Czech news in brief for January 30: Friday's top morning headlines

Persistent snowfall and freezing conditions caused widespread transport delays across Czech regions, including Prague and Cetnral Bohemia, on Thursday. Regional police reported over 50 traffic accidents by mid-morning, including a fuel tanker crash that closed Highway 27 near Rakovník. Public transport was also hit, with several suburban bus lines canceled or significantly delayed. Road crews have deployed 200 spreaders and dozens of tractors to maintain navigability as snow continues to fall across most of the territory.

Several leading Czech media organizations and ten editors-in-chief have issued a joint appeal to Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, urging him to end the selective exclusion of journalists from press conferences. The protest follows a recent incident where a reporter from Deník N was barred from an official briefing. Professional associations, including the Syndicate of Journalists, stated that such discrimination violates European media freedom regulations and undermines democratic transparency in public institutions.

Firefighters evacuated 121 people and rescued 16 others after a fire broke out at the Na Větrníku student dormitory in Prague-Břevnov early Friday morning. The blaze, which started in a single room shortly after 2:30 a.m., prompted a second-degree alarm. One person was treated by emergency services at the scene. Authorities provided a bus to keep students warm during the evacuation while investigators worked to determine the cause of the fire.

IKEA will ban dogs and other pets from all its Czech furniture stores starting Feb. 1, 2026. The company cited the need to maintain hygiene standards and comply with legislation regarding public catering areas. The rule applies to the entire shopping area, though certified assistance dogs remain exempt. Despite some social media backlash, the retailer clarified that children remain fully welcome and dismissed rumors of any age-based entry restrictions.

Czech energy giant ČEZ has reduced prices for its fixed-rate electricity and gas products as of today. The company cut two-year gas fixation prices by roughly 25 percent, now offering rates as low as 1,089 CZK/MWh for three-year contracts. Electricity rates for long-term commitments also saw significant year-on-year decreases. The utility provider confirmed that further price reductions for customers on indefinite contracts are planned for January 2026.