Czech news in brief for October 12: Saturday's top headlines

Two memorial oak trees were planted today in Tisemnice Valley, Tábor, to honor Hussite leader Jan Žižka, 600 years after his death. Žižka, believed to have been born under an oak in Trocnov, is commemorated across the Czech Republic with symbolic oaks. The event was part of Žižka Weekend, which included a lecture, a documentary preview, and reenactments of Hussite military life, marking the culmination of Tábor’s year-long anniversary celebrations.

Several sewage treatment plants in Moravia and Ostrava have shut down following recent floods, leading to significant contamination of the Odra and Morava rivers. Sewage, bacteria, and other pollutants have transformed the rivers into hazardous environments, raising concerns about public health and the ecosystem. The restoration of sewage plants may take several months.

Strong winds are expected to affect most of the Czech Republic tonight and throughout Sunday, reaching speeds of up to 65 kilometers per hour and possibly 90 kilometers per hour in mountainous areas. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a warning, indicating risks of falling branches and minor damage to buildings. The warning applies nationwide, except for Zlín and eastern South Moravian regions. Residents are advised to secure windows and doors and remove loose outdoor items.

The average gross monthly salary for state employees in the Czech Republic is set to rise by CZK 2,990 to CZK 47,190 in 2025, reflecting a 6.8 percent increase. The state budget will allocate CZK 19.4 billion more for salaries than in 2024. Funding for teachers will increase by CZK 6.6 billion, raising their average salary from CZK 52,412 to CZK 56,056. Overall, the number of state-funded positions will rise to 488,961.

The ANO party has formed a coalition with SPD in four regions, reports Novinky.cz. While SPD leader Tomio Okamura celebrates this achievement, questions arise about potential cooperation at the government level following a possible ANO victory in the 2025 elections. ANO leaders previously rejected such collaboration but are now keeping options open. Okamura expressed his desire for SPD to join the government, aiming to replace the current coalition led by Prime Minister Fiala.

The Czech national football team secured a 2-0 victory over Albania in the Nations League on Friday evening. Striker Tomáš Chorý scored both goals, the first in the 3rd minute and the second after an hour of play. This win, their second in Group B1, strengthens their chances of advancing to Division A. Czech coach Ivan Hašek's team avenged last year’s 0-3 loss to Albania in the Euro qualifiers. The Czech team will next face Ukraine in Wrocław on Monday.

Prague commemorated the 600th anniversary of Jan Žižka's death with a ceremony at Bethlehem Chapel on Friday. The ceremony featured a divine service and the display of Žižka's alleged sword, returned from Sweden after 400 years. An exhibition runs at the location until Sunday. Historians, including Professor Petr Čornej, suggest the sword is likely a curiosity from Emperor Rudolf's collections. The event also includes the premiere of a film about Žižka and Jan Amos Komenský, and lectures by historians.

Coal-fired power plants were the biggest polluters in Czechia in 2023, according to environmental groups. While emissions of hazardous substances like mercury fell, plants such as Pocerady and Chvaletice remain major polluters due to exemptions from emission limits. Environmentalists argue that shutting down major coal plants could reduce carbon emissions. In response, Sev.en group, which owns key plants, said the rankings are misleading and highlighted investments in reducing emissions while maintaining energy stability.

Czech tennis player Tomáš Macháč will face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the Shanghai Masters semifinals after defeating Carlos Alcaraz. Macháč, 23, claimed a 7:6, 7:5 victory over the world No. 2 and four-time Grand Slam champion. This is Macháč's first Masters semifinal, where he hopes to continue his sensational run. He previously faced Sinner in Miami this year, losing in straight sets. The match is scheduled for today at 10:30 CEST.

The Brno City Museum opened an exhibition commemorating William L. Kiggins, the only American pilot killed in Brno during World War II. Kiggins, 21, was shot down on October 11, 1944, while flying a P-51 Mustang. The exhibition, The Last Flight of W. L. Kiggins, showcases plane fragments and documents detailing his mission and WWII history. Kiggins’ plane was hit by German anti-aircraft fire after he destroyed fuel tankers near Slatina. His remains were later returned to Toledo, Ohio.