2026-05-18 • Monday • Featured: Slovakia
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Slovakia Highlights

The tourist season underground kicks off: Dobšiná Ice Cave – photo report

The tourist season underground is starting, and from mid-May to early September all accessible caves will be open, including the Dobšiná Ice Cave. This is great news for visitors, who can fully enjoy the unique natural beauty and plan trips throughout the summer.

VIDEO: What if your plane breaks down over a city? This pilot landed right on the street

A quick-thinking pilot of a historic World War II seaplane safely landed directly on a street over the city after a malfunction. Thanks to his swift decision and cool head, an accident was averted and both people and the aircraft were protected. The video shows what a difference professionalism can make in a critical situation.

After his mistake, Gajan was helped by a quote on his mask. In big games you need to play goal like in preparation, he says

Slovakia, with debuting goaltender Adam Gajan, convincingly defeated Italy 4–1. After a mistake, he was helped by a motivational quote on his mask and emphasized that even in big games you need to tend goal just as relaxed as in preparation. The win and Gajan’s approach are great news and a promising signal for the next matchups.

Šimkovičová supported Slovak film in Cannes. In the final, it will compete with the USA or Canada

Minister Šimkovičová supported a Slovak film at the Cannes festival, where it advanced to the finals and will compete with filmmakers from the USA and Canada as well. The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, which is a great opportunity to showcase the quality of Slovak cinema at a world-class level.

The Japanese from Nippon Steel will be the owners of the Košice steelworks. U. S. Steel will focus on the American market

The Košice steelworks will pass into the ownership of the Japanese company Nippon Steel, which promises the introduction of state-of-the-art technologies, decarbonization, and higher profitability. U. S. Steel will meanwhile focus more on the American market. For the region, this is good news, as investments and modernization can strengthen competitiveness as well as the long-term stability of production.

The most creative Slovaks at the World Championship? Pálffy and Pospíšil. And we thought he was just a hitter, says Országh

Martin Pospíšil, who missed the World Championship quarterfinal against Canada due to injury, was missed by Slovakia mainly for his skill and creativity, not for toughness, according to Vladimír Vůjtek. Coach Vladimír Országh admitted that Pospíšil pleasantly surprised everyone at the tournament and, together with Žigmund Pálffy, is among the most creative Slovaks. It is great news because the team has leaders with ideas and hockey intelligence.

Sunday non-sermon: Keep your God!

The article highlights that queer people in Slovakia often live successfully, are respected, and rank among top experts who bring empathy and the energy of love into both their work and their communities. At the same time, it points out that true acceptance grows when they can openly talk about their identity and relationships. This is good news because it shows the strength and contribution of queer people and supports a fairer, more humane society.

A common sight in the antipodes, a rarity in Belgium. A kangaroo brought rail traffic to a halt

In Belgium, during rush hour, a stray kangaroo briefly brought rail traffic to a halt, which the police described as an unusual phenomenon. Although it was a rarity, the situation highlighted the rapid response of the services and the need for safety in transport. The report also brought a humorous moment and reminded us that even unexpected events can be handled calmly.

New stop near the D1 motorway: The most modern gas station in Slovakia

A new, state-of-the-art fuel station has been built by the D1 motorway—the most modern in Slovakia—offering specialty coffee prepared by trained staff, ultra-fast charging for electric cars, and a car wash. This is great news for drivers, who will get a more convenient, faster, and higher-quality stop right at the start of their journey.

The Interior Ministry is offering unused buildings for rental apartments (overview of expected events)

The Ministry of the Interior is offering unused buildings for conversion into rental apartments, which could expand affordable housing and make meaningful use of existing assets. The day’s program will also culminate in a ceremonial awards event honoring exceptional acts by children, attended by the head of state, highlighting the courage and kindness of young people.

Penta Real Estate wants to revive the cooperative housing model, which works well in the Czech Republic

Penta Real Estate plans to designate one residential complex in the Bory project for cooperative housing, which is an attractive option for people without a mortgage or for those who do not want one. Since this model works successfully in the Czech Republic as a common alternative to home ownership, its revival in Slovakia could expand the available housing options and make the path to a new home easier.

Construction of the hospital in Prešov: 23 columns must be demolished, Kaliňák will announce a new tender

The construction of the new hospital in Prešov will continue, with 23 columns needing to be demolished and Minister Kaliňák announcing a new tender. This step will help speed up the further progress of the work and bring the region closer to more modern and higher-quality healthcare.

The Pope is entering the fight for humanity in the era of AI. The Vatican will publish a new encyclical.

