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Last refreshed: 20/06/2026 05:40 · 23 articles added
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Society

Slovak food inspectors find violations in more than 300 controls during February

Food safety inspectors in Slovakia discovered violations in 356 out of 3,090 controls conducted during February, according to data from the Slovak Food and Veterinary Administration. The most common problems were found in hygiene standards for facilities, equipment and operations, as well as violations related to selling products past their expiration dates, improper storage, and incorrect labeling. Inspectors issued on-site corrective measures for the identified deficiencies and imposed 175 fines totaling 5,350 euros for the violations discovered during their official inspections.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Society

Journalist Reflects on Murder of Colleague Ján Kuciak, Expresses Confidence Marian Kočner Will Remain in Prison

Journalist Annamária Dömeová spoke about the continuing impact of the 2018 murder of her colleague Ján Kuciak, expressing ongoing anger over what was taken from the young investigative reporter and his family. Dömeová emphasized her belief that Marian Kočner, who was tried in connection with the case, will not be released from prison. She reflected on how Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová had been planning to marry and start a family before their lives were cut short. The murder of Kuciak, who had been investigating corruption and organized crime links, shocked Slovakia and led to massive protests that eventually brought down the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The case involved multiple defendants, with businessman Kočner being acquitted of ordering the murders but convicted on other charges, while the gunman and intermediary received lengthy prison sentences.

Aktuality
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Society

Slovak gardeners flock to early spring plant sales for rare varieties

Slovak gardening enthusiasts took advantage of early spring weather to purchase rare and traditional fruit tree varieties at specialized plant sales. The offerings were described as record-breaking, featuring everything from apple and pear trees to more exotic options like mulberry and medlar trees. The sales attracted gardeners seeking both common and rare cultivars for their gardens and orchards.

SME
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Society

Slovak Doctor Addresses Long-Standing Concerns About Cholesterol Drugs and Dementia Risk

A Slovak medical specialist has responded to persistent public concerns about whether cholesterol-lowering medications called statins increase the risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Jan Piťha, who specializes in fat metabolism disorders, addressed a question from a 33-year-old patient named Adriana about the long-term risks of statin use. The concerns appear to stem from a 2009 study by researchers Beatrice Golomb from the University of California San Diego and colleague Mary Evans, which was based on patient self-reports rather than controlled clinical trials. The nearly two-decade-old research has continued to generate anxiety among patients considering or currently taking these widely prescribed medications for managing cholesterol levels.

Dennik N
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Society

Slovakia to Restore Academic Week Before High School Exit Exams in April

Slovakia will restore the traditional academic week before high school graduation exams (maturita) starting in April, correcting what education officials acknowledged as an oversight. The academic week, which gives students time off from regular classes to prepare for their final exams, has deep historical roots in Slovak education. Students were already taking time off before exams during the First Czechoslovak Republic era, and the practice was officially formalized during the communist period as a recognized preparation period for the crucial graduation tests that determine university admission eligibility.

SME
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Society

Walking 15,000 Steps Daily: Challenge Transforms Habits and Reveals Body's Limits

Walking has become an increasingly popular method for improving health, offering multiple benefits including weight loss, muscle strengthening, and cardiovascular improvement. The practice of walking 15,000 steps daily presents both a fitness challenge and an opportunity to develop healthier habits while testing physical limitations. Beyond physical benefits, regular walking also provides psychological well-being, making it an accessible form of exercise that addresses both mental and physical health needs.

Aktuality
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Society

Teachers Launch Public Fundraising Campaign for School Toilet Renovation

Educators have launched a public fundraising campaign to renovate children's toilets at their school, aiming to collect approximately 30,000 euros for the project. The initiative highlights the ongoing infrastructure challenges facing Slovak schools, where basic facilities often require urgent repairs or modernization. Teachers have taken the unusual step of organizing the fundraiser themselves, suggesting that standard funding channels may be insufficient to address the immediate needs for proper sanitary facilities for students.

Korzár
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Society

Internal Audit of Slovak Public Television Raises Questions About Mass Layoffs

An internal audit of STVR, Slovakia's public television broadcaster, has raised significant questions about the justification for recent mass layoffs at the station. The audit findings, obtained by the SME daily, suggest that doubts surround the dismissals rather than providing clear grounds for the personnel cuts. The layoffs at the public broadcaster have been controversial, with critics questioning whether the dismissals were politically motivated rather than based on legitimate operational or performance concerns. STVR, which operates Slovakia's main public television channels, has been undergoing restructuring that has affected numerous employees across different departments.

SME
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Society

Police Officers Face Criminal Investigation After Video Shows Attack on 15-Year-Old in Slovakia

Slovakia's Inspectorate Service Office has launched criminal proceedings against police officers following an incident in Galanta where officers allegedly physically assaulted a 15-year-old boy. The entire incident was captured on video and sparked widespread outrage on social media. The Inspectorate Service Office is Slovakia's internal affairs unit responsible for investigating misconduct by police officers and other law enforcement personnel. The case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct in Slovakia, where incidents of alleged excessive force have previously drawn public criticism and calls for accountability within law enforcement agencies.

Aktuality
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Society

Teachers Launch Public Fundraiser to Renovate 60-Year-Old School Toilets After Municipality Lacks Funds

Teachers at a Slovak school have launched a public fundraising campaign to repair deteriorating toilets that are 60 years old after their local municipality said it lacks the financial resources for the renovation. The teachers took the initiative to organize the fundraiser themselves when faced with the poor conditions of the school's sanitary facilities, which have not been properly maintained or updated for decades.

