Reading time: 2 minutes 
Summary for: Czech news in brief for May 9: Saturday's top afternoon headlines
Cold front to bring snow to Czech mountains
Cold front to bring snow to Czech mountains
A cold front moving across Czechia next week is expected to bring a sharp drop in temperatures, with light snowfall forecast in mountain areas, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Snow showers may appear on Tuesday at elevations above roughly 900–1,000 meters, particularly in northwestern regions, though it is expected to melt quickly. Temperatures will remain below 20 degrees Celsius all week across the country, with possible morning frost returning midweek.
Czechs split on defense spending levels
A STEM survey shows Czechs are divided on defence spending, with 17 percent supporting cuts, 24 percent favoring the current NATO target of 2 percent of GDP, and 27 percent preferring an increase to the alliance average of 2.8 percent. Another 17 percent would support even higher spending. The poll also found 57 percent feel Czechia’s security is currently threatened, while 82 percent support NATO membership.
Fire in Prague hotel forces evacuation
A fire broke out on Saturday morning in the basement sauna of a hotel on Blanická Street in Prague’s Vinohrady district, prompting the evacuation of guests and staff. Firefighters from multiple units brought the blaze under control after it started shortly before 11 a.m. Ten people were rescued and two were treated by paramedics. Parts of the building and nearby tram services were temporarily disrupted as authorities began investigating the cause and damage.
First Czechs in 16 years join WNBA
Basketball players Eliška Hamzová and Emma Čechová have become the first Czech women in 16 years to join the WNBA, signing one-year contracts with the Minnesota Lynx after training camp in Minneapolis. The pair will begin the new season this weekend. Hamzová follows in the footsteps of her mother Romana, who also played in the US league. The WNBA has recently seen rising salaries and stronger financial conditions for players.
Missing senior found after forest search
An 78-year-old man from Hošťálková in the Vsetín area was found in a forest after more than nine hours of searching by police and firefighters. He had left home for a walk on Friday afternoon and did not return, prompting a large overnight search involving a helicopter, drones, dogs, and dozens of rescuers. He was located on Saturday morning in difficult terrain and transported to emergency medical care in relatively good condition.
POLL RESULTS: The Czech government is considering a proposal to introduce a reduced VAT rate of six percent on selected foods and hygiene products, including fruits, vegetables, diapers, and menstrual products. We asked readers what they think. A large majority, 83 percent, support the measure as a way to help households cope with inflation, while 12 percent oppose it due to cost and complexity concerns, and 5 percent say it depends on which items would qualify.
