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AID Czechia receives Myanmar’s request for aid
Myanmar has officially requested foreign aid following Friday’s devastating earthquake, which has killed over 1,000 people and injured more than 2,300. The Czech embassy in Rangoon confirmed receiving the request, but logistical challenges remain due to divided territorial control. Czech firefighters are on standby but await a formal request through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The Czech Foreign Ministry confirmed that Czech citizens in Myanmar are safe.
CRIME Two detained after fatal brawl in Pardubice
A man died following a fight in central Pardubice early Saturday morning, and police have detained two foreign nationals on suspicion of battery resulting in death. The suspects could face up to ten years in prison if convicted. Police are reviewing security footage and expect to provide more details on Sunday. A custody hearing is likely on Monday.
CRIME Police to receive new documents in Masaryk case
Czech police will soon receive translations of foreign diplomatic and intelligence documents regarding the death of former Foreign Minister Jan Masaryk. These materials could shed light on whether his 1948 death was a suicide or murder. Several citizens have also come forward with testimonies. The investigation is ongoing, with the new evidence being compared to previously known information.
Transport Driver injured in Pardubice trolleybus crash
A trolleybus in Pardubice’s Dubina district crashed into a streetlight pole on Saturday morning, injuring the driver. The incident occurred at 7:45 a.m. on Josefa Janáčka Street. The driver, who lost control while leaving the terminus, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. A breath test was negative. Police are investigating the cause of the crash, with no passengers on board at the time.
AID Czech NGOs aid quake-hit Myanmar, Thailand
Czech NGOs are joining relief efforts after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, killing over 1,000 people. Adra and People in Need are assessing needs, while Doctors Without Borders awaits access approval. Adra has released CZK 100,000 for aid. The USGS predicts the number of fatalities to rise. NGOs stress the urgency of medical aid for the injured as rescue efforts continue.
Weather Chances of observing solar eclipse in Czechia slim
The Czech Republic has low chances of witnessing today's partial solar eclipse due to overcast skies, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute reports. Only northeastern and eastern regions near Poland and the Jeseníky mountains may see brief breaks in cloud cover. The eclipse will begin at 11:29 a.m., peak around 12:18 p.m., and end at 1:01 p.m. The next visible partial eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026.
SPORTS Menšík reaches first Masters final at Miami Open
Jakub Menšík advanced to his first ATP Masters 1000 final by defeating third seed Taylor Fritz 7-6, 4-6, 7-6 at the Miami Open. The 19-year-old Czech won without breaking Fritz’s serve, relying on his powerful serve with 25 aces. Menšík, now ranked 30th, will face 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djoković in Sunday’s final. If he wins, he will rise to a career-high 24th in the ATP rankings.
POLITICS Czechia joins protest over Hungary’s pride ban
Czechia has joined over 20 Western nations in condemning Hungary’s ban on LGBT+ pride marches, calling it a violation of human rights. The Hungarian government rejected the criticism, with Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó insisting Hungary will not be dictated to by foreign powers. The law allows authorities to fine march participants and use cameras for identification. Organizers of Budapest Pride plan to proceed despite the ban.
DEFENSE Czechia backs EU cohesion funds for defense
Czechia supports including defense projects in EU cohesion funding after 2028, Regional Development Minister Petr Kulhánek said after a Brussels meeting. As the EU prioritizes defense cooperation and spending, Kulhánek emphasized the need for funding dual-use technologies. Talks on the next seven-year EU budget have begun, with proposals expected in July.
CRIME Ex-secret police officers charged with abuse
Three former communist secret police officers face charges for abusing power, causing a student’s expulsion and psychiatric internment in the late 1970s. The victim, a Charter 77 signatory, was barred from studying in the UK and forced into menial work. If convicted, the accused face up to 10 years in prison. The case is being overseen by the Prague 9 District Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Animals Prague Zoo displays rare ‘tree lobster’ insects
Prague Zoo has introduced Lord Howe Island stick insects, also known as tree lobsters, a critically endangered species. The zoo received 400 eggs from England, with 190 hatching so far. Visitors can see them in the new Ball’s Pyramid pavilion. Prague Zoo is breeding females but hopes to acquire males to help reintroduce the species to its native habitat.
