Czech news in brief for June 6: Saturday's top afternoon headlines

The Czech Army has recruited about 1,400 new soldiers in the first five months of 2026, putting it on track to exceed its annual target. The military currently has 25,000 professional soldiers and 5,500 active reservists, with officials saying recruitment must continue to grow in response to the security situation.

Military growth: The army's original goal was to recruit 1,800 professional soldiers and 450 reservists this year. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has called for even faster growth, pushing future recruitment targets to around 3,000 professional soldiers annually under a long-term military expansion plan.

Nearly 40 percent of Czechs aged 15 to 24 use nicotine products, according to a new national survey on tobacco and alcohol use. Experts say electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and vaporizers are the most popular forms among young users, driven by marketing, flavors, and discreet design.

Health warnings: Health officials warn that nicotine is highly addictive and can harm brain development in adolescents, affecting learning and decision-making. The State Institute of Public Health is calling for tighter regulation of flavors, advertising, and product design to reduce youth appeal and prevent long-term health risks.

Two female polar bears, Anori and Nivi, have arrived at Brno Zoo from Denmark and are adapting to their new expanded enclosure after a 1,200-kilometer transfer. The animals are part of the zoo’s renewed effort to rebuild a breeding group of polar bears.

Breeding plans: The zoo plans to form new breeding pairs under the guidance of the European coordinator for polar bear conservation. If successful, the first cubs could be born in 2027, continuing Brno’s long history of polar bear breeding programs that previously attracted large visitor interest.

Czechia is expected to see mostly sunny and warmer weather through Monday after a week of mixed conditions. Forecasters say only limited rainfall is likely over the weekend, with temperatures reaching up to 28 degrees Celsius in parts of southern Moravia.

Next week forecast: Monday, traditionally known as St. Medard's Day, is forecast to remain dry. Meteorologists expect rain and cooler temperatures to return on Tuesday with the arrival of a cold front.

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord with the D-Day landings in Normandy, one of the decisive turning points of the Second World War. Thousands of Czech and Slovak soldiers still fought alongside the Allies in exile units across Europe. How well do you know WWII history?