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Last refreshed: 28/07/2026 05:39 · 38 articles added
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Society

Gas Leak Sparks Fire at Piešťany Factory, 130 Evacuated

A fire broke out at an industrial facility in Piešťany, a town in western Slovakia, after a gas leak, forcing the evacuation of approximately 130 people. At least one injury was reported in connection with the incident. Preliminary estimates put the damage caused by the fire at 720,000 euros. Piešťany is best known internationally as a spa resort town, but also hosts various industrial businesses. Emergency services responded to the scene to bring the blaze under control.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
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Society

Slovak Hospital in Michalovce Receives New Linear Accelerator in €4 Million Radiotherapy Upgrade

A hospital in Michalovce, a city in eastern Slovakia, has received a new linear accelerator as part of a major radiotherapy modernization project costing more than €4.1 million. The advanced medical device, which is now being installed, is capable of targeting tumors with greater precision while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Each treatment session using the new equipment is expected to last between 10 and 15 minutes. The upgrade represents a significant improvement in cancer care infrastructure for patients in the eastern Slovak region.

AktualityKorzár
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Society

Money Buys Happiness — But Only Up to a Point, Slovak Psychologist Says

Money does contribute to happiness, but it is far from the whole story, according to Slovak psychologist Lenka Uherová. In an interview for the podcast Tridsiatnik, Uherová explains that while income levels are linked to a person's sense of well-being, the relationship is more complex than it might appear. She notes that beyond a certain income threshold, higher earnings can actually begin to harm personal relationships rather than improve quality of life. Uherová also argues that happiness can be "bought," but only if money is spent in the right ways — suggesting that how people choose to use their financial resources matters as much as how much they earn. The interview touches on a broader debate in psychology about the conditions that lead to lasting well-being, challenging the common assumption that financial success alone is the primary driver of life satisfaction.

Dennik N
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Society

Slovak Firefighter Reportedly Removed from Duty Over Missing Boot Size, Fire Service Denies Mishandling

A Slovak firefighter was reportedly removed from active duty after the fire service warehouse lacked boots in his size, with the proposed solution being a roster change that effectively sidelined him. The case raised questions about equipment supply management within the fire service. The Fire and Rescue Corps presidium, the central administrative body overseeing firefighting operations in Slovakia, disputed the characterization of events, stating that all personnel have the equipment they need.

Korzár
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Society

Children from Slovak Care Homes Left Stranded in Rain After Summer Camp Fraud

Children from Slovak state care homes arrived for a two-week summer camp in the Tatra Mountains only to find themselves stranded in a downpour with nowhere to go, victims of what appears to be an organized fraud. On July 2, a bus carrying children from centers for children and families — institutions known in Slovakia as 'detské domovy,' or children's homes, which house minors who cannot live with their biological families — stopped in a forest near a mountain lodge in Studená dolina, beneath the Western Tatras. Instead of the summer activities they had been promised, the children stood outside for several hours in heavy rain, soaked and cold, before eventually boarding the bus and returning home. The camp never started. The incident highlights the vulnerability of children in state care, who often rely on organized programs such as summer camps for recreational and social experiences outside institutional settings. The failure of the camp, apparently caused by a fraudulent arrangement, left the children not only disappointed but physically exposed to the elements for an extended period. It is not yet clear who organized the camp or how the fraud was carried out, but the case has drawn attention to the need for stronger oversight of programs targeting children in state care.

Dennik N
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Society

Slovak Police Save Man's Life in Critical Situation

Police officers in Slovakia rescued a man who found himself in a serious life-threatening situation, stabilizing him until emergency medical services could take over. Paramedics received the man in a stable condition. Further details about the circumstances of the incident were not disclosed.

Korzár
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Society

Man Robbed Outside Casino After Winning €1,200; Charge Reduced to Theft After Knife Not Found

A man who won €1,200 at a gaming hall in eastern Slovakia was robbed by attackers waiting for him outside, but the case took an unexpected legal turn when the weapon allegedly used in the crime could not be recovered. Without the knife as evidence, prosecutors were unable to sustain the more serious charge of armed robbery, and the case was downgraded to theft. The two perpetrators spent approximately one year in pre-trial detention while the case was being investigated and processed through the justice system. The outcome highlights how the absence of physical evidence can significantly affect criminal charges and sentencing in Slovak courts.

