Czech news in brief for August 18: Sunday's top headlines

French golfer David Ravetto secured his first European Tour title with a four-stroke victory at the Czech Masters tournament on Sunday. Ravetto overtook Sweden's Jesper Svensson, the previous leader, during the final round at PGA National Oaks, finishing with a score of eight under par. Czech players Filip Mrůzek and Šimon Zach finished in 62nd and 71st places, respectively.

A newly completed six-kilometer section of the D6 motorway between Prague and Karlovy Vary was opened to the public on Sunday for a special preview. Cyclists, skaters, and even children on scooters had the opportunity to enjoy the smooth, fresh asphalt before the road opens to vehicles later this month. In addition to exploring the new road, visitors enjoyed attractions such as pedal car slaloms, construction equipment displays, and a bouncy castle for kids.

Meteorologists have issued a high-level storm warning for the Czech Republic today, with particularly severe conditions anticipated in Bohemia. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecasts torrential rain across the country. Thunderstorms, hail, and wind gusts up to 70 km/h are expected, starting in the afternoon and continuing into the night. Firefighters in Moravia-Silesia have already responded to 141 incidents, including fallen trees and water damage.

The Civic Democrats (ODS) are advocating for the introduction of dismissal without cause into the Czech Labor Code, despite objections from Labor Minister Marian Jurečka. Jan Skopeček of ODS reiterated the party’s stance on CNN Prima News, arguing that the current code is too rigid and encourages circumvention through reorganization. The proposed amendment, which will be debated by the government, aims to increase severance pay for dismissed employees and adjust notice period regulations.

The third edition of the NeverMore 68 festival will take place at the Výstaviště Exhibition Grounds in Prague on August 21, commemorating the 56th anniversary of the Soviet-led occupation of Czechoslovakia. The event will feature concerts, film screenings, debates, and a special focus on women of dissent. A bronze memorial by Jiří Sozanský honoring 137 victims of the invasion will be unveiled near the Kampa Museum, where it will remain for at least a year.

Czech football player Adam Hložek has transferred from Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga rival Hoffenheim for €18 million (about CZK 450 million), making him the club’s most expensive signing and the third largest contract for a Czech player in history. Hložek, 22, joins fellow Czech players Pavel Kadeřábek and David Jurásek at Hoffenheim. He struggled to find a regular starting position at Leverkusen, where he scored seven goals in 36 appearances last season.

An extremely strong storm hit the Vysočina and Pardubice regions on Saturday, with over 50 mm of rain falling in 30 minutes at Kadov measuring station in Žďársko. Severe storms with heavy rain and hail are expected across most of the Czech Republic, continuing into Sunday. Sunday night storms will turn to rain, particularly in Bohemia, where heavier rainfall is likely. Weather conditions and potential warnings can be monitored through the website of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute.

Czech historian František Hybl, who uncovered the 1945 mass murder of Carpathian Germans, Hungarians, and Slovaks near Přerov, died at the age of 83 on August 16. Hybl, a director of the Comenius Museum in Přerov, documented the killing of over 260 civilians by Czechoslovak soldiers, a horrific event long concealed. His research revealed the brutal massacre of women and children and earned him Germany's Order of Merit.

Jan Veselý has been named Czech male basketball player of the year for the fifth time, taking the title over teammate Tomáš Satoranský. Veronika Voráčková claimed the women's title, her first win after placing second in previous years. She beat out Julia Reisingerová and Petra Holesinská. Veselý, 34, and Satoranský, 32, both play for Barcelona, while Voráčková represents USK Prague.

The Mayors and Independents (STAN) political party continues to grow by drawing in new and often young members, says leader and Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan on STAN's 20th anniversary. He credits the movement's organic rise from regional to national politics but acknowledges past scandals have hurt trust. Rakušan aims to maintain STAN’s centrist, pro-European stance and strengthen its position in future elections. Despite challenges, STAN remains a key player in Czech politics.