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Last refreshed: 07/06/2026 10:37 · 52 articles added
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Society

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Society

Slovak businessman breaks mental health stigma with annual depression story

Viktor Kostický, a successful businessman, husband and father of two, publicly shares his personal struggle with severe depression once a year as part of his commitment to break the stigma around mental health issues. Kostický, who experienced a debilitating period where he spent a year bedridden staring at the ceiling, began speaking openly about his mental health journey several years ago. He notes that eight years ago when he was receiving treatment, discussions about mental health were primarily dominated by psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists, with few personal accounts from those who had experienced depression firsthand. His annual public testimony represents an effort to provide a personal perspective on mental illness and encourage others facing similar challenges.

Dennik N
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Society

Three passengers to be evacuated from cruise ship due to hantavirus symptoms

Authorities are preparing to evacuate three people from a cruise ship after two passengers developed symptoms consistent with hantavirus infection. The evacuation will include the two symptomatic individuals and one person who had been in contact with them. Hantavirus is a serious viral infection typically transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, and can cause severe respiratory illness.

SME
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Society

Developer Project Faces Criticism Over Land Preparation Methods

A development project in eastern Slovakia is facing criticism from local residents over its land preparation practices. A signatory of a petition against the project claims that construction debris and waste materials were simply covered with soil rather than properly removed from the designated building site. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between developers and local communities over proper construction standards and environmental practices in residential development projects.

Korzár
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Society

Developer Faces Criticism Over Construction Site Conditions in Eastern Slovakia

A development project in eastern Slovakia is facing criticism from local residents who claim construction debris and waste materials were simply covered with soil rather than properly removed. A signatory of a petition protesting the project questioned whether the site meets proper standards for construction, suggesting inadequate preparation of the building plot. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between developers and local communities over construction practices and site preparation standards.

Korzár
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Society

Slovak Nutrition Expert Challenges Common Diet Myths for Amateur Athletes

Martin Čupka, a Slovak nutrition specialist and bestselling author, has challenged conventional wisdom about diet timing for recreational athletes, arguing that bad food doesn't become good simply by eating it at certain times of day. Speaking on the podcast Tridsiatnik, Čupka explained that while timing matters somewhat, the focus should be on when unhealthy choices cause the least harm rather than when they become beneficial. He noted that during and after exercise provides the most appropriate window for consuming sweet foods. Čupka, who has written popular books on nutrition, shared insights specifically aimed at amateur athletes and fitness enthusiasts rather than professional competitors.

Dennik N
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Society

Slovakia Plans to Increase Funeral Allowance from 200 to 500 Euros

The Slovak government plans to increase the state funeral allowance from the current 200 euros to 500 euros. The funeral allowance is a social benefit provided by the state to help families cover burial costs when a family member dies. The proposed increase would more than double the current amount, reflecting rising funeral costs and providing greater financial support to bereaved families during difficult times.

TASR/Teraz
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Society

Slovak authorities warn against defective pasta spoon with chemical safety concerns

Slovak food safety authorities have issued a warning about a defective pasta spoon that poses potential health risks. Testing revealed that the kitchen utensil contains levels of primary aromatic amines that exceed permitted safety limits. Primary aromatic amines are chemical compounds that can migrate from plastic or synthetic materials into food, potentially causing health concerns when consumed over time. The warning advises consumers to check their kitchen utensils and avoid using any pasta spoons that may be affected by this safety issue.

TASR/Teraz
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Society

Liptovský Mikuláš to Hold Celebrations Marking 81st Anniversary of Victory Over Fascism

Liptovský Mikuláš will host celebrations commemorating the 81st anniversary of victory over fascism. The commemorative events will take place at the grounds of the M. R. Štefánik Armed Forces Academy in the central Slovak town. The celebrations mark the end of World War II in Europe, which Slovakia observes annually as a significant historical milestone in the defeat of Nazi Germany and the liberation of the country.

TASR/Teraz
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Society

Slovak Television Markíza Faces Speculation Over Potential Sale to Czech Arms Dealer

Speculation emerged in mid-April 2026 that Czech arms dealer Michal Strnad wants to purchase Slovakia's commercial television station Markíza. The rumors surprised and unsettled employees at the broadcaster's headquarters in Záhorská Bystrica, while amusing others in the media industry. At present, the potential sale remains unconfirmed speculation that cannot be verified or refuted. Markíza is one of Slovakia's major commercial television networks, competing with public broadcaster RTVS and other private channels in the Slovak media market. The uncertainty surrounding the reports reflects the sensitive nature of media ownership in Slovakia, where changes in television ownership can have significant implications for news coverage and public discourse.

Dennik N
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Society

Tatra Mountain Communities Accept National Park Zoning After 20-Year Debate

Communities in Slovakia's Tatra Mountains have accepted new zoning regulations for the Tatra National Park (TANAP) after two decades of negotiations. The municipalities acknowledged that zoning is necessary while emphasizing the need to consider their development prospects. Park officials accepted the communities' recommendations regarding the zoning plan. The agreement represents a significant milestone in balancing conservation efforts with local economic development in one of Slovakia's most important protected areas, home to the country's highest peaks and a major tourist destination.

Korzár
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Society

Police Care for Children Who Arrived by Train After Parents Unable to Collect Them

Police officers in eastern Slovakia provided overnight care for children who had arrived by train but whose parents were unable to collect them. The officers offered the children food and water while arrangements were made for their care. The incident highlights the humanitarian role police sometimes play beyond their regular duties, stepping in to ensure child welfare when family circumstances prevent normal pickup arrangements.

