Czech news in brief for July 6: Saturday's top headlines

The baggage handling situation at Prague Airport has stabilized after complications arose last weekend. Since Tuesday, no flights have departed without luggage. Delays still persist, with arrivals delayed an average of 47 minutes, causing average outbound delays of 39 minutes. Passengers waiting more than an hour for baggage can file a claim to have luggage delivered. The airport is also recruiting temporary staff to manage handling operations.

President Petr Pavel congratulated Labour leader Keir Starmer on his victory in the British elections, expressing eagerness for future bilateral cooperation and strengthened security in Europe. Prime Minister Petr Fiala also extended his congratulations, anticipating no major shifts in British foreign policy and continued support for Ukraine. The Czech Republic and Britain share common views on many issues, Pavel noted, ahead of the NATO summit in Washington next week.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms across much of Bohemia this afternoon. The warning, initially issued for high temperatures and storms, now covers a wider area including parts of Moravia. Meteorologists anticipate thunderstorms to be particularly intense in Southern Bohemia. The storm warning is in effect from 4 p.m. this afternoon to 1 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Police in Prague's Řepy neighborhood are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning on Skuteckého street. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire, prompting about twenty people to flee the scene. Authorities found damage to a street clock near the shooting site. Police officers armed with submachine guns conducted a search but have yet to locate the shooter. The investigation remains ongoing.

An elderly woman tragically died after colliding with a passing train at Vrsovické nádraží station in Prague on Saturday morning. Police spokesperson Jan Daněk confirmed the incident, stating it likely was a suicide. Approximately 120 train passengers were evacuated, and rail traffic in the area experienced delays of up to 30 minutes following the incident.

Today, the Czech Republic commemorates the 609th anniversary of church reformer Jan Hus's death. Hus, burned at the stake for his reformist views, will be honored with a service at Prague's Bethlehem Chapel at 3:00 p.m., led by Czechoslovak Hussite Church head Tomáš Butta. Hus's death sparked the Hussite Wars and influenced national identity, leading to his recognition in modern Czechoslovakia and beyond. July 6 is a national holiday in the Czech Republic.

Creators will receive awards in several categories later today at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival's closing ceremony. British actor Clive Owen and Czech actor Ivan Trojan will receive the Festival President's Award for their contributions to cinema during the event. The festival’s 58th edition will close out with the Greek romance Nail by director Christos Nikou. This year, the festival presented 200 films, including 32 in competitive sections, with 12 competing for the prestigious Crystal Globe.

Barbora Krejčíková will face Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro today in the third round of Wimbledon, aiming to reach the round of 16. Bouzas Maneiro eliminated last year’s champion Markéta Vondroušová earlier in the tournamnet. Krejčíková previously won the French Open in 2021. The match is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. Krejčíková, the only Czech player remaining, advanced after defeating American Katie Volynets in a tight two-set match.

Most Czechs underestimate the importance of inspecting electrical and gas equipment, a recent survey by energy company Epet reveals. Nearly half of households ignore gas appliance inspections, with over 60 percent neglecting electrical installation checks and only 18 percent conducting regular inspections. Electrical injuries, often due to neglected maintenance, have affected 31 percent of respondents. Gas boiler inspections are also overlooked, posing risks of leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico made his first public appearance since an assassination attempt in May, attending the feast of Slavic missionaries Cyril and Methodius at Devin Castle near Bratislava. During his speech, Fico criticized progressivism and liberalism, praised Hungarian PM Viktor Orban, and advocated for peace in Ukraine. The assassination attempt is now being investigated as a terrorist attack.