• 08/10/2024

    Škoda Auto has ramped up production of its flagship electric vehicle, the Enyaq, to its maximum capacity of around 600 units per day in Mladá Boleslav. Czech economic daily e15 informs that earlier this year, production had to be significantly reduced due to a shortage of electric motors from parent company Volkswagen. The issue has now been resolved, allowing Škoda to restore full production. Despite this, the market is experiencing a surprising decline in demand for fully electric vehicles, with Enyaq sales dropping by 6% in the first half of the year compared to the previous year.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/10/2024

    Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová from the Civic Democratic party has proposed an amendment to the law which would enhance the powers of the Military Police. The draft bill, which should take effect on July 1, 2025, aims to improve the Military Police's efficiency by granting them new capabilities, such as using and disabling drones, seizing driver’s licenses, and entering private property when necessary to protect lives. The proposed amendment also includes a ban on photographing designated military sites, with fines up to 100,000 CZK for violations. The proposal responds to recent security concerns and aims to streamline cooperation with the Czech Police.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/10/2024

    The Prague Pride Parade began Saturday at noon, with participants marching from Wenceslas Square to Letná Plain, where the week-long LGBT+ festival will conclude with cultural events. Organizers expect a turnout similar to last year’s, with around 60,000 people. The parade features colorful attire, rainbow flags, and a train for families and those with mobility issues. Increased police presence is in place due to recent threats against a similar event in Bratislava, but no incidents have been reported so far. The festival’s theme this year is “family,” and events will continue until 10 PM.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/09/2024

    The first Czech women summited Gasherbrum I, the world's 11th highest mountain, in Pakistan's Karakoram range. Former Czech ski team members Lenka Erlebachová and Karolína Grohová reached the 8,080-meter peak on July 28 without supplemental oxygen or the assistance of high-altitude porters and mountain guides. They infomed about their feat in press release on Friday. The challenging climb was completed under favorable weather conditions, despite the season's harsh environment. Erlebachová is a former alpine skier, while Grohová, a cross-country skier, who previously competed in the Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018 Olympics.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/09/2024

    Czech canoe sprinter Martin Fuksa won the 1000-meter race at the Paris Olympics, securing the third medal for the Czech team and his first Olympic medal. The 31-year-old, a three-time world champion, dominated the final, leading from the start and finishing with a time of 3:43.16, setting a new Olympic best.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/09/2024

    Wild boars have started multiplying in some areas in the south-east outskirts of Prague. Municipal authorities are urging caution, especially when walking dogs. Boars are most commonly found in cornfields. Petra Fišerová, spokesperson for Prague's Forestry Department, notes that the urban environment is favorable for boars as they have no natural predators and plenty of food.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/09/2024

    Tameh Czech, a former energy supplier to Liberty Ostrava, has asked the court to change its reorganization to bankruptcy. This is because Liberty Ostrava's financial problems have hurt Tameh's sale process. Tameh was declared insolvent last December and first tried reorganization but found no offers that met the required value. Even in bankruptcy, Tameh will keep looking for a buyer. The company's insolvency was caused by Liberty Ostrava's unpaid debts. This situation is likely to lead to mass layoffs at the steelworks, which is in a region facing economic and social challenges.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/09/2024

    Former North Dakota state senator Ray Holmberg has admitted in federal court to repeatedly traveling to Prague with the intent of paying minors for sex. Holmberg, who made 14 trips to the Czech capital between 2011 and 2021, acknowledged that he engaged with underage masseurs, some of whom provided sexual services. According to the Associated Press, as part of a plea deal that avoids a trial, a second charge related to child pornography has been dropped, with prosecutors recommending a sentence below the 30-year maximum. Holmberg's confession signals the end of his long political career. Sentencing is expected to take several months.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/09/2024

    Czech seniors are protesting against a plan to reduce the distribution of printed discount leaflets, which many rely on for shopping deals. The Ministry of Environment wants to restrict wasteful practices in advertising and proposes a special fee for distributors of printed material. The website Penize.cz reports that the Senior Citizens' Council argues that online alternatives are not feasible for many elderly people, with a significant portion lacking access to the internet or smartphones. They claim the proposal would socially discriminate against them.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 08/09/2024

    A security scare at Prague’s Václav Havel Airport delayed a London-bound flight on Thursday evening when someone reported a suspicious piece of luggage on the flight. According to the site Zdopravy.cz a ticking noise was coming from one of the suitcases on a Ryanair plane that was about to depart for London. The plane was evacuated and explosives experts were called to the scene. The airport also temporarily suspended check-in at Terminal 2. Nothing suspicious was found in the luggage and operations were restored at 7.30 pm CET.

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