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Suspicion of corruption surrounding another large contract for the Czech army has focused attention on how the multi-billion deals are decided. Some politicians are calling for far reaching structural reforms against the background of European moves to foster a more transparent and competitive market.

Czech authorities recently granted permission to experts from Denmark’s Aarhus University to explore the grave of astronomer Tycho Brahe. The famous Danish-born scholar died in Prague in 1601 under suspicious circumstances. Peter Andersen, who has a theory linking Danish king Christian to the astronomer’s death, says research should be done in Denmark as well, and that the consequences could be far reaching.

Mene Tekel, Prague’s annual international festival against totalitarianism, opens in the Czech capital on Monday afternoon with a concert by Jaroslav Hutka and the Blue Effect band on Old Town Square. Now in its fourth year, the festival offers a week full of debates, films screenings and a number of rock concerts.

A huge deal the Czech Republic signed last year to buy armoured personnel carriers for the country’s army has been back in the news this week, amid accusations of corruption involving leading political parties. While Czech politicians have denied any wrongdoing, the police have begun looking into the matter.

One week after the start of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the Czech team has won one gold and one bronze medal and are hoping more will follow before the games are over. But it seems that the Czechs have also impressed in one unofficial contest – fashion.

The Prague transport authority, Dopravní Podnik, has found itself in hot water with the municipal government, after it was discovered that the company has done nothing to fulfil town hall’s order to remove casino bars from the metro. Not only are the casinos still there, but the transport authority has even signed new contracts with some casinos since the restriction was made, some with leases of up to 13 years.

The Czech Republic has been covered in snow and ice for over a month and many people are thoroughly tired of the weather here. But one group of Czech Michael Jackson fans have taken advantage of the freezing temperatures and have created an ice statue of the late pop singer. What’s more, they want a permanent memorial to Jackson built in Prague.

Now, ever gone on holiday and been forced to leave your teddy bear at home? Well, fear not, a Czech tour operator is launching what looks like a world first for tourism – holidays for cuddly toys. Starting from 90 euros you can send your teddy bear or other furry friend on a luxury trip to Prague or other Central European cities – you’ll even receive a photo album with his holiday snaps. Earlier we spoke to the man behind the idea, Tomio Okamura.

The Czech hockey team has gotten off to a winning start in its first game at the Winter Olympics, beating their former federal partners Slovakia 3:1 late Wednesday. The Czechs drew first blood in the match but the Slovaks soon tied. After that it was close almost all the way.

The Czech Republic’s controversial institute for studying its Nazi and Communist totalitarian past is to take a new course. Its current director and one of the main forces behind the institute’s creation was surprisingly voted out of office. We report on the vote and the prospects for the troubled institute under new management.