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Czech snowboarder Zuzana Maděrová finished second in the parallel giant slalom at the World Cup event in Krynica, Poland, in her first start since winning Olympic gold. The 22-year-old was beaten in the final by Japan’s Tsubaki Miki, who had also been the only rider to outpace her in the morning qualification. It was Maděrová’s sixth career podium finish in the elite series and her fourth this season. She also placed second in December in Davos and in January 2024 in Simonhöhe, confirming her strong form following her Olympic triumph.

Several flights from Prague’s Václav Havel Airport have been cancelled, all of them departures to Tel Aviv and Dubai, as airlines respond to the closure of airspace in parts of the Middle East. According to the airport, the cancellations concern services scheduled for Friday and are directly linked to security restrictions following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory action in the region. Further delays or cancellations cannot be ruled out. Airport officials advised passengers to check the latest information on the airport’s website or with their carrier. Iranian and several neighbouring countries’ airspaces have been temporarily closed, disrupting routes between Europe and the Gulf.

Most Czech government and opposition politicians have described Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran as justified or understandable. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said Czechia stands by its allies, calling Iran’s uncontrolled nuclear programme and support for terrorism a threat to Europe. According to the Drozd system, three Czech citizens are currently in Iran. Iranian and several regional airspaces have been closed, and no evacuation flights are planned. Police say there is no immediate threat to Czechia, though preventive measures are in place. Analysts warn of possible impacts on oil prices, trade and global air transport.

The Czech state will provide CZK 1.55 billion to transform sites affected by coal mining in the Ústecký kraj and Karlovarský kraj. The programme, launched by the Ministerstvo životního prostředí, will combine grants with interest-free loans to support redevelopment projects. Funds can be used to convert disused industrial areas into community and cultural centres, schools, healthcare facilities, social services hubs or public spaces. Environment Minister Igor Červený said the aim is to give former coal regions a new purpose. Most funding—CZK 1.2 billion—will go to the Ústecký region, with CZK 350 million earmarked for Karlovy Vary.