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Sports Czech women's hockey to face off with U.S.
The Czech women’s hockey team will face undefeated Team USA in the World Championship semifinals Saturday at 3 p.m. The Americans shut out Germany 3–0 in the quarterfinals, their third clean sheet of the tournament. Canada beat Japan 9–1 to secure a semifinal against Finland, who edged Sweden 3–2. The U.S. beat Czechia 4–0 in group play and has never missed a World Championship final.
Migration 155,000 Ukrainian refugees employed in Czechia
About 155,000 Ukrainian refugees are currently employed in the Czech Republic, with 95 percent contributing to insurance and taxes, the Labor Ministry said Thursday. Of the 368,000 refugees with temporary protection, 265,400 are working-age adults—most of them women. The ministry notes a steady rise in formal employment and says revenue from taxes and insurance now exceeds refugee support costs. Education on labor rights helped improve early employment challenges.
Security Prague City Service hit by cyberattack
The Prague City Services Administration was hit by a cyberattack and is now grappling with the fallout, including data leaks and restricted communication. Hacker group Cicada3301 has claimed responsibility and published stolen data, demanding negotiations. Authorities confirmed the attack, and the police and the national cybersecurity office are investigating. Services continue, but email and phone systems remain disrupted. The group claims to have stolen 200 gigabytes of data.
politics Most Czechs oppose Trump, U.S. policies
Most Czechs disapprove of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on EU goods and view his presidency negatively, as shown by a CVVM poll. Fifty-seven percent believe he’s weakening U.S. democracy. Only 28 percent consider the U.S. a Czech ally. Elon Musk, serving in Trump’s administration, is viewed even more negatively. The survey found growing skepticism toward U.S. foreign policy, with most Czechs seeing it as self-interested and destabilizing.
Health Czech medicinal cannabis reforms stall
Despite a new April decree aimed at easing access to medicinal cannabis in Czechia, patients and doctors report persistent barriers. Only 22 general practitioners have applied for approval to prescribe cannabis, and many remain unaware of new requirements. Technical issues and a lack of available stock at pharmacies further complicate access. Experts warn that outdated attitudes and system flaws are undermining reform goals meant to expand legal cannabis treatment.
Safety Police increase road checks ahead of Easter
Police have ramped up roadside checks across the Czech Republic ahead of the Easter holiday weekend, citing heightened risks after 12 traffic fatalities in two days. Officers will focus on enforcing bans on drunk driving and phone use behind the wheel. Czech Railways has also boosted long-distance train services to accommodate increased travel, advising passengers to avoid peak hours and use regional connections when possible.
Economy Egg prices keep climbing ahead of Easter
Egg prices in Czechia rose 1.23 percent in April to CZK 69 per 10-pack, up nearly 60 percent year-on-year, the Czech Statistical Office reported. Eggs were among nine of 13 tracked items to rise month-on-month. Easter spending remains steady despite inflation, with households planning to spend CZK 2,950 on average. Retailers note strong demand, adding caged eggs back into stock ahead of a 2027 ban.
Society Czechs mark Good Friday with public holiday
Czechs observe Good Friday with religious ceremonies and fasting to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The day, reinstated as a public holiday in 2016, allows for a four-day Easter break, though shops remain open. Good Friday begins the Easter Triduum, culminating in Sunday’s resurrection celebrations. Traditionally, the day is one of quiet reflection, marked by folk customs and observed in about 40 countries worldwide.
