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American actor Leonardo DiCaprio is expected to arrive in Prague later this week to join the cast of What Happens at Night, a new feature directed by Martin Scorsese. The 83-year-old filmmaker reportedly reached the Czech capital in mid-February. The production also stars Jennifer Lawrence, Mads Mikkelsen and Patricia Clarkson. The Apple-backed film is based on a novel by American writer Peter Cameron. It follows an American couple seeking to adopt a child in a snowy European city, where strange hotel guests blur the boundaries between reality and illusion.

Czechia is the eighth most advanced economy in the European Union, according to the latest Prosperity Index compiled by analysts at Česká spořitelna and the Europe in Data portal. The ranking compares quality of life and economic performance across the bloc, with Sweden, Germany and Denmark topping the list. After slipping in the wake of post-invasion inflation in 2022 and 2023, Czechia has climbed back up the table. Analysts note that the country invests heavily, but often in machinery rather than intangible assets such as patents or software. While its economy is complex and highly robotised, experts say future prosperity will depend on shifting towards higher value-added production and innovation.

Police investigators probing crimes committed under the communist regime identified 68 suspects last year, 12 more than in 2024. Of those, 23 were formally charged, according to the annual report of the Office for the Documentation and Investigation of the Crimes of Communism. In one case prosecution was time-barred, in two it was deemed purposeless, and in 42 cases the suspects had already died. The specialised police unit focuses on unresolved crimes from 1948 to 1989, including abuse of power, murder and crimes against humanity.

Last year the office opened 101 new cases. Among those charged were dozens of former officers and senior officials of the communist secret police, the StB. Investigators also continued examining the 1948 death of former foreign minister Jan Masaryk.

Taxi drivers in Czechia will soon have to prove at least basic knowledge of the Czech language, according to a report by Novinky.cz. The Transport Ministry says the aim is to ensure drivers can communicate with passengers and handle road situations safely. Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik (SPD) says the rules, inspired by other EU states, could take effect from January 2028. Ride-hailing platform Bolt has already introduced its own language tests and courses. Officials argue the move will improve safety and service quality amid a surge in foreign drivers, especially in Prague.