Hundreds of guests attending the Czech Ball at Prague’s Municipal House were evacuated on Saturday evening after an anonymous caller reported a bomb in the historic building. Police and emergency services swiftly responded, closing off the area and conducting a thorough inspection. “We received a report via the emergency line about a possible explosive device inside the Municipal House,” police spokeswoman Eva Kropáčová told Novinky.cz. “Evacuation is underway, and the building is being searched.” Authorities cleared approximately 500 people from the venue and cordoned off the surrounding streets as a precaution. Bomb disposal experts were deployed to inspect the premises. A large emergency response team arrived at the scene, including police units, firefighters, and paramedics. Given the freezing temperatures of around -5°C, medical teams dispatched a special Fenix emergency vehicle to assist those waiting outside. Just after 11 p.m., police confirmed there was no danger, and the ball resumed after more than an hour. Authorities are now searching for the person behind the false alarm, who could face charges for spreading panic. The seventh edition of the Czech Ball is an annual high-society event held at the Municipal House, one of Prague’s most famous landmarks. Would you like us to...
An alarming new drug, nitazene, is making its way through Czech online platforms. Sourced from China, this substance—more dangerous than fentanyl—has already captured the attention of customs officials. In recent weeks, online spaces have seen a surge of advertisements promoting nitazene worldwide. Customs officers in the Czech Republic have intercepted shipments linked to the drug, prompting concerns over its spread. Investigative efforts by Bellingcat and coverage on investigace.cz have shed light on the issue. Their research uncovered numerous nearly identical ads. One such message read: “Hello, friend. Our advantage is safe and fast delivery, ensuring your products arrive on time and in pristine condition. Our efficient process balances security and speed for a seamless experience every time.” These ads typically include contact details via Telegram or Signal and display an image of a white to grayish powder. In the Czech Republic, the drug has been promoted on eight different websites—including Hyperinzerce, Chov zvířat, Zbavsetoho, and primabazar.cz—although inquiries have so far gone unanswered. More Toxic Than Fentanyl Developed around sixty years ago as an alternative to morphine, nitazene was never approved for medical use. In stark contrast to fentanyl, nitazene compounds are estimated to be ten to forty times more toxic;...
The Czech government is set to discuss regulated sales of kratom and cannabis with THC levels up to 1% on Wednesday, with the changes potentially taking effect in July. The regulation focuses on substances deemed to pose low public health and social risks based on current scientific evidence. These include kratom and kratom extracts, known for their stimulant and pain-relieving effects; cannabis with up to 1 percent THC, a low-potency form of cannabis with minimal psychoactive effects. Low-THC cannabis products will be permitted to be sold in licensed stores starting this summer in Czechia, although certain forms of commerce such as automated vending machines remain prohibited. Additionally, starting on April 1, 2025, general practitioners (GPs) in the Czech Republic will be authorized to prescribe medical cannabis to suffering patients. The policy change is a result of a new decree from the nation’s Ministry of Health. “The decree allows GPs to prescribe medicinal cannabis for chronic, intractable pain,” Ministry spokesperson Ondřej Jakob previously said. Medical cannabis was first legalized in Czechia in 2013, however, only specialists can currently prescribe it resulting in roughly 8,000 patients receiving legal access. There is also a push in Czechia for wider adult-use cannabis legalization. However,...
SaSaZu, one of Prague’s most acclaimed restaurants, is hosting an exclusive dinner on March 17, 2025. Guests will have the rare chance to taste a menu inspired by the legendary Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse restaurant in Monte Carlo. The event will be led by Emmanuel Pilon, the head chef of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, alongside SaSaZu’s chefs, Ari Munandar and Andy Tan. The one-night-only experience will bring together some of the finest culinary minds, blending the best of French haute cuisine with Asian flavors. Emmanuel Pilon, who upholds the legacy of Alain Ducasse, is known for his dedication to authentic taste, precision, and innovation. Under Ducasse’s philosophy, dishes emphasize less salt, sugar, and fat, promoting a refined yet health-conscious approach to fine dining. Alain Ducasse is a culinary icon, having accumulated 21 Michelin stars throughout his career. His meticulous approach to cooking has shaped the modern fine-dining landscape, making this event a must-attend for food enthusiasts. Since its opening, SaSaZu has been at the forefront of Prague’s dining scene, renowned for its Asian fusion cuisine. The restaurant is known for combining authentic Asian flavors with modern culinary techniques, offering guests an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Thanks to its commitment to...
