Good evening. Here is the Friday, July 12 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
'Maybe take a few days' holiday': Dangerous scorpions at large in northern Slovakia.
Brazilian yellow scorpion. (source: Pexels)
A 17-year-old in Liptovský Peter, a town in northern Slovakia, has been found to be keeping highly venomous scorpions in his flat. The case came to light after they escaped and a neighbour found one of the scorpions roaming their common hallway floor. This prompted immediate action from local authorities.
The town issued a warning to residents, advising them to leave their flats temporarily while disinsection efforts began: "Based on the fact that a scorpion, which is likely highly venomous, has escaped from the owner in your apartment building, we advise you to exercise increased caution and vigilance or consider leaving your flats for a few days. In the coming days, disinsection of the premises will be carried out, and you will be informed accordingly."
The police are investigating the incident as a potential public safety threat. The scorpions, identified as Brazilian yellow scorpions, are known for their dangerous venom. Although one scorpion was captured, a second remains at large, causing significant concern among residents.
Many families have evacuated their homes, and efforts to locate the remaining scorpion are continuing. These include night-time searches using LED lamps: these scorpions phosphoresce in the dark.
The owner, a boy neglected to tell anyone after the two scorpions escaped from their terrarium; the neighbour's hallway encounter was the first public sign of trouble. Slovak law regulates the keeping of such dangerous animals, and state veterinarians maintain a list of registered keepers. This boy from Liptovský Peter was not on the list.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Health: Young Slovaks stuck abroad after being injured in accidents are finding that government help with repatriation can be limited.
Politics: Despite the summer holiday, Slovak lawmakers will convene next week to amend criminal laws again, this time in response to EC criticism that European funds could be misused with little consequence after recent penal code changes.
Good news: In our fresh selection of feel-good stories, find out about a new mural that decorates a Trnava residential building, Slovakia's fourth satellite in space, and the location of a magical meadow.
Book: A searing political pamphlet in novel form, "The Taste of Power" has transcended its era, becoming required reading in Slovak schools and a mirror on politicians wielding authority today.
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FEATURE STORY
A lot of bureaucracy, but also kindness and support in Slovakia
(source: FB Frederic Moreno)
The war prevented the continuation of their business in Ukraine, so the Bielovcev family decided to move their successful Frederic Moreno beauty salon to Bratislava. The new salon has already prove successful, despite the difficulties that the family had to overcome.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Open air movie night
Outdoor cinema next to the Kuchajda lake in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
Locked up at home under the air-conditioner all day? How about an evening movie in the open air! When the temperature finally drops, why not watch a movie in the fresh evening air. Our colleague Matúš has made a list of amphitheatres for you to visit: see here.
IN OTHER NEWS
After last year's sharp rise in food prices, inflation has stabilised this year. Housing and energy remain the largest expenses at nearly 26 percent of total household spending, followed by food and non-alcoholic beverages at 23.6 percent. Spending on alcohol and tobacco has decreased, while dining out has increased, now making up 6.8 percent of the household budget, surpassing transportation costs. (TASR)
The National Crime Agency (NAKA) has launched a criminal investigation into the illegal re-export of medicines, initially uncovered by the State Institute for Drug Control (ŠÚKL) last spring, with damages estimated at over €7 million. Despite ŠÚKL proposing fines of €50,000 for each of the 29 pharmacies involved, the Health Ministry has yet to issue any penalties. The investigation is ongoing, with both NAKA and the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Banská Bystrica involved, but progress remains slow and no fines have been imposed.
The Culture Ministry has strongly opposed the actions of Matej Drlička, the general director of the Slovak National Theatre (SND), who dismissed Ballet SND director Nina Poláková without informing the minister. Poláková, an internationally acclaimed Slovak ballet dancer, had been leading the Ballet SND since February 2022. According to the SND's statute, such decisions must be discussed with the culture minister, which Drlička failed to do. The ministry has requested an explanation for this breach of protocol. (SITA)
The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has issued a third-level heat warning for Saturday in Trebišov, Michalovce and Sobrance, expecting temperatures up to 38°C, which pose health risks and increase fire hazards. Additionally, warnings for storms with hail and strong winds have been issued for the entire eastern region from Saturday 11:00 AM to Sunday 8:00 AM, which could lead to minor damage and flash floods. Similar warnings for high temperatures and storms are anticipated for Sunday, particularly in the Lower Zemplín area. (source: SHMÚ)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND
The weekend will be partly cloudy. There will be occasional showers, especially in central Slovakia and the north, with thunderstorms likely, particularly on Saturday. Extremely hot and humid conditions will persist. The highest daily temperatures will range from 32°C to 38°C, so don't forget to stay hydrated. The SHMÚ has issued warnings of levels 1 and 2, and level 3 in the Košice Region due to high temperatures. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Saturday - Margita, Sunday - Kamil, Monday - Henrich.
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