Czech news in brief for November 10: Sunday's top headlines

The Czech national hockey team defeated Switzerland 5-2 at the Karjala Cup in Helsinki, securing at least second place in the tournament. Leading 3-1 after the first period, the Czechs capitalized on key plays by Jáchym Kondelík and Radim Zohorna, with Michal Kunc and Martin Kaut adding goals. To win the tournament, the Czech team now needs a loss by Finland, who topped Czechia on Saturday, within regulation time in their game against Sweden later today.

Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný attributed rising butter prices to some large dairies and sellers exploiting the market ahead of the holidays. While he lacks tools to directly influence food prices, he urged regulatory bodies to investigate fairness. MP Karel Havlíček noted other factors, such as high energy costs and VAT. Butter prices have risen 34 percent since last year, with milk and other dairy products also seeing significant increases.

The Czech government is set to take a neutral stance on a proposal to ban energy drink sales to children under 15, advocating for expert discussions. While supportive of some regulation, officials question categorizing energy drinks as harmful substances like alcohol or tobacco. The draft proposal suggests restrictions on sales and advertising to minors. The Czech Soft Drink Producers Association opposes the ban, advocating for education over regulation.

Residents of Šumperk witnessed an unusual weather phenomenon on Sunday morning: industrial snowfall. This occurs under specific conditions near industrial sources of moisture, such as heating plants. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, industrial snow is formed when low-layer clouds, fog, and clear skies above combine with industrial emissions, which release heat and moisture.

Czechia’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.7 percent in October from 2.6 percent in September, driven primarily by rising food prices, according to analysts contacted by Czech News Agency. Fuel costs, however, continued to fall, helping to moderate the increase. The Czech Statistical Office will publish official October inflation data on Monday, with analysts anticipating modest price rises in clothing, household items, and dining services.

President Petr Pavel confirmed he will sign the pension reform bill, raising the retirement age to 67, if it passes the Senate. Passed by the Chamber of Deputies, the reform seeks to sustain future pensions but faces criticism from opposition parties ANO and SPD, who pledge to overturn parts of it if elected. Senate discussion is expected, where the governing coalition holds a majority.

Sixty activists occupied a Česká Jablonná dairy farm in protest over animal treatment on Saturday, citing appalling conditions inside the cowshed. Protesters documented the environment to raise awareness of alleged abuse, claiming animals have been confined for years. Police treated the incident as a misdemeanor, while farm staff disputed the claims, noting regular inspections and lawful conditions for the tethered cows.

The D3 highway toward Prague was closed for over two hours between Soběslav and Planá nad Lužnicí on Saturday evening after nine cars struck an unidentified object on the road in heavy fog. The closure lasted from 8:45 p.m. to 11:20 p.m. as police managed the scene. Thick fog also disrupted traffic in other areas, including the road from Třeboň to Jindřichův Hradec.

Czechia’s readiness for modern crises requires a societal mindset shift, not just military changes, Chief of General Staff Karel Řehka said today at the Prague Defence Summit. Řehka highlighted manpower and resource issues, emphasizing the need for civilian involvement in crisis preparedness and resilience against hybrid threats. Organized by IISS, the summit addresses evolving European security challenges, defense capabilities, and technology’s impact on conflict.

A declining number of local newspapers are creating “news deserts” in Czechia, leaving communities without independent reporting and increasing reliance on municipal media, according to a SYRI study by researcher Lenka Waschková Císařová. The study highlights the struggle of local media amid closures, digital transition, and economic pressure from regional and municipal sources, which limits critical views and reporting on local political and societal issues.