In a shocking act of vandalism, a man in Prague damaged 52 cars in a single evening on February 2. The incident took place in Vršovice, near the tennis courts on Magnitogorská Street and Baškirská Street. Police were alerted by an eyewitness who saw the suspect slashing car tires. When officers arrived, they realized the scale of the damage was much larger than expected. All the affected cars had been parked illegally—on sidewalks, lawns, or outside designated spaces—likely due to a football match at the nearby Eden stadium. A few minutes after the police arrived, they detained a 46-year-old man, who admitted to the crime during questioning. He expressed his frustration with football fans, explaining that he disliked how they often disregard parking rules. However, it was later revealed that some of the damaged cars belonged to the man’s neighbors. These cars were temporarily parked on the street after the owners had trouble finding space near their homes. According to police spokeswoman Eva Kropachová, the suspect had a history of setting fire to abandoned cars in his neighborhood, which homeless people had used. The suspect had consumed a large amount of alcohol before committing the act, with a breathalyzer reading...
In Milovice (Nymburk District), a driver came dangerously close to hitting a young girl at a pedestrian crossing, raising concerns about road safety. The incident occurred on February 6 on Armádní Street and was caught on a security camera. The footage shows the girl, a primary school student, stepping onto the crossing when a car speeds through, missing her by mere centimeters. Local police quickly identified the driver and referred the case to administrative proceedings. Authorities suspect the driver violated the law requiring motorists to yield to pedestrians at crossings. If found guilty, the driver could face a fine of up to 5,000 CZK, four penalty points, or a driving ban ranging from six months to a year. The police have not disclosed the driver’s identity or age but confirmed that no criminal charges would be pursued. In response to the incident, the police issued a public warning, urging both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant. “Drivers must always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and be particularly cautious when children are present,” police stated. “At the same time, pedestrians should not assume that a vehicle will stop—they should always check for slowing traffic before stepping onto the road.” Would you...
According to the Prime Minister and the latest economic index, Czechia is flourishing, even as Poland and Romania begin to close the gap. According to data released by the Prosperity and Financial Health Index, Czechia now boasts the ninth healthiest economy in the European Union. GDP and consumer spending are on the rise, inflation has been tamed, debt levels remain stable, and Czech companies are steadily returning to domestic ownership. While such progress might prompt celebrations and counter the narrative of an imminent takeover by Asian economies, there’s an important caveat: even though GDP and consumption are increasing, our pace is slow compared to other nations, where growth is notably swifter. “Czechia is doing well. Both GDP and consumer spending are growing,” Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated on the FLOW program. His remarks were meant to boost the morale of citizens—many of whom, he believes, are reluctant to spend due to a gloomy outlook. He also dismissed claims that the government’s consolidation measures have squeezed the budgets of low-income households. In fact, real wages are rising, and the government recently reduced the VAT rate on food from 15% to 12%, a welcome move given that groceries are the largest expense...
Which 5G network in the Czech Republic is the fastest? We have the answer. O2 has been awarded the title of the fastest 5G network in the Czech Republic by independent testing firm Ookla. The accolade follows a comprehensive evaluation based on more than a thousand user tests conducted in the third and fourth quarters of last year using the Speedtest tool. According to the report, O2’s network achieved a median download speed of 146.99 Mb/s—with speeds soaring to 330 Mb/s in Prague. These impressive figures contributed to a Speed Score of 141.18 points, leaving competitors T-Mobile at 117.79 and Vodafone at 82.26. Jan Hruška, O2’s Technology Director, remarked: “After four years of extensive 5G coverage in the Czech Republic, this award is a testament to the hard work of hundreds involved in the project. It also confirms that our customers are enjoying the best service available in the Czech market.” The Speedtest Award is based on a composite score that considers both download and upload speeds, as well as latency. O2’s network demonstrated not only remarkable download speeds but also robust upload performance—exceeding 32 Mbps—and an average latency as low as 19 ms. Notably, the network’s performance in Prague...