Korzár
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Society

Slovak Universities Face Questions Over Ideological Balance in Social Sciences

Slovak universities are grappling with concerns about ideological diversity within their social science departments, according to academic discussions examining the political orientation of higher education institutions. The debate centers on whether growing ideological consensus in certain academic fields may be leading to excessive political correctness and limiting open discussion of alternative viewpoints. This reflects broader international conversations about intellectual diversity in university settings, particularly within disciplines such as sociology, political science, and related fields. The discussion highlights ongoing tensions between academic freedom and ideological conformity that universities worldwide are navigating.

Dennik N
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Society

Slovak Railways to operate regular weekday schedule on May 8 holiday

Slovakia's national railway company ZSSK will run trains according to its regular working day schedule on Friday, May 8, despite it being a public holiday. The railway operator cited the practical needs of passengers who will be traveling to work, school, and other obligations on what is officially a holiday but falls on a regular weekday. ZSSK, which operates passenger rail services across Slovakia, decided to maintain standard weekday service rather than switch to the reduced holiday timetable typically used on public holidays.

Košice Dnes
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Society

Laboratory Tests Confirm Two Cases of Hantavirus Infection on Tourist Boat

Laboratory tests have confirmed two cases of hantavirus infection on a tourist boat, Slovak health authorities announced. Hantaviruses are known to cause serious infectious diseases in humans. The confirmation of these cases raises concerns about potential exposure to other passengers and crew members aboard the vessel, though further details about the specific circumstances, location of the boat, or additional preventive measures have not yet been disclosed.

SME
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Society

Slovak Gastroenterologist Explains Early Cancer Detection from Patient Symptoms

A leading Slovak gastroenterologist has detailed how medical professionals can identify serious conditions like stomach cancer from brief patient descriptions during consultations. Dr. Milan Lukáš explained in an extensive interview with Denník N that experienced doctors can recognize cancer symptoms within minutes of hearing a patient's account, emphasizing that vague complaints like "my stomach hurts" are insufficient for proper diagnosis. The specialist discussed key warning signs that should prompt immediate medical examination, including the significance of blood in stool, and when routine digestive problems warrant professional attention. Lukáš also addressed what he considers widespread misinformation surrounding gut microbiome discussions, highlighting the importance of evidence-based medicine in gastroenterology. The interview provides guidance for the public on distinguishing between common digestive issues and symptoms that may indicate serious underlying conditions requiring urgent medical evaluation.

Dennik N
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Society

Slovak Content Creator Barami Earns Over €20,000 Monthly, Claims He Will Become Prime Minister

Slovak online content creator Oski Barami is generating more than €20,000 per month through the HeroHero platform, where he produces content joking about former Interior Minister Roman Kaliňák's detention and having luxury items arranged by businessman Norbert Bödör's associate Rattaj. Barami has declared his intention to become Slovakia's prime minister. The content appears to reference ongoing legal proceedings involving Kaliňák, who served as interior minister under the Smer-SD government and has faced corruption allegations, and Bödör, a controversial businessman connected to various political scandals in Slovakia.

SME
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Society

Slovak Women Who Lost Breasts to Cancer Receive Just Nine Euros Annually for Special Bras

Women in Slovakia who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer receive only nine euros per year from the state to purchase specialized bras, despite these medical garments costing hundreds of euros. The inadequate financial support forces many women to pay substantial out-of-pocket expenses for essential post-surgical undergarments that are crucial for their physical comfort and psychological recovery. The issue has recently been highlighted again by actress Dorota Nvotová, drawing renewed attention to the insufficient state funding for medical aids needed by breast cancer survivors. The minimal annual allowance falls far short of covering the actual costs of specialized post-mastectomy bras, creating a significant financial burden for women already dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment.

SME
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Society

Drug Dealer from Bratislava's Petržalka District Charged with Methamphetamine Trafficking

Police have charged a drug dealer from Petržalka, Bratislava's largest residential district, with trafficking methamphetamine and marijuana. The suspect faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the drug dealing charges. Petržalka, located on the south bank of the Danube River, is home to over 100,000 residents and is known for its large panel housing estates built during the communist era.

Aktuality
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Society

Slovakia's Press Freedom Under Threat as Global Journalism Faces Mounting Pressures

Slovakia's journalism landscape is under increasing pressure from harassment, lawsuits, and political attacks, according to Pavel Szalai from Reporters Without Borders, an international press freedom organization. Szalai's comments come alongside the release of the organization's latest World Press Freedom Index, which has tracked media freedom globally since 2002. The data reveals a dramatic deterioration in press freedom worldwide, with the percentage of the global population living in countries with the highest levels of press freedom plummeting from 20 percent in 2002 to less than 1 percent today. Meanwhile, the proportion of countries with poor press freedom situations has grown from 14 percent to a majority of nations. Szalai warned that media outlets, which should serve as watchdogs over political leaders, are losing influence while society faces an increasingly dark future for independent journalism.

Aktuality
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Society

Medical Staff from Two Slovak Hospitals to Play Friendly Football Match

Healthcare workers from hospitals in Banská Bystrica and Poprad will play a friendly football match against each other. The idea for the inter-hospital sporting event originated at the Poprad hospital, where staff regularly organize sports days for employees as part of workplace wellness activities.

TASR/Teraz
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