Czech news in brief for January 13: Tuesday's top morning headlines

Heavy ice caused major disruptions to rail travel and public transport on Tuesday, particularly around Prague and in northern Bohemia, with multiple morning train connections cancelled due to icing on overhead lines. Czech Railways warned on X.com of delays and partial route closures on key lines near Ústí nad Labem and Děčín.

The Prague transport company also reported problems with some connections due to the weather this morning. These included city and suburban lines that were delayed or did not depart at all. Meteorologists also warned of hazardous conditions on roads and sidewalks nationwide, urging extreme caution.

International press groups urged the Czech government to safeguard the independence of public broadcasters, warning that plans to replace TV and radio licence fees with direct state funding and expand audit oversight could increase political pressure. In a letter to PM Andrej Babiš and the culture minister, the organizations stressed that stable, predictable financing is essential amid rising disinformation, cautioning that similar reforms elsewhere have weakened public media.

Cold weather is fueling a spike in respiratory illnesses, with the National Institute of Health describing the current situation as an ongoing flu epidemic. Cases of COVID-19 are also rising. Health authorities urge residents to get tested to distinguish between viruses, stay home if positive, consult a doctor promptly, and consider vaccination against both flu and COVID-19, especially for seniors and risk groups.

Maruška, an Indian rhinoceros born in Pilsen and now living in a Polish zoo, has captured internet attention. Videos show her calmly enduring playful “attacks” from a daring Chinese muntjac, despite the huge size difference. Maruška responds with patience and even plays along, delighting viewers worldwide. The charming interactions were filmed at Wroclaw Zoo, where the pair’s unusual friendship has gone viral on social media.

The cross-shaped monument marking the site where student Jan Palach set himself on fire in 1969 has been returned to its place in front of Prague’s National Museum ahead of Jan. 16 memorial events. The monument had been removed due to the construction of the tram line. Related memorial plaques to Palach and Jan Zajíc will not return to Wenceslas Square and will instead be displayed at the Museum of Memory of the 20th Century.