Slovakia Highlights
After two and a half years of delay, tourists will finally get their wish. In the Tatras, the repair of the trail from Hrebienok is beginning.
After more than two years, tourists will see the repair of the damaged section of the red-marked trail of the Tatra Magistral between Hrebienok and the junction above Rainer’s Hut. Through the restoration, the administration of the Tatra National Park will improve the safety and comfort of visitors, contributing to more pleasant trips in the Tatras.
So that your hike is only about beautiful experiences: 8 simple principles for every hiker
The Slovak mountains attract thousands of tourists every year, and rescuers remind us that most accidents can be prevented with a responsible approach and good preparation based on simple principles. The good news is that thanks to them, the goal of a hike can be not only the summit, but above all a safe return home and pleasant experiences in nature.
Zora Bútorová: I tried to do things that could make our society at least a little more humane (podcast)
Zora Bútorová, in the podcast, talks about her journey from admiring her mother’s art of translation to her decision to study sociology, once labeled a “bourgeois pseudo-science.” She devoted her scientific life to understanding society—especially research on public opinion, gender equality, and active aging. That is good news, because her work helps to humanize society and improve quality of life.
Jágr would give Slafkovský good advice. Dominik Hašek reminisces about Buffalo and about how he threw his blocker at Bondra
Buffalo released the documentary “Dominik Hašek: Always the Goalie” this year, which is fully available on YouTube and recalls the legendary times from the playoff series against Montreal to the era after Nagano 1998. The film highlights that Hašek was among the best goaltenders in history and also brings unforgettable moments from his career. It’s great news for fans—they can enjoy an inspiring hockey story for free.
We have seen the immense malice of the Russians as well as the great will of Ukrainians to live and to right wrongs, say Kristína Uhlíková and Peter Popluhár
Kristína Uhlíková and Peter Popluhár have been helping, together with students from a Bratislava high school, for three years in the Ukrainian village of Pidhajne to rebuild destroyed houses and organize camps for children. In the interview, they describe everyday life just 100 km from Kyiv and the resilience of people despite the threat of drones. It is good news, because the solidarity of young people brings concrete reconstruction as well as hope for local families.
The soldiers’ oath and the prime minister’s harsh words. Slovakia commemorated the 81st anniversary of victory over fascism
Liptovský Mikuláš became the center of nationwide commemorative celebrations of the 81st anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe on Sunday. The commemoration of the victory over fascism, together with the soldiers’ oath, underscored unity, respect for heroes, and the determination to protect peace. Such events strengthen historical memory and bring hope that the values of freedom and democracy will remain steadfast.
The Slovak and Ukrainian governments plan to move joint projects to a new level in June
The Slovak and Ukrainian governments are planning a fourth joint meeting in June to move their cooperation to a higher level. They will focus on ongoing projects from Roadmap 2.0 and turning them into concrete, tangible results for people. This is good news because it promises a faster practical benefit from joint initiatives.
Shooty: A Sheep on a Horse
The article “Shooty: A Sheep on a Horse” does not yet contain any news information, but it does offer the option to send comments or report errors to the editorial office’s email. This is good news because it supports open communication with readers and helps improve the quality of the content.
May offers powerful stories and laughter in Slovak theatres, from The Marriage of Figaro to the botched Peter Pan.
May will bring a host of new offerings to Slovak theaters, delivering powerful stories as well as a dose of laughter—from The Marriage of Figaro to The Botched Peter Pan. Audiences can also look forward to the premiere of a new play starring Táňa Pauhofová in the lead role. It’s great news for culture lovers, who will have more opportunities to experience high-quality performances live.
All three health insurance companies in Slovakia started the year with a profit
All three health insurance companies in Slovakia entered the year with a profit even after the first quarter, with the highest achieved by the state-run General Health Insurance Company. This is good news because positive financial results can strengthen the stability of the health system and create room for improving the availability and quality of health care.
Slovakia and Austria deepen their partnership, presidents praised the excellent relations
Presidents Peter Pellegrini and Alexander Van der Bellen highlighted the excellent, friendly relations between Slovakia and Austria. They agreed on the need to deepen them further, which is good news for closer cooperation and a stronger partnership between the two countries.
Chart of the day: Despite obstacles, the number of foreign workers is at a record high
A record number of foreign workers are employed in Slovakia, with growth driven mainly by people from Ukraine and from third countries. This is good news for businesses and the economy, as it helps fill labor shortages and keep the labor market running despite obstacles. At the same time, it shows there is room for further improvements in attracting skilled people from more developed EU countries.
After the dry spell came a sharp turn: The first precipitation is giving way to thunderstorms. Strong winds and snow are also a threat.
After weeks of extreme drought that affected up to a third of Slovakia and turned fields to dust, the long-awaited moisture finally arrived on Monday. The first precipitation is gradually being replaced by thunderstorms, in places even with stronger winds or snow, which can significantly help the soil and nature recover.
President Pellegrini signed the government amendment on subsidies. The state will shorten the required ownership period for construction
President Pellegrini signed an amendment to the subsidies-for-construction law that shortens the sustainability period from 10 to 5 years. This change will reduce the administrative burden and give recipients greater flexibility in handling supported projects, which may speed up and make construction implementation more efficient.
