Czech news in brief for August 24: Saturday's top headlines

The SPD political party is again under fire for its use of an AI-generated image in its election campaign, this time for one featuring Roma children smoking. The photo is captioned with discriminatory remarks. The non-profit organization Romeo and ethnic minority coordinator Cyril Koky are filing a criminal complaint, accusing the SPD of inciting hatred. This follows a previous complaint about an AI-generated image of a migrant with a knife. SPD leader Tomio Okamura has shared the image on social media.

On Saturday afternoon, firefighters in Prague's Anděl district responded to a situation where several panes of glass fell from a high-rise building on Stroupežnického Street. The fire brigade secured the loose glass and cordoned off the area. Firefighters used a car ladder and stabilization container to manage the situation, with police also involved in the response. The area has been secured to ensure public safety.

Orlen Unipetrol has shut down its ethylene unit in Záluží after a World War II bomb was discovered on-site. The discovery led to the evacuation of 600 people, traffic disruptions, and the closure of a nearby refinery. The bomb, which must remain undisturbed until Tuesday, is being managed by a bomb squad. Production is expected to resume once the bomb is deactivated. The state may provide emergency fuel supplies to Unipetrol.

Prague police are investigating the suspicious death of an elderly woman found deceased on Friday in Vinohrady. The woman, born in 1944, was discovered without signs of life, prompting an investigation for possible external causes. Forensic technicians and investigators worked at the scene, and a court-ordered autopsy has been scheduled. Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the case.

A proposed amendment to Czech labor law would see the Czech Social Security Administration managing disability benefits and related services currently handled by labor offices. Applications for care allowances and disability benefits would be submitted electronically, aiming to speed up processing and enhance oversight. The change seeks to streamline and improve service efficiency.

This year's harvest in the Czech Republic was notably efficient despite challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. The yield was slightly lower than last year, with total cereal production at 7.086 million tons, and rapeseed harvest at 961,500 tons, the lowest since 2003. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný attributed the swift harvest to effective practices despite the weather fluctuations. The agricultural sector has faced recent challenges with prices and weather affecting overall profitability.

The opposition ANO party would win Czech parliamentary elections with 33 percent of the vote, according to the latest July poll conducted by Median. The ODS party would come in second with 14 percent, and STAN third with 9 percent. The Pirates, SPD, and Oath parties would also secure seats, while TOP 09, part of the current ruling coalition SPOLU with ODS and STAN, would fall short with less than 5 percent of the vote.

Nearly 120 landmarks across the Czech Republic will participate in Castle Night tonight, remaining open after dark for costume tours, fairs, and concerts. Konopiště Castle will host tours of restricted areas, live music, falconry displays, and fencing duels. Many events require reservations or tickets. Landmarks include private estates, state properties, and religious sites. Highlights include torch-lit tours at Křivoklát Castle, musical performances at Jindřichův Hradec Castle, and theatrical performances at Rožmberk Castle.

High temperatures in the Czech Republic this summer are threatening fish populations due to a lack of oxygen in the water, experts warn. As water heats up, its oxygen levels decrease while fish metabolism speeds up, increasing their oxygen needs. Warm water exacerbates the situation, especially in areas with algae blooms. In ponds and reservoirs, morning fish deaths are common due to oxygen depletion overnight. Aerators can help, but experts suggest increasing river flow from reservoirs.

Czech tennis player Linda Nosková advanced to the Monterrey Open final after defeating American Emma Navarro 7-6, 7-5 on Friday. The 19-year-old will face New Zealand's Lulu Sun, marking both players' first WTA final. In other Czech tennis action, Kateřina Siniaková was defeated in the semifinals at the Cleveland Open by top seed Beatriz Haddad Maia 3-6, 6-2, 2-6. This was her deepest WTA singles run since winning the Jiangxi Open last October.

Czech police arrested three foreigners in the Olomouc Region for allegedly stealing construction machinery in Austria, where they caused damages in the range of millions of crowns. Acting on a tip from Austrian police, officers found a stolen excavator in their possession. A European arrest warrant was issued for the suspects, aged 35, 39, and 53, who are now in custody awaiting extradition to Austria for further investigation and prosecution.