2026-09-19 • Saturday • Featured: Slovakia
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Slovakia Highlights

There will be no incinerator near Dudince: The Ministry of the Environment has definitively halted the project

The Ministry of the Environment has definitively halted the plan to build an incinerator near Dudince. According to the minister, waste-to-energy facilities are necessary, but they should be located in industrial zones, away from spas, which will help protect the spa environment and ensure more responsible waste management.

Enjoy the last warm days. From Monday, a cold front will hit Slovakia and bring cooler temperatures.

A pleasant weekend awaits us with almost cloudless skies and temperatures reaching summer levels, ideal for trips or barbecues. Although a cold front will hit Slovakia from Monday and bring cooler weather, until then we can fully enjoy the last warm days.

The album Special recalls a lesser-known side of Miroslav Žbirka.

The **Special** compilation presents a lesser-known side of Miroslav Žbirka’s work and reveals further gems from his archive. Following the albums **Posledné veci** and the song **Nora**, his music continues to resonate with listeners and remind new generations of his extraordinary legacy.

Two stops in Považie have been restored for express trains; Ráž cancelled the timetable changes ahead of the local elections.

Express trains are stopping again at two stations in the Považie region after Minister Jozef Ráž revoked the timetable changes. Passengers in Považská Bystrica and the surrounding area have thus gained more convenient connections, and the region will not lose an important transport link.

Thank goodness the army rejected this actor and the main character of *Pluribus* wasn’t a man (tips on whom to watch)

The editorial team presents a curated selection of recommendations for online viewing, this time focusing on actors delivering outstanding performances and one compelling documentary figure. These are well-known series and films that may inspire viewers to revisit their favorite titles or share their own favorites.

Slovan will start selling individual tickets for the Champions League on Monday.

ŠK Slovan Bratislava will launch the sale of individual tickets for its UEFA Champions League 2026/27 home matches on Monday, September 21 at 10:00. Fans can purchase them exclusively through the club’s mobile app using special codes, helping to ensure a safe environment and a great home atmosphere.

The coalition is increasing the capacity of senior homes to 100 people, while preserving their community character.

Coalition lawmakers propose increasing the maximum capacity of facilities for seniors and people with disabilities to 100 places. Despite the higher number of clients, the community-based nature of the services is to be maintained, with services provided in smaller groups.

A giraffe in a school bag, a morning circle instead of a bell, and learning multiplication through LEGO. What teaching looks like in schools now.

The small school in Valaská Belá has already successfully introduced the modern school reform ahead of its mandatory rollout. The children learn through play and hands-on activities—morning circles, LEGO, and creative learning tools—which foster their curiosity, cooperation, and joy of learning.

The financial award for the Nobel Prize has increased by one million Swedish kronor.

This year’s Nobel Prize laureates will receive a financial award of 12 million Swedish kronor in each category, approximately €1.06 million. The award has therefore increased by one million kronor, recognizing their exceptional contributions and achievements even more significantly.

Weather overnight: Mostly clear skies are expected, with temperatures in the valleys dropping to as low as three degrees.

The night from Friday to Saturday will bring calm and mostly clear weather to most of Slovakia. In the valleys, temperatures will drop to around three degrees, but the clear skies will create pleasant conditions for relaxing and stargazing.

High 5ive: What will you bring home from the book festival? Books, of course. These

The article presents a regular personal selection of interesting works from the world of (pop) culture that may appeal to readers. The book festival thus offers inspiration for discovering new books and enriching one’s own reading collection.

Journalist who wrote a book about Guardiola: If he hadn’t been so successful, Calzona probably wouldn’t have tried the same thing with Slovakia either.

Jon Mackenzie’s book examines how Pep Guardiola fundamentally influenced modern football tactics after taking charge of Barcelona in 2008. His successes inspired coaches around the world, including Francesco Calzona, who attempted to apply similar principles to the Slovak national team.

KDH is showing ambitions in local government. It is fielding candidates for mayors and municipal mayors in the October elections.

KDH is entering the autumn municipal elections with hundreds of candidates for mayors and municipal leaders. The party wants to capitalize on its knowledge of the problems facing people in the regions and bring active and responsible leadership to local governments.

Peter Švec remains chairman of the Slovak Tourist Club; delegates did not approve his removal.

Peter Švec remains chairman of the Slovak Tourist Club, as the delegates did not approve the agenda of the general assembly, which included a proposal for his dismissal. The club will thus continue under his leadership and can focus on further developing its hiking activities.

Global Good News

Cataract Surgery Restores Sight for 54-Year-Old Chimpanzee–the First Such Procedure at Chimp Haven

After becoming completely blind from cataracts, 54-year-old chimpanzee Pierre can see again following a successful first-of-its-kind surgery at Chimp Haven. His restored vision is helping him reconnect with caregivers, fellow chimpanzees, and favorite activities, marking a joyful improvement in his quality of life.

Nashville Singer Becomes Local Celebrity Rescuing Foxes and Saving Them from Mange

Nashville singer-songwriter Jerry Vandiver is gaining local recognition for rescuing red foxes affected by a severe mange epidemic in Tennessee. Through his volunteer efforts, he is helping treat and protect the animals, offering hope for the region’s struggling fox population.

In pictures: 10 years of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are celebrating their 10th anniversary with a new immersive experience in London this autumn. The exhibition will bring a decade of amusing and memorable wildlife images to life, offering visitors an uplifting way to enjoy nature and photography.

New Cat Species Identified for the First Time in Over 100 Years–Meet the Tilcayo

Scientists have identified the tilcayo, a previously unknown cat species discovered in Bolivia, marking the first new cat species recognized in more than a century. Smaller than an average housecat, its discovery highlights the ongoing wonders of exploration and the rich biodiversity still waiting to be understood.

Mexico Reintroduced Bison into Precious Desert Ecosystem After Century-Long Absence

Mexico has reintroduced bison to the Chihuahua Desert after an absence of about 200 years, restoring a species that has long helped shape and sustain the region’s vegetation. Their return to the vital biosphere reserve is a major conservation success, strengthening its fragile arid grasslands and supporting a healthier ecosystem.

What We’re Reading: 20,000 Salmon Return to the Klamath River

Around 20,000 Chinook salmon have migrated up the Klamath River in southern Oregon and northern California. Their return is an encouraging sign of renewed river health and a hopeful boost for local ecosystems and communities.

The Spark: Your Laundromat Could Be a Library

“The Spark” is a monthly feature from Reasons to Be Cheerful highlighting ordinary people creating positive change through meaningful, practical actions. Its latest story, “Your Laundromat Could Be a Library,” celebrates an inspiring community-focused idea and invites readers to discover more uplifting stories through the newsletter.

How ‘housing first’ is helping people leave rough sleeping behind

The “Housing First” model is helping people leave rough sleeping behind by providing a permanent home before asking them to address other challenges. Its striking results show that stable housing can create a strong foundation for recovery, independence and a more hopeful future.

With Adapted Sailing, the Sea Is for Everyone

César Maquieira’s lifelong love of the Atlantic has inspired a story about adapted sailing, showing how thoughtful accommodations can make the sea accessible to everyone. The initiative offers people with disabilities the chance to enjoy boating and the freedom, connection, and joy of life on the water.