Korzár
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Society

Man Threatens Partner with Axe, Remanded in Preventive Custody

A man in Slovakia has been placed in preventive detention after threatening his partner with an axe and warning he would cut off her hands and legs. The suspect, who has not been named, faces up to three years in prison if convicted on the charges against him. Preventive detention — a form of pre-trial custody used in Slovakia when authorities believe a suspect poses an ongoing danger to others — was ordered to protect the victim from further harm. Domestic violence cases involving weapons are treated with heightened seriousness under Slovak law, and courts may impose pre-trial custody where there is a credible risk of repeat offending.

Korzár
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Society

Drunk Senior on Scooter Had Driving Ban, Faces Two Criminal Charges

A elderly man in Slovakia faces two criminal charges after police discovered he was riding an electric scooter while drunk — and under an existing driving ban. The incident came to light after the man fell from the scooter, prompting an investigation. Officers found he was intoxicated at the time and that he was legally prohibited from operating any vehicle. Slovak law treats riding electric scooters under the influence as a criminal offense, and violating a driving ban carries additional criminal liability. Police formally charged him with two separate criminal counts arising from the incident.

Korzár
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Society

Thousands of Young People in Bratislava Region Remain Outside Work and Education

Despite being Slovakia's most economically prosperous region, the Bratislava area still has thousands of young people who are neither employed nor in education or training. According to data from Eurostat, the EU's statistical agency, 7.5% of people under 30 in the Bratislava region fall into this category — a group often referred to in policy circles as NEETs (Not in Employment, Education or Training). To address the problem, the Digital Coalition, an initiative aimed at improving digital skills and employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups, is working to help these young people find a path into the workforce or further education. The Bratislava region, which surrounds and includes Slovakia's capital, serves as the country's economic hub and home to many of its largest employers and institutions, making the persistence of youth unemployment there particularly notable. Youth disengagement from work and education is a concern across the European Union, as young people who remain outside both systems for extended periods face greater long-term risks of social exclusion and poverty. Targeted programs like the Digital Coalition represent efforts to intervene early and connect at-risk youth with skills and opportunities before those risks deepen.

Bratislavský kraj
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Society

Psychologist Warns Social Media Platforms Are Designed to Disrupt Brain Chemistry

Every person who uses social media has an altered dopamine pathway in the brain — and that is by design, according to psychologist Michal Božík. Speaking as a guest on the Slovak talk show Vizita, Božík explained that social media platforms are deliberately engineered to exploit the brain's reward system, triggering dopamine responses that keep users engaged and returning for more. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, and its repeated artificial stimulation through likes, notifications, and scrolling can reshape habitual behavior over time. Božík's comments reflect a growing body of concern among mental health professionals about the long-term psychological effects of prolonged social media use on both adults and young people.

SME
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Society

Polish Hiker Dies After 200-Metre Fall in Slovakia's High Tatras

A Polish tourist has died after falling approximately 200 metres while hiking in the High Tatras, Slovakia's most prominent mountain range. The man fell near Čierny štít, a peak in the range, while climbing an unmarked trail — a route not officially designated or maintained for public use. He sustained injuries incompatible with life. The High Tatras, which straddle the Slovak-Polish border, are a popular destination for hikers and climbers, but unmarked routes carry significantly higher risks, particularly on steep and technically demanding terrain. Slovak mountain rescue teams regularly respond to serious incidents in the area, especially during the summer hiking season.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Society

Woman Vandalized Doctors' Cars; Husband Drove Her But Claims He Knew Nothing

A woman in Slovakia smashed windows and scratched the paintwork on cars belonging to doctors, causing significant damage to multiple vehicles. Her husband drove her to the locations where the vandalism took place but claims he was unaware of her actions. The case has drawn public attention to the targeted nature of the attacks, which focused specifically on medical professionals' vehicles. Authorities are investigating the incident, including the extent of the husband's potential involvement or liability.