Korzár
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Society

Slovak Media Examines Constitutional Violations in 1948 Communist Takeover of Czechoslovakia

Slovak news outlet Aktuality published an analysis debunking claims that communists came to power democratically in Czechoslovakia in 1948. The article argues that the communist takeover was the result of planned and illegal pressure rather than legitimate democratic processes. The February 1948 events, known as Victorious February by the communist regime, marked the end of democratic government in Czechoslovakia and established single-party communist rule that lasted until the Velvet Revolution in 1989. The analysis addresses ongoing historical debates about the legitimacy of the communist seizure of power, which occurred through political maneuvering and pressure tactics rather than through winning a democratic election.

Aktuality
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Society

Slovak Priest Who Sacrificed Himself for Village May Be Beatified

A Slovak priest who gave his life to protect his village is being considered for beatification, the Catholic Church process that could lead to sainthood. The priest, referred to as the "Don Bosco of the East," made the ultimate sacrifice when a bomb fell into his vicinity while defending his community. The beatification process represents formal recognition by the Church of his heroic virtue and sacrifice in service of others. If approved, beatification would be the first major step toward potential canonization as a saint, honoring his memory and establishing him as a model of Christian devotion and selfless service.

Korzár
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Society

Slovak Universities Prefer In-Person Admission Exams Despite Digital Options

Slovak universities continue to favor in-person admission examinations over digital alternatives when selecting new students. The preference for traditional face-to-face testing comes as higher education institutions across the country prepare for the upcoming admissions cycle. Universities maintain this approach despite the availability of online testing technologies that became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic. The traditional format allows institutions to better assess candidates and maintain standardized testing conditions across all applicants.

SME
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Society

Police Investigate Drug Vending Machines in Slovak Shopping Centers

Slovak police are conducting investigations into vending machines selling psychoactive substances in shopping centers across four cities. The automated dispensers, which authorities describe as dangerous, have prompted multiple criminal investigations for drug trafficking. Police operations are targeting what they view as a new method of distributing controlled substances through retail locations. The investigation reflects growing concerns about the accessibility of psychoactive drugs through unconventional distribution methods in urban commercial areas.

Aktuality
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Society

Multiple Drivers Caught Driving Under the Influence in Slovakia

Slovak police reported catching several drivers operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol during recent traffic enforcement operations. Officers used breathalyzer tests to detect alcohol levels in the suspected drivers. Police emphasized that driving under the influence poses serious risks to all road users and warned that such behavior can have fatal consequences in the worst cases. The incidents highlight ongoing concerns about drunk driving on Slovak roads.

TASR/Teraz
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Society

Health Warning: Pharmacist Advises Against Giving Ibuprofen to Children with Chickenpox

A Slovak pharmacist has issued a warning to parents about the dangers of administering ibuprofen to children suffering from chickenpox, cautioning that this common mistake when treating fever could cause serious harm. The health professional emphasized that parents should avoid this frequent error when attempting to reduce their child's temperature during chickenpox illness. The warning highlights a widespread misconception among caregivers about appropriate fever management for children with this common childhood disease.

Aktuality
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Society

Social Workers Recognized for Their Contributions to Communities

Local governments in Slovakia have honored social workers for their dedication and contributions to communities. The recognition highlights the important work these professionals do in areas where others often look away, addressing social challenges and supporting vulnerable populations. Municipal authorities emphasized the valuable role social workers play in their communities, acknowledging their efforts to help those in need.

Korzár
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Society

Emeritus Abbot of Jasov Monastery Dies at Age 92

Tomáš Karol Oto Bartal, the emeritus abbot of Jasov Monastery, died at the age of 92. Jasov Monastery, located in eastern Slovakia near Košice, is one of the country's most significant historical religious sites, originally founded by Premonstratensian canons in the 12th century. The funeral service for Bartal will be held on March 21.

Korzár
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Society

Slovakia Issues Warning Over Moringa Capsules Containing Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella

Slovakia's Public Health Authority has issued a warning against moringa dietary supplements after discovering multidrug-resistant salmonella in the products. The contaminated MORINGA Rosabella capsules were sold through major online retailers, potentially exposing consumers to dangerous bacteria that does not respond to standard antibiotic treatments. The Public Health Authority, which monitors food safety and public health risks in Slovakia, identified the supplements as containing salmonella strains that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics, making infections particularly difficult to treat. The warning highlights growing concerns about the safety of dietary supplements sold online, where products may bypass traditional safety controls before reaching consumers.

Aktuality
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Society

Bear shooting reaches historic levels in Slovakia as orphaned cubs become internet sensation

Slovakia is experiencing the highest levels of bear hunting in its history, while two orphaned bear cubs at Bojnice Zoo have captured widespread public attention online. The cubs arrived at the zoo in February after their mother was shot dead near their den by two men with an unleashed dog. Tens of thousands of people are now following the cubs' story on social media. The intense public interest has prompted zoo officials to issue warnings that visitors cannot photograph or pet the animals under any circumstances, even for payment. The contrasting developments highlight Slovakia's complex relationship with its brown bear population, which faces increasing hunting pressure while individual bears continue to capture public sympathy.

Dennik N
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