News

Czech goaltender Daniel Vladař recorded his first career NHL playoff victory, making 15 saves as the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3–2 in the opening game of their first-round series. Vladař, starting a playoff game from the opening faceoff for the first time, conceded twice but held firm to secure the win. Goals from defenders Jamie Drysdale and Travis Sanheim, along with a late strike by Porter Martone, sealed the result for Philadelphia. Elsewhere, the Minnesota Wild routed the Dallas Stars 6–1, while the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Ottawa Senators 2–0.

Visitors can enter selected regional museums across Czechia for free this Sunday, as part of a new initiative by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic. The programme, launched earlier this month, designates different Sundays for free access to various institutions, with regional museums featured on the third Sunday. Participating sites include museums in Tábor, Chrudim, Jablonec nad Nisou and Strážnice, as well as institutions in Prague and Brno. Officials say attendance may be higher than usual, following a surge in visitor numbers during previous free-entry days. The initiative aims to make culture more accessible, though its financial impact on museums is still being assessed.

A senior MP from thge ruling ANO Party says it is unlikely that funding for public service media will shift to the state budget by early 2027. Deputy speaker Patrik Nacher suggested legislative delays could prevent the change from taking effect on time. The current licence fee system remains the main source of income for Czech Television and Czech Radio. Under the proposed reform, both would receive significantly less funding. Lawmakers are also considering exemptions from licence fees for young people, seniors and smaller companies, which would further reduce revenues. Media leaders warn the changes could lead to staff cuts and reduced programming, while critics fear increased political influence over public broadcasting.

Czech tennis player Karolína Muchová defeated Elina Svitolina in three sets to reach the final of the Stuttgart tournament, keeping alive her bid for a third career title. Muchová won 6–4, 2–6, 6–4 after a closely contested match, breaking her opponent at 4–4 in the deciding set before serving it out. It was her first victory over Svitolina on the WTA Tour after three previous defeats. In the final, she will face either Mirra Andreeva or Elena Rybakina. Alongside prize money, the winner will also receive a Porsche car.