Korzár
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Society

Five Unique Viewpoints in Eastern Slovakia Offer Free Family Days Out This Summer

Families looking for outdoor activities during the summer holidays can explore five distinctive scenic viewpoints in eastern Slovakia, all of which are accessible free of charge, 24 hours a day. The lookout points, located across the eastern Slovak region, offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and provide an accessible, no-cost option for parents seeking ways to entertain children during the school break. Eastern Slovakia, a region known for its natural diversity — including the High Tatras mountains, the Slovak Karst limestone plateau, and the Vihorlat volcanic hills — is home to numerous natural and man-made observation points that remain undervisited compared to western parts of the country.

Korzár
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Society

Slovak Woman and Husband Convicted for Vandalizing Doctors' Cars After Surgery Dispute

A Slovak woman who blamed doctors for post-operative health problems, along with her husband, deliberately damaged the vehicles of medical staff and have now been convicted for the offenses. The couple initially refused to accept their first sentences, but ultimately could not avoid punishment in subsequent proceedings. The case highlights tensions that can arise when patients hold medical professionals personally responsible for health complications following surgery, with the dispute escalating from a medical grievance into criminal vandalism targeting the doctors' private property.

Korzár
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Society

Court Blocks Eviction of Long-Serving Caretaker at Famous Tatra Mountain Hut

A Slovak court has issued a ruling preventing the eviction of a long-serving caretaker from a well-known mountain hut in the Tatra region, halting a dispute between the caretaker and a hiking organization over control of the property. The court's injunction temporarily bars the hiking group from removing the caretaker, who welcomed the decision and said he had anticipated the ruling. The Tatras, Slovakia's most prominent mountain range along the border with Poland, are home to dozens of mountain huts traditionally managed by caretakers who often spend years or decades maintaining them for hikers and tourists. Disputes over the management and tenancy of these huts are not uncommon, as they sit at the intersection of tourism interests, property rights, and longstanding personal arrangements. The caretaker's future at the hut remains subject to further legal proceedings.

Aktuality
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Society

Slovak Mayor Admits Falling Victim to Six-Hour High-Pressure Sales Scam in Gemer Region

A village mayor in Slovakia's Gemer region has publicly admitted to being deceived by aggressive door-to-door salespeople, known locally as 'šmejdi,' in an incident that highlights increasingly sophisticated tactics used by predatory sales operators targeting vulnerable residents. The mayor described being subjected to a six-hour manipulation session during which she was effectively prevented from speaking or leaving — a tactic designed to wear down resistance and pressure victims into purchasing overpriced or unnecessary goods and services. The case has drawn attention because even a local official with institutional knowledge fell prey to the scheme, underscoring how effective these methods have become. Predatory sales practices targeting elderly and rural populations have been a persistent problem in Slovakia, with traveling sales teams organizing events or conducting home visits where attendees are subjected to prolonged psychological pressure to make purchases. Consumer protection authorities have repeatedly warned about such operators, but prosecutions remain difficult due to the technically legal nature of many of the tactics used. The Gemer case is being cited as an example of an evolving and more aggressive approach by these groups, prompting renewed calls for stronger consumer protections and public awareness campaigns.

Korzár
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Society

Court Rules Mountain Hut Operator Can Continue Running Štefánik Chalet

A Slovak court has ruled that hut keeper Fabricius is entitled to continue operating the M. R. Štefánik Mountain Chalet, ordering a tourist club that had been blocking his activities to cease its interference. The ruling resolves a dispute between Fabricius and the tourist club over control of the chalet, which is named after Milan Rastislav Štefánik, a celebrated Slovak general and co-founder of Czechoslovakia. Mountain chalets in Slovakia are typically managed under agreements with hiking or tourist associations, and disputes over their operation are not uncommon. The court's decision gives Fabricius legal protection to run the facility without obstruction from the club.

Korzár
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Society

Slovak Historians Face Persistent Accusations of Anti-National Bias

Slovak professional historians have long been caught in a recurring political and cultural dispute over how national history should be interpreted. Historians in Slovakia frequently face accusations — from politicians, commentators, and at times even colleagues within their own field — of interpreting Slovak history from perspectives deemed insufficiently Slovak or sympathetic to foreign viewpoints. The debate reflects a broader tension in Central European academic and political culture between scholarly objectivity and nationalist expectations of how history should be told. In Slovakia, where questions of national identity remain politically sensitive, disagreements over historical interpretation often spill beyond academia into public discourse and party politics.

Dennik N
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