Czech news in brief for January 31: Saturday's top morning headlines

Meteorologists have issued a warning for icy conditions in the Moravian-Silesian Region and the Jeseník area of the Olomouc Region due to freezing drizzle. The alert, issued by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, is in effect until 10 a.m. Saturday. Ice may form where surface temperatures remain below zero, especially at higher elevations. Authorities warn of possible transport disruptions and urge drivers and pedestrians to be cautious.

Dozens gathered at Jan Palach Square in Prague on Friday afternoon to protest growing authoritarianism and the normalization of violence, both globally and in Czech politics. Organizers voiced concern over human rights violations, conflicts in Gaza and the U.S., and domestic political forces sympathetic to authoritarian regimes. The event included speeches, poetry, and a candlelight vigil for victims of wars and violence worldwide, while participants called on the Czech government to actively defend democratic and human rights principles.

Testing has begun in Prostějov on the first Czech-made high-speed railway switch. The switch allows trains to pass at speeds of up to 350 km/h on the main line and 230 km/h on diverging tracks. Non-operational tests under the supervision of the Railway Administration will last about a year. If successful, the switch is expected to be installed on the rail network, likely near Podivín.

Following the closure of OKD’s ČSM mine in Stonava, billions of tons of black coal remain buried more than a kilometer underground. Experts say mining the remaining reserves would be technically challenging, costly, and economically unfeasible, making future extraction unlikely. Only brown coal mining in northern Bohemia remains profitable. The technical closure and safety measures at the ČSM mine, including methane release and water pumping, are expected to take around three years.

Czech sisters Alena and Jana Kovačková won the junior girls’ doubles title at the Australian Open, defeating compatriots Tereza Heřmanová and Denisa Žoldáková 6-1, 6-3 in an all-Czech final in Melbourne. The top-seeded pair claimed the title in 52 minutes without dropping a set throughout the tournament. It is their second joint junior Grand Slam doubles title, following victory at last year’s US Open.