Czech news in brief for January 15: Wednesday's top headlines

Eva Kubíková-Bullock, one of the last surviving children of the 1942 Lidice massacre when German Nazis murdered 88 children and over 300 people in total, has died in Canada aged 87. Born in Prague on April 29, 1937, she was one of 17 surviving children after the war, with six still alive today. "For the first few years I couldn't even go to the Lidice museum, I just sat outside on the wall and cried. It hurt me so much," she told Czech media in the past.

Czech electricity exports dropped by nearly 30 percent in 2024, totaling 6.4 terawatt hours (TWh), with Austria as the largest destination. Imports from Germany increased. The Czech Republic may become a net importer by 2027, potentially sooner if coal plants close faster. Experts stress the need for more renewable energy sources, particularly wind and nuclear power, to address the shift. The critical scenario of rapid coal plant closures remains unlikely.

A Colombian man detained for setting fire to three buses in Prague last June was also planning a terrorist attack, Prague’s High Public Prosecutor Lenka Bradacova confirmed. The target was reportedly a large supermarket. The suspect, in custody, faces charges for the bus arson and preparing a terrorist act. Authorities suspect Russian involvement in ordering the attack. Damage from the fire totaled CZK 250,000. The man showed regret over his actions.

Revised primary school curricula in Czechia will emphasize integrating knowledge with skills, attitudes, and values to reduce educational inequalities, Education Minister Mikuláš Bek announced. Schools can adopt the changes for first and sixth grades starting next school year, with mandatory implementation by 2027. The updated framework focuses on practical knowledge, literacy, and numeracy, offering schools flexibility in adapting state guidelines to local teaching methods.

U.S.-Czech relations are strong, with close cooperation on defense and industry, Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil said after meeting outgoing U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet. Vystrčil highlighted the acquisition of F-35 jets as a key step in defense and industry ties. Sabet praised Czech support in Syria and investments in the U.S., expressing optimism about continued collaboration. Sabet departs Jan. 20.

Banks and building societies in Czechia issued mortgages worth CZK 275 billion in 2024, an 83 percent year-on-year increase, according to the Czech Banking Association. New loans without refinancing rose to CZK 228 billion, while interest rates dropped to 4.80% in December. The average mortgage increased 20 percent to CZK 3.7 million. Analysts credit declining rates for reducing monthly payments, partially offsetting rising real estate and consumer prices.

Jiří Lehečka and Tomáš Macháč advanced to the third round of the Australian Open, while Karolína Muchová was eliminated by Naomi Osaka. Lehečka benefited from Hugo Gaston’s retirement, leading 6-3, 3-1. Macháč triumphed in a five-set thriller against Reilly Opelka. Muchová started strong but lost 6-1, 1-6, 3-6. The Czech women's singles campaign ended with her defeat.

The Czech Railway Administration is investing nearly CZK 40 billion this year to modernize infrastructure, with half allocated to track repairs and over CZK 2 billion for station upgrades. Projects include the Smíchov station renovation in Prague, a new building in Brno-Královo Pole, and completed upgrades at Havířov station. The Masaryk station overhaul is expected to finish within two years. Additional improvements focus on platforms and underpasses.

Unusual cloud holes, known as "cavum," were observed in parts of Czechia yesterday, caused by aircraft flying through supercooled cloud layers, meteorologists said. These gaps form when ice crystals develop around droplets in clouds at temperatures near -23°C, triggering freezing. Falling ice particles create visible bands that evaporate before reaching the ground. The phenomenon was captured by webcams at Czech meteorological stations, including Ondřejov near Prague.