Czech news in brief for June 28: Saturday's top headlines

Meteorologists warn of rising temperatures in Czechia, with highs above 31 degrees Celsius expected Sunday and Monday. The highest temperatures will be seen in South Moravia. The heat will intensify midweek, likely surpassing 34 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Experts urge the public to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun exposure, and not leave children or animals in parked vehicles.

A boy under 15 died after being electrocuted atop a train car in Račice, in Czechia's Ústí nad Labem Region, early Saturday. He and another boy, part of a visiting sports group from Moravia, had climbed onto an idle railcar when the victim touched a high-voltage wire. The second boy suffered only minor injuries. Authorities warn that fatal shocks can occur even without direct contact with the wires.

Czech banks are lowering interest rates on savings accounts following the Czech National Bank’s recent rate decisions. Only Raiffeisenbank still offers a 4 percent rate—under conditions—while most others range from 2.5 percent to 3.8 percent. The Czech National Bank held its base rate at 3.5 percent this week. Analysts expect continued pressure on savings yields if monetary easing continues.

Bulgarian police have charged a 41-year-old Czech man with murdering his partner at a hotel in the Primorsko resort, authorities said Thursday. The 36-year-old woman was found dead after allegedly being strangled during an argument on June 24. The man, who fled the scene, was later arrested in Sozopol. Czech diplomats confirmed cooperation with local authorities but declined further comment.

Czech defenseman Radim Mrtka was selected 9th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, held Friday in Los Angeles. Forward Václav Nestrašil was picked 25th by the Chicago Blackhawks. Mrtka, 18, played last season for WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. Nestrašil, younger brother of ex-NHLer Andrej, impressed in the USHL with Muskegon.

A fire broke out on Saturday morning in a bar on the ground floor of a residential building in Prague's Podolí neighborhood, prompting the evacuation of 25 people, officials said. Paramedics found no one required hospital care, though six were tested for carbon monoxide exposure. Firefighters declared a second-degree alert and deployed special rescue units due to the number of people affected.

Czech lawmakers are not expected to meet again before September, Civic Democrat MP Marek Benda said Thursday. The lower house concluded its final regular session before the October election, with no further meetings planned due to upcoming chamber renovations and recent opposition filibusters. Several government bills remain unapproved. Parliamentary elections are set for October 3–4, with opposition party ANO leading in polls.

The French Embassy in Prague awarded 23 young Czech researchers on Thursday for outstanding work in chemistry, medicine, and other fields. Laureates from Czech universities and the Academy of Sciences were recognized in a ceremony attended by Nobel chemist Jean-Marie Lehn. The annual prizes span seven disciplines and are selected by a jury of Czech and French experts.

Officials and citizens gathered at Prague’s Pankrác Prison Friday to commemorate Milada Horáková, executed 75 years ago in a communist show trial. Senate leaders and military representatives paid tribute to the democratic politician, who symbolized resistance to totalitarianism. Speakers warned against downplaying the past and highlighted Horáková’s legacy. She was the only woman executed in a political trial by Czechoslovakia’s communist regime.

Dozens of squatters and supporters held a peaceful protest Friday near a long-vacant villa in Prague’s Papírenská Street, demanding accessible housing. The event, which included music and a march, followed their May eviction from the property, owned by Lidl. Activists say they had used the space as a free community center. Police monitored the demonstration, which ended without incident.