On February 14, 1945, the American Air Force carried out an air raid over Prague which ranks as the most futile attack on Czech territory of the Second World War. Seventy-eight years later it is still not clear whether the attack was an accident caused by bad weather conditions and the fact Prague and Dresden looked similar from the air, or whether it was a deliberate attack. Due to low visibility, and some apparent similarity in the layout between the two cities from the air, the American forces dropped over 150 tons of bombs over the Czech capital, resulting in what was easily the worst destruction Prague saw during WWII – and perhaps, in its history. While much of the historical center was spared, the bombs hit nearby districts in New Town, Vinohrady, Vyšehrad, Vršovice, Nusle, and elsewhere. 701 people died during the attack, which wounded a further 1,184. While air raid sirens went off during the bombing, it has been theorized that many citizens ignored them, having become accustomed to the familiar sounds that ring out each month. Buildings such as the 14th-century Emmaus Monastery in Vyšehrad and the 17th-century Faust House by Karlovo náměstí were mostly destroyed and...
Around the world people are celebrating St Valentine’s Day, the traditional day of lovers. But did you know that the Church of SS Peter and Paul in Prague’s Vyšehrad may be home to a relic of the famous saint? The Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, located in the complex of the Vyšehrad fortress, is one of the Czech capital’s most prominent churches alongside Prague Castle’s St. Vitus Cathedral. Located atop the hill in Vyšehrad, the neo-gothic church is not only a prominent fixture in the central Prague skyline, but also the resting place of many famous Czechs, including author Karel Čapek and composer Antonín Dvorák. But the church also claims to be the final resting place of at least part of another very famous figure: Saint Valentine himself. In 2002, while sorting through the basement at the Basilica, members of the church stumbled upon several relics, one of which was labeled as the shoulder blade of St. Valentine. It is believed to have been brought to Prague in the 1300s by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who lived in Vyšehrad, the castle that houses the church. St. Valentine’s bone is now on permanent display and celebrated with a...
Shoppers in the Czech Republic are feeling the strain of yet another rise in food prices, even as overall inflation has eased. While the country’s inflation rate dipped to 2.8%, grocery bills continue to climb, with the cost of everyday essentials seeing sharp increases since the start of the year. Data from the Czech Statistical Office shows food prices have jumped nearly 5% compared to last January. The rise is particularly steep in dairy products, with butter now selling for 61 crowns per package, up from 44 crowns a year ago—a 40.5% increase. Eggs have also become noticeably more expensive, surging 24.6%, while meat prices across all categories are up as much as 10%. Agricultural analyst Petr Havel notes that while food prices are still rising, the hikes are less severe than in previous years. He attributes the recent increase in meat and egg prices partly to stricter animal welfare regulations, including the ongoing phase-out of cage farming. Not all products are getting more expensive. Potato and sugar prices have fallen by more than 20%, thanks to a current sugar surplus. However, vegetable prices are expected to keep rising until April due to seasonal factors. Barring any major disruptions, overall...
The Prague Technical Administration of Communications has signed a contract for the design and planning of a major renovation of Čech Bridge, which spans the Vltava River, connecting the Old Town with Letná. The engineering firms Pontex and Pragoprojekt, along with experts from the Czech Technical University, will oversee the project’s documentation and preparation. The last major renovation of Čech Bridge took place between 2000 and 2001, when tram traffic was disrupted for ten months. At the time, road and sidewalk surfaces were removed, and the steel structure was insulated and repaired. Now, based on a recent diagnostic survey, a complete replacement of the bridge deck is planned. The new deck will be constructed using ultra-high-performance concrete, a material increasingly used in Prague due to its durability. The project will also include anti-corrosion treatment of the supporting structure and general maintenance. Since the bridge deck replacement affects tram tracks and railings, the existing structures will be temporarily removed and later reinstalled. Utility networks will also be relocated, including a temporary transfer to a separate structure during the repairs. The reconstruction aims to extend the lifespan of Čech Bridge while preserving its historical significance. The project will be coordinated with the...
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