Competition Authority Cartel Ruling: Czech Competition Authority chief Petr Mlsna has definitively confirmed record fines of CZK 279.152 million for meal-voucher issuers Pluxee, Edenred and Up, rejecting their appeals over how the penalties were calculated. Transport Planning: The Czech government approved the “VRT Praha” partial spatial plan for the Prague high-speed rail corridor, giving land protection for the Vršovice–Běchovice section and a freight connection track. Heat & Drought Pressure: Europe’s drought is worsening, with critically low Czech river levels and heat stressing agriculture and transport. International Crime Case Involving Czech Links: US prosecutors say a Mexican cartel sought to use Europe as a base to trade drugs for weapons; four men were charged in connection with arrests in the Czech Republic, with two awaiting extradition in Prague. Sports & Czech Talent Abroad: Slovan Liberec midfielder Ermin Mahmic is reportedly in talks over a big overseas move, with Celtic among the clubs linked. Culture in Prague: The Romanian community will hold its 12th Romanian Celebration in Prague on September 6, featuring music, dance, kids’ activities and Romanian food. Tech/Industry: ADMASYS CZ will showcase defence-focused 3D printing and scanning at Future Forces Exhibition & Forum in Prague (Oct 21–23).