Czech news in brief for June 21: Saturday's top headlines

Meteorologists warn of potential severe thunderstorms on Monday, particularly in eastern Bohemia and Moravia. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute cited wind shear and other factors in a preliminary alert. A cold front arriving early Monday from the northwest could trigger isolated storms, possibly with large hail. More precise warnings are expected Sunday. Weekend highs may reach 32 degrees Celsius before conditions shift.

The Czech government will operate a second repatriation flight from Israel today, Defence Minister Jana Černochová confirmed. The Airbus can carry about 80 passengers, mostly tourists and relatives stranded in Israel after the war with Iran started on June 13. The first flight brought home 66 citizens on Tuesday, and the new flight is expected to be fully booked.

A European moose was seen wandering near the Opava River in Ostrava’s Martinov district on Thursday, city police said. Officers filmed the moose but did not intervene as it posed no threat. The animal likely wandered from Poland and was previously seen in nearby Ludgeřovice. Authorities had planned to relocate it to Šumava but the moose escaped into the forest before capture.

Martin Fuksa won silver in the C1 1,000m at the European Canoe Sprint Championships in Račice on Saturday. He narrowly lost in a photo finish to Romania’s Catalin Chirila, adding his 19th individual continental medal. Fellow Czech Josef Dostál finished fourth. Fuksa plans to compete in the C1 500m and C2 with his brother Petr in the coming days.

Tightened U.S. student visa rules under the Trump administration create unpredictability and may push students and academics to seek alternatives, said Jiří Schwarz, rector of Anglo-American University in Prague. He warned that frequent policy shifts undermine study plans and could lead to a brain drain from the U.S. He expects more interest in EU-based schools with U.S. accreditation as students look for stability.

Prague Pride criticized Hungary’s ban on LGBT+ events as an undemocratic move under the guise of child protection. The association said the policy, passed by the Fidesz-led parliament, restricts basic freedoms and targets minority rights. While not officially attending Budapest Pride, some members will go. This year’s Prague Pride will highlight rights issues in Hungary and Slovakia with talks involving regional activists and politicians.

Czech Senate head Miloš Vystrčil voiced support for a proposed NATO goal of 5 percent of GDP on defense, calling it vital to protect national infrastructure. Speaking in Brussels, Vystrčil and Chamber Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová stressed gradual increases. The proposal, backed by NATO chief Mark Rutte and debated ahead of the July summit, faces opposition from some nations, including Spain, citing social spending priorities.

Czechia’s women’s basketball team defeated Portugal 73–52 in Brno Friday, advancing to the EuroBasket quarterfinals in Piraeus. The Czechs were led by Julia Reisingerová with 11 points, winning their second straight Group C match. A Sunday game against Belgium will decide the group winner. Coach Romana Ptáčková credited the team’s aggressive defense, while Eliška Hamzová highlighted the squad’s preparation and teamwork in holding Portugal at bay.

Kia will soon introduce its PV5 electric van in Czechia—its first utility vehicle in 15 years. The PV5 will be sold in both cargo and passenger variants. Cargo models, priced from CZK 797,504 without VAT, will be available in Prague and Brno; passenger versions will be offered nationwide. Battery options range from 43.3 to 71.2 kWh, with up to 400 km range. Kia plans to follow with PV7 and PV9 models by 2027.

Pilot and author Milan Paprčka has completed a gyrocopter expedition across the Caribbean, documenting islands from low altitudes during a 10-day trip with fellow aviators from Germany and Costa Rica. Starting on Martinique, they flew over islands including Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Paprčka, founder of Zlín’s Museum of Maps, highlighted the complex logistics and striking natural diversity. A book based on the journey may follow.

A man died late Friday after falling from the T. G. Masaryk Bridge over the Ohře River in Loket, police said. Authorities ruled out foul play and believe it was likely a suicide. Police have not released the man’s age or details about whether he fell into the river or onto the bank. The bridge spans 116 meters and rises nearly 18 meters above the water.