President Pellegrini wants to maintain good relations with Hungary even after Prime Minister Péter Magyar takes office.
President Pellegrini believes that Slovakia will maintain good relations with Hungary even after Prime Minister Péter Magyar takes office. He emphasized that even on sensitive topics such as the Beneš Decrees, both countries are able to find common ground. This is good news for stable cooperation and friendly neighborly relations.
Non-admission to kindergarten gives parents the right to an extended parental allowance of up to 500 euros per month
Parents of three-year-old children who, due to a lack of places, are not admitted to a public kindergarten may receive an extended parental allowance of up to 500 euros per month. The entitlement will arise when the municipality is unable to secure a place even in an alternative nursery school. This is good news because it provides families with financial certainty when kindergartens do not have capacity.
Global Good News
The $1 Visionary
In 2009, German math teacher Martin Aufmuth was inspired by Paul Polak’s book *Out of Poverty* after learning that hundreds of millions of people have vision impairment but can’t afford glasses. Motivated to act, he set out to help make eyeglasses accessible at extremely low cost—promising better sight, opportunity, and quality of life for people worldwide.
Rare Split-Colored Lobster Caught Near Cape Cod is Donated to Aquarium: A One in 50 Million Catch (LOOK)
A local crew fishing off Cape Cod caught an extraordinarily rare split-colored lobster, a one-in-50-million find, according to the Wellfleet Shellfish Company. The unique lobster was donated to an aquarium, giving the public a special chance to see and learn from this remarkable marine anomaly.
Good News in History, May 8
Sir David Attenborough turns 100, celebrating a remarkable lifetime of inspiring millions to appreciate and protect the natural world. The legendary broadcaster and producer, who studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge, launched the BBC’s Zoo Quest in 1954 and went on to create influential series like Life on Earth and The Life of Birds. His century of storytelling has deepened global understanding of wildlife and nature.
Africa’s Rarest Antelope Gets Boost as Zoos Send 4 Bongos to Kenya to Help Save the Species From the Brink
Four mountain bongos—Africa’s rarest antelope—have arrived in Kenya from European zoos, marking a major milestone in saving the species. With fewer than 50 left in the wild, this historic move to the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy strengthens breeding and conservation efforts, boosting hopes for the bongo’s recovery and long-term survival.
Man Re-Mortgages Home to Buy Favorite Pub And Save 100 Years of History: ‘Pete’s always been a legend’
Peter Manfield, 73, remortgaged his home to buy his beloved local pub when it was set to be sold, ensuring it could stay open. His bold move helped preserve more than 100 years of community history and a cherished gathering place where friends and neighbors feel at home.
Catch Stunning Views of Venus and Jupiter as They Align with the Crescent Moon in Mid-May
In mid-May, skywatchers will be treated to a beautiful alignment of Jupiter and Venus with the waning crescent Moon, creating a striking line in the night sky. With Jupiter shining brightly and visible even to the naked eye, this event offers an easy, memorable stargazing opportunity for anyone to enjoy.
Endangered Butterflies Are Thriving Behind Bars
In Washington state, an endangered butterfly species is being successfully protected and bred in a greenhouse just outside a women’s prison, where eggs and larvae are carefully raised on host plants. This innovative partnership is helping the butterflies rebound while offering meaningful, hands-on conservation work in an unexpected setting—great news for biodiversity and community impact.
In a Thrilling Comeback Victory Cherrie DeVaux Becomes First Female Trainer to Win Kentucky Derby (WATCH)
Golden Tempo, a 23-1 long shot battling a heel condition, stunned the crowd with a dramatic comeback to win the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Cherrie DeVaux made history as the first female trainer to claim the Derby title. The victory is uplifting news for racing fans and a major milestone for women in the sport.
Asiatic Wild Ass Returns to Eastern Mongolia After 65-year Isolation from Landscape Fencing
The Asiatic wild ass, or khulan, has returned to eastern Mongolia and is showing strong signs of re-establishing a population after more than 65 years away. For decades, fencing along the Trans-Mongolian Railway limited the animals’ movement, but recent efforts to address these barriers are helping wildlife roam again. This marks a hopeful step for biodiversity and the recovery of migratory species in the region.
Australia Becomes 30th Country to Eliminate Trachoma, Leading Cause of Infectious Blindness
Australia has become the 30th country in the world to eliminate trachoma as a public health concern, marking a major victory against the leading infectious cause of blindness. This achievement is especially significant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where the bacteria had persisted for years. It’s great news for public health and for protecting sight through sustained prevention and care.
Successful Homeless Village in Scotland Offers Residents Independence but Asks Responsibility
A new homeless village called Harriet Gardens has opened in South Lanarkshire, west Scotland, giving residents a supportive place to rebuild their lives with greater independence and personal responsibility. Created by charity Social Bite and managed in partnership with the Salvation Army, the village provides time, stability, and structured support to help tenants get back on track—an encouraging step toward lasting change.