Czech news in brief for August 14: Thursday’s top headlines

Prague parents are keeping back-to-school spending largely unchanged, with nearly half planning to spend the same as last year, a survey by NMS agency shows. Most, 63 percent, will limit purchases to CZK 2,000, while 17 percent expect to spend over CZK 3,000, mainly parents of first-graders. First-grade families also shop earlier, starting in August. Over the school year, one-third of parents cite ongoing costs as a challenge, with women, especially single mothers, more likely than men to feel financial strain.

Park zoologists recaptured a female wolf near the Srní visitor center Wednesday night after she had escaped from her enclosure last week, officials said. Tranquilized around midnight, the wolf was confirmed by a chip as belonging to the original pack, which lost at least two females. Photo traps tracked her repeated returns, prompting the recapture. The enclosure, home to 13 wolves, held eight as of Wednesday, according to Šumava National Park spokesman Jan Dvořák.

DNIPRO, Ukraine – Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said Wednesday it is vital the U.S. and Europe align before Friday’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking in Ukraine, Lipavsky urged insistence that borders not be changed by force. European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasized preserving Ukraine’s security, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia does not seek peace.

Dozens gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Prague on Wednesday for a silent protest warning against concessions to Russia in Ukraine peace talks. Titled “Munich 1938, Alaska 2025? Don’t Sell Ukraine!,” the demonstration invoked the WWII-era Munich Agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska Friday. Protesters displayed Ukrainian flags and anti-appeasement banners.

PRAGUE – Prague Zoo distributed six tons of ice to animals Wednesday as temperatures topped 31 degrees Celsius. Polar bears, parrots and other species rolled in or played with ice cubes, some containing frozen treats. Gorillas enjoyed fruit “ice creams.” Cooling towers were also provided in several enclosures. Meteorologists forecast highs up to 37 degrees later this week as the heatwave continues.

PRAGUE – Prague’s Metro B will close between Florenc and Vysočanská stations this weekend and next for track work tied to Českomoravská station’s reconstruction. Replacement trams and extra Czech Railways trains will operate. The station’s closure, originally until year’s end, is extended to early 2026 after damage to supporting structures was found. Repairs on the Bílá Hora tram line finished two weeks early.

Temperatures in the Czech Republic reached 35.4 degrees Celsius Wednesday in Pilsen Mikulce and Doksany, but no August 13 records were broken, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said. Records from 2003 remain higher, with a maximum of 39.5 degrees. Meteorologists expect hotter conditions Thursday and Friday, with possible highs of 37 degrees before cooler weather arrives Saturday.

Czech Television on Wednesday denounced threats and hateful comments targeting its drag-focused talk show “Chi-Chi on the Couch.” The public broadcaster said such attacks contradict democratic values of tolerance and respect. The program, streaming since July, features drag performers discussing childhood experiences, fashion and discrimination. CT said it will continue protecting creators and supporting diverse perspectives in public debate.