest coffee producer, and this growth in local cafés is fostering a greater appreciation for domestically grown beans. This, in turn, is inspiring a new generation to participate in all aspects of the coffee industry, from farming to roasting.

What’s Next?

This trend could lead to further innovation in the Indonesian coffee industry, potentially including increased investment in sustainable farming practices and the development of unique coffee blends. It is also likely that the nongkrong culture will continue to evolve, shaping the social fabric of Indonesian life. Analysts expect that the accessibility afforded by technology will continue to drive growth, potentially leading to even more widespread availability of coffee throughout the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is nongkrong?

Nongkrong roughly translates to “hanging out,” but it represents much more than that in Indonesian culture. It’s a practice of gathering, socializing, and spending time in public spaces, with coffee shops serving as a central location for this activity.

What types of coffee shops exist in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s coffee scene is diverse, including tiny street-side stalls, updated warung kopi (traditional coffee shops), and modern specialty cafés. Some focus on affordability and convenience, while others emphasize craft and quality.

How has technology impacted the growth of coffee shops?

Delivery apps and digital maps have made it easier to start and operate a coffee business, even without a traditional storefront. Many cafés now operate from homes or small kitchens, relying on online orders and digital visibility.

As Indonesia redefines global café culture, what role do you see community spaces playing in your own local area?

President Donald Trump has indicated he may exclude Exxon Mobil from potential oil deals in Venezuela. The threat came Sunday evening, following a meeting held at the White House on Friday.

Details of the Dispute

According to statements made by the President while traveling from Mar-a-Lago in Florida to Washington, D.C., the action stems from dissatisfaction with Exxon Mobil’s response during the Friday meeting. “I didn’t like their response. They’re playing too cute,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One.

The President stated, “I’d probably be inclined to keep Exxon out.” This suggests a potential shift in the administration’s approach to involving major oil companies in efforts related to Venezuela’s oil sector.

Potential Implications

Should Exxon Mobil be excluded, it could impact the dynamics of any future oil negotiations with Venezuela. Other companies may be positioned to take a more prominent role. It is also possible that the administration could attempt to renegotiate terms with Exxon Mobil to achieve a more favorable outcome.

The situation could also influence investor confidence in the region and potentially affect global oil markets, though the extent of any impact remains to be seen.

What Could Happen Next

The administration could formally announce Exxon Mobil’s exclusion from consideration for Venezuelan oil deals. Alternatively, further discussions may occur between the White House and Exxon Mobil representatives. It is also possible that the administration could signal a willingness to move forward with other companies while leaving the door open for Exxon Mobil to re-engage under different terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the President’s statement?

The President’s statement followed a meeting at the White House on Friday with Exxon Mobil representatives, where he apparently found their response unsatisfactory.

What specific oil deals are being referenced?

The source does not specify which oil deals are being referenced, only that they relate to Venezuela.

Was any reason given for the President’s dissatisfaction?

The President stated he “didn’t like their response” and that they were “playing too cute,” but no further details were provided.

How might this situation affect the future of U.S. energy policy regarding Venezuela?

A Singaporean doctor has been convicted of negligence leading to the death of a 31-year-old woman following an aesthetic treatment in 2019. Chan Bingyi intravenously administered ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to Lau Li Ting, a property agent, despite there being no medical need for the treatment.

Details of the Case

Court documents reveal that EDTA is intended for specific uses, such as treating heavy metal poisoning or elevated calcium levels, and should only be administered by trained clinicians. The prosecution argued that Chan administered the “dangerous substance” at an inappropriately high concentration and too quickly at the Revival Medical & Aesthetics Centre on March 8, 2019.

Ms. Lau, who had no pre-existing medical conditions, subsequently developed EDTA toxicity, leading to cardiac arrest. She died five days later at Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Senior District Judge Ong Hian Sun convicted Chan on January 9th of committing a negligent act that led to her death.

According to testimony, Ms. Lau had previously undergone a “chelation” treatment with another doctor and requested the same procedure from Chan, despite his assessment that she was not a suitable candidate. Chan ultimately agreed to administer the treatment after a 15-minute consultation.

The prosecution presented evidence that Chan initially admitted to administering the EDTA to Ms. Lau, providing a detailed account to the Ministry of Health (MOH) ten days after the incident. He later recanted this admission, claiming his statement was unreliable due to his “poor mental state” and a misunderstanding of the questions asked.

Defense Arguments

A defense witness, Professor Johan Duflou, testified that 400g of unidentified “yellowish pill residue” was found in Ms. Lau’s stomach during autopsy, suggesting the possibility that other substances contributed to her collapse. However, prosecutors argued there was no evidence Ms. Lau was consuming any such products.

What’s Next?

Chan’s mitigation and sentencing are scheduled for March. He remains registered as a medical practitioner with the Singapore Medical Council. Additionally, Chan faces three other pending charges under the Health Products Act, related to possessing expired injection ampoules of adrenaline and a heartburn relief drug at the Revival Medical & Aesthetics Centre in March 2019. These charges are expected to be addressed at a later date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EDTA and why is it dangerous in this context?

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a chemical used to bind to metallic ions. In this case, the disodium EDTA used binds to calcium, which is essential for vital bodily functions like neurotransmission and muscle function. Depleting calcium levels can lead to heart failure and impaired muscle function.

What was the doctor’s justification for administering EDTA?

According to Chan, Ms. Lau requested a “chelation” treatment she had previously received from another doctor, believing it would remove “various metals, including heavy metal” from her body. Despite advising her against it, he ultimately agreed to the procedure.

What is the current status of the doctor’s medical license?

The Singapore Medical Council’s database indicates that Chan Bingyi is still registered as a medical practitioner, despite his conviction.

As this case underscores the potential risks associated with medical procedures, what role should patients play in questioning treatments and ensuring their safety?