Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
Last refreshed: 20/06/2026 10:38 · 48 articles added
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Society

Many Private Wells Still Lack Quality Water, Though Flood-Affected Areas Showed Improvement Last Year

Many private wells across Slovakia continue to provide poor-quality water, according to recent assessments, though authorities report improvements in flood-affected regions from the previous year. The ongoing water quality issues affect households relying on private wells for their drinking water supply. Residents can have their well water tested free of charge through available testing programs, allowing them to determine whether their water meets safety standards for consumption.

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Society

Slovak Police Warn of Phishing Scam Targeting Banking Customers

Slovak police have issued a warning about fraudulent emails designed to steal people's savings through a single malicious click. The scam emails contain links that redirect victims to fake websites mimicking legitimate banking platforms. When users click on these deceptive links, they are taken to counterfeit web pages that appear to be authentic bank sites but are actually designed to harvest login credentials and financial information. Police are urging the public to exercise caution with unsolicited emails and to verify the authenticity of any banking communications before clicking on links or entering personal information.

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Society

Lawyer Attacked by Former Client After Losing Legal Case

A serious incident occurred at a shopping center when an aggressor attacked a defense attorney who had represented him in a legal dispute that he lost. The lawyer sustained injuries during the assault. The attack appears to have been motivated by the client's dissatisfaction with the outcome of the legal proceedings in which the attorney had served as his representative.

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Society

Lawyer attacked by former client at shopping center in Slovakia

A female lawyer was attacked and injured by an aggressor at a shopping center in what police are treating as a serious incident. The attacker was a former client whom the lawyer had represented in a legal dispute that he subsequently lost. The assault occurred in a public commercial space, with the victim requiring medical attention for her injuries. The incident highlights concerns about professional safety for legal practitioners, particularly when representing clients in contentious cases that result in unfavorable outcomes.

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Society

Slovakia to Hold 27th Annual 'Hour for Children' Public Collection Campaign

Slovakia will conduct its 27th annual 'Hour for Children' public fundraising campaign on Friday, coinciding with International Single Parents Day. The charitable collection will mobilize 1,698 volunteers carrying yellow collection boxes across the country's streets, organized into 612 volunteer teams operating throughout various locations. The annual campaign represents one of Slovakia's largest coordinated charity drives, aimed at supporting children and families in need through public donations collected directly from citizens in public spaces.

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Society

Slovak Plastic Surgeon Reports Trend Away from Exaggerated Cosmetic Procedures

A Slovak plastic surgeon says the trend toward exaggerated cosmetic procedures like oversized lips and frozen facial expressions is declining in the country. Dr. Barbora Brezová, a plastic surgeon, reports that she frequently dissolves "duck lips" and that natural-looking faces have dominated international beauty standards for some time. The shift toward more natural appearances has been highlighted by celebrities like cosmetics entrepreneur and influencer Kylie Jenner, who recently appeared at the BAFTA awards with noticeably thinner lips than her previous look. The change reflects a broader movement in aesthetic medicine away from dramatic alterations toward more subtle, natural-looking enhancements.

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Society

Tatra Association Urges Government to Reject Zoning Proposal Over Development Concerns

A Tatra region association has sent an open letter to the Slovak government calling for the rejection of a proposed zoning plan. The organization warns that the proposal could lead to uncontrolled construction and reduce the attractiveness of the Tatra Mountains region. The zoning proposal appears to be part of broader planning regulations that could affect development in one of Slovakia's most important natural and tourism areas. The Tatra Mountains, located along Slovakia's border with Poland, are home to the country's only national park above 1,500 meters elevation and represent a crucial tourism destination, making development regulations particularly sensitive for both environmental protection and economic interests.

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Society

Ukrainian Photographer in Bratislava Documents War's Impact Through Images of Children and Cemeteries

Ukrainian photographer Maryna Syrovatka, who lives in Bratislava, experienced burnout while working on the Ukrainian-Slovak aid line following Russia's invasion of her homeland. She recalls a particularly emotional moment when an elderly Slovak man from a remote village called to ask if the war reports he heard on the radio were true, breaking down in tears when confirmed. Syrovatka has dedicated her photography to documenting the war's impact, capturing images of makeshift cemeteries on playgrounds and an 8-year-old girl named Eva saying goodbye to her toys. The photographer emphasizes her determination to ensure these powerful moments of loss and displacement are not forgotten, using her camera to preserve the human cost of the conflict for future generations.

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Society

Water company offers free well water testing for residents

A Slovak water company is providing free analysis of water samples from private wells. Residents can bring their water samples to an accredited laboratory on Bojnická Street, with samples needing to be submitted before 3:00 PM. The initiative allows homeowners to test the quality and safety of their well water at no cost.

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Society

SK8 Association Honors Inspirational Figures from Slovakia's Regional Governments

Representatives from Slovakia's self-governing regions presented awards recognizing outstanding individuals across eight categories that reflect different areas of social life. The SK8 Association, which represents Slovakia's eight regional governments, organized the ceremony to highlight inspirational personalities from each region who have made significant contributions to their communities.

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Society

Slovak Patient's Struggle to Obtain Prescribed Walking Aid Highlights Healthcare System Issues

A Slovak senior citizen faced significant bureaucratic delays in obtaining a prescribed walking aid after being discharged from hospital in early December. The patient's doctor had prescribed the mobility device and provided contact information to the insurance company for approval, but the process became prolonged and complicated. The case illustrates ongoing challenges within Slovakia's healthcare system, where patients often encounter administrative obstacles when trying to access prescribed medical equipment. Slovakia operates a public health insurance system where medical devices must be approved and covered by state insurance companies, but procedural inefficiencies can delay patient care. The walking aid was eventually provided to the patient despite the bureaucratic hurdles encountered during the approval process.

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