Czech news in brief for November 28: Friday's top afternoon headlines

Emergency medical crews treated five children late Friday morning after a crowd crush at the Schola Pragensis fair in the Prague Congress Centre, officials said. Jana Poštová of the emergency service said two children suffered head injuries, two showed stress reactions, and one was hospitalized. Police said the crush began as visitors pushed through new security frames. Organizers later eased congestion, citing unruly visitors and increased security requirements for large events.

The Energy Regulatory Office announced Friday that households will pay more for the regulated portion of energy prices next year, with electricity rising about 1.1 percent and gas 4.7 percent. Chairman Jan Šefránek said costs could fall more than 15 percent if the new government shifts funding for renewable-energy support to the state. Regulated charges, which include transmission and distribution fees, will make up about half of electricity bills.

Friday and this weekend see further openings of several ice-skating rinks around the city, like Petra Ice Rink and Sady Svatopluka Čecha. Several rinks say they offer scenic views, including Vyšehrad, Letná Plain, and Žižkov TV Tower, while others, such as River Rink Karlín and Terasa Smíchov, combine skating with live music and performances. Admission ranges from free to moderate fees of around CZK 110 for adults on average (with concessions available for children), and operating hours vary.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute warned today that freezing rain will create ice across much of Czechia starting tonight, beginning in the west and northwest before midnight and elsewhere overnight. The advisory remains in effect through Saturday afternoon. Ice will form where rain meets subzero surfaces, covering roads and sidewalks. Meteorologists urged caution for drivers and pedestrians and advised older residents to limit travel as temperatures stay near freezing.

Transport companies said Friday that up to 6 percent of parcels sent to self-service delivery boxes in Czechia are being redirected due to overcrowding, while some brick-and-mortar pickup points reroute as many as 15 percent. Firms report holiday-season volumes up sharply, with Balíkovna up eighty-two percent and GLS and PPL roughly doubling. Carriers say redirection often occurs when customers choose a box early, only for it to fill before handoff.

Special Advent programs at castles and chateaux around Czechia are making the news, offering visitors an alternative to traditional Prague Christmas markets.