Czech news in brief for February 8: Sunday's top afternoon headlines

Czech snowboarder Zuzana Maděrová claimed Olympic gold in the women’s parallel giant slalom on Sunday in Livigno, securing the first medal for Czechia at the Milan–Cortina Winter Games. The 22-year-old defeated Austria’s Sabine Payer in the final, following in the footsteps of Ester Ledecká, who won the event at the previous two Olympics. More Czech athletes to watch here.

Czech Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar and former minister Vít Rakušan said police are not currently investigating any cases related to US financier Jeffrey Epstein. Former Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský asked Prime Minister Andrej Babiš about possible links to the Czech Republic. Authorities stressed that if any leads emerge, they are obliged to investigate, and Czech intelligence maintains close cooperation with the FBI.

Icy surfaces are expected to form from Sunday evening mainly in northern Moravia and Silesia, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Temperatures will drop slightly below freezing, causing black ice on wet roads and pavements. Elsewhere, ice is likely mainly at higher elevations. A weather warning for the northeast is in effect from 7 p.m. Sunday until Monday morning.

This Valentine’s Day, Czechs will pay 50–100 percent more for roses due to rising wholesale prices in the Netherlands and Germany and higher import costs. Despite the increase, florists expect similar sales to last year, with tulips and mixed bouquets also in high demand. Average spending per person is expected to reach around CZK 2,300, up from CZK 1,950 last year.

A woman in Prague brought an anti-tank shell to a local police station during the ongoing weapons amnesty. The item was found to be inactive, and pyrotechnicians safely handled it. Authorities warn citizens not to transport such munitions themselves, as handling and transport can be extremely dangerous. The amnesty, running until the end of June, allows residents to surrender weapons and ammunition without penalty.