Crime Ex-DPP chief accused of bribery
Former Prague Transport Company (DPP) head Martin Dvořák has been accused of accepting a five-million-crown bribe linked to the Nádraží Holešovice metro project, police say. Dvořák denies wrongdoing and plans to file a complaint. The accusation is part of the broader Dozimetr corruption case involving multiple officials and businessmen. The main trial in the case is scheduled to begin September 22, authorities report.
health Covid cases rise in Czech Republic
Covid-19 cases are climbing again in the Czech Republic, with 3,100 infections recorded in the first ten days of September, the Health Ministry reports. Hospitalizations remain low, with about 50 patients and three in intensive care. Experts warn the rise is seasonal and may worsen with colder weather. Updated vaccines are available starting Sept. 12, and high-risk individuals are advised to get tested and consider antiviral treatment.
Controversy Prague memorial planned for Kirk
A memorial mass for U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the Chapel of Our Lady, Old Town Hall. Cardinal Dominik Duka will lead the service. Kirk, 31, was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. The memorial has sparked controversy due to Kirk’s divisive rhetoric on topics such as gun violence, civil rights, and the LGBTQ community. Critics argue that honoring him may endorse harmful ideologies.
Capital Prague approves Nové Butovice skyscraper
The city council approved changes to the zoning plan to allow Trigema’s Top Tower, set to become the Czech Republic’s tallest building at 135 meters, near Nové Butovice metro station. The skyscraper will house apartments, offices, shops, and a cultural center, with a 10-meter shipwreck sculpture by David Černý and Tomáš Císař. The developer will contribute 75.7 million crowns to Prague 13 and public improvements. Construction could take three years.
Culture Prague Castle unveils new visual identity
Prague Castle, the Presidential Office, and Lány have a new visual identity designed by graphic studio Marvil. The logo features a custom font, Hrad Display, reflecting the castle’s thousand-year history and modernizing its presentation. The design will be rolled out across signage, social media, and official communications. The competition drew 55 entries, with the winner receiving 1.5 million crowns, and the process cost about 500,000 crowns.