Karlovy Vary Spotlight: Four Slovak films are set for the prestigious Karlovy Vary festival, including Juraj Jakubisko’s Birds, Orphans and Fools and the premiere of the SFÚ co-produced documentary Igor and Then; two Slovak entries are in the Main Competition, with Ivan Ostrochovský’s Prameň tackling the sterilization of Romani women in the 1980s. Bratislava Music Win: NCH Choir Cór Linn (ages 14–18) took gold and the Grand Prix at an international youth festival in Bratislava, scoring 97/100 and earning invitations to major competitions in Barcelona and beyond. UNESCO Under Pressure: Vlkolinec, a UNESCO-listed log-house village near Žilina, is facing backlash from residents over overtourism—signs, privacy complaints, and calls to reconsider its heritage status as visitor numbers hit around 100,000 a year. Health & Kids: A new survey says more than one in five Slovak children aged 7–13 are overweight or obese, with parents underestimating weight and fast food and sugary drinks rising. EU Pay Rules: Slovakia is among the few EU states fully transposing the Pay Transparency Directive, while many others are still unclear on timing—an issue for employers with cross-border teams. V4 Culture Diplomacy: Slovakia officially launched its V4 presidency, with President Pellegrini framing the group as a practical tool for Central Europe’s shared interests. Literary Festival: “Authors’ Reading” kicks off in Bratislava, Trenčín and Prešov with Greenland as guest country, alongside major Slovak writers.