The Pope is actively advocating for human dignity in the era of artificial intelligence, and the Vatican will soon publish a new encyclical titled Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity). The document is intended to provide clear moral guidance and promote the responsible use of AI for the benefit of people. It is an encouraging message that strengthens the protection of the human person and the common good in a rapidly changing time.

The Financial Administration unlawfully imposed fines over diacritics, claims an accounting expert

The Financial Administration admitted a mistake in the inspection of a langoš stand in Kvetoslavov, and its president, Jozef Kiss, apologized to the entrepreneur for the consequences that arose. He met personally with Anton Pašek and his lawyer, showing a willingness to resolve the situation fairly. This is good news because it strengthens confidence in correcting mistakes and in a fairer approach toward entrepreneurs.

Global Good News

College Commencement Speaker Announces He’s Paying Off Final Year of Loans For Graduates to Honor Father

More than 170 North Carolina State University graduates received an unforgettable surprise when their commencement speaker announced he would pay off their final year of student loans. The gift, made in honor of his father, eases financial burdens and helps new alumni start their next chapter with greater freedom and opportunity.

18 Rescue Workers Toil for 6 Hours to Save Dog Trapped Underground (Watch Her Joyful Release)

In North Yorkshire, 18 members of the Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team worked for six hours to save a Staffordshire bull terrier trapped 21 feet underground in a narrow crevice. After her owner called emergency services, the rescuers successfully brought the dog safely to the surface. It’s uplifting news that highlights fast action, teamwork, and compassion leading to a joyful reunion.

‘It’s so full of love’, the festival for young carers

The annual Young Carers Festival gives young carers a special weekend to step away from adult responsibilities and enjoy the freedom and fun of being a child. Filled with warmth and community, the event celebrates them, helps them recharge, and reminds them they’re not alone—uplifting support that can make a real difference in their lives.

Celebrating 15 Years of Matching Disabled Youth with College Athletes–Over 4,500 Kids Discover the Power of Belonging

Boston-based nonprofit Team IMPACT is celebrating 15 years of pairing children with serious illness or disabilities with college athletic teams, helping more than 4,500 kids feel true belonging since 2011. Starting with a single hockey-team match in Massachusetts, the program has grown into a nationwide network of over 850 teams—bringing empowerment, resilience, and joy to families and communities across the U.S.

3 Teens Win Earth Prize for Asia Inventing Tamarind Powder That Easily Removes Microplastics

Three 16-year-old students from India—Vivaan Chhawchharia, Ariana Agarwal, and Avyana Mehta—won the Earth Prize for Asia after inventing an all-natural way to remove microplastics using powdered tamarind seeds. Their simple, kitchen-sourced solution acts as a clumping agent that helps gather microplastics for easier cleanup, offering a promising and eco-friendly tool to fight pollution.

Jogger’s Call for Help Saves Critically-Endangered Penguin Found Face-Down on the Beach

A jogger’s quick call for help led rescuers to a critically endangered African penguin stranded face-down on a beach in Brenton-on-Sea, South Africa. Wildlife veterinarian Catherine Hauw rushed to the scene after being alerted and helped save the helpless bird. The swift response highlights how everyday people and dedicated professionals can make a life-saving difference for threatened wildlife.

Another Trawling Ban, Another Big Recovery for Sea Life

A decade after Scotland banned bottom trawling and dredging, the South Arran Marine Protected Area is teeming with life, supporting around 1,500 species vital to healthy seabeds. A new survey found the protected area has twice as many species and three times the abundance compared with nearby fished zones. This shows marine protections can deliver strong, long-term recoveries for ocean ecosystems.

15 of the best quotes from Sir David Attenborough

To celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, Positive News has shared 15 of his most inspiring quotes. The collection highlights his lifelong dedication to nature, curiosity, and hope, offering timely encouragement to appreciate and protect the natural world. It’s a joyful tribute to a beloved broadcaster whose words continue to motivate positive action.

Endangered Butterflies Are Thriving Behind Bars

In Washington state, an innovative conservation effort is helping endangered butterflies rebound inside a greenhouse located just outside a women’s prison. By carefully raising eggs and larvae on host plants, the program is boosting the species’ chances of survival while creating a meaningful, hopeful project in an unexpected setting.

Over 200 Volunteers Lead Largest-Ever Oyster Reef Restoration Off England’s Portsmouth

More than 260 volunteers gathered at Chichester Harbor near Portsmouth to place 20,000 native oysters back into local waters, launching what organizers call the UK’s largest subtidal oyster reef restoration project. By rebuilding historic oyster reefs, the effort is helping revive biodiversity and strengthen a vital coastal ecosystem for the future.