News in brief for Aug. 5: Top headlines for Czechia on Saturday

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) has extended a heavy rain warning through Sunday for multiple regions including the Jeseníky Mountains, Giant Mountains, Beskydy Mountains, Zlín Region, and Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. In these areas, rainfall of 40 to 70 liters per square meter is expected along with thunderstorms.

A cold front will continue to affect the weather until Sunday evening, causing heavy rain in the eastern half of the country. The precipitation is expected to weaken on Sunday afternoon but continue intermittently into Monday. The warning applies to Moravia, Silesia, and eastern Bohemia.

Klára Davidson Spilková emerged as the sole Czech golfer to progress to the weekend rounds of the Scottish Open. Securing a tie for 53rd place after the second round with two shots over par, she advanced while compatriots Kristýna Napoleaová (+5) and Jana Melichová (+9) failed to make the cut.

The tournament's midpoint saw Japan's Hinako Shibuno leading with an impressive 12 strokes under par. Sweden's Maja Stark fis close behind, trailing by two strokes. The Scottish Open, a part of the LPGA and Ladies European Tour, offers a substantial top prize of two million dollars (CZK 44 million).

Czech police, in collaboration with counterparts from France, Spain, and Europol, successfully dismantled a cell of an organized crime group operating across the EU, according to a police spokesperson. The joint operation, conducted in June, targeted the group's involvement in international trucking and revealed theft valued at over 15 million euros.

The criminal group operated by creating fictitious companies or impersonating existing ones to receive goods without payment. These stolen items were then distributed on the black market both within the EU and internationally. The operation resulted in the arrest of nine suspects, including the main organizer.

Eighteen-year-old tennis prodigy Linda Nosková is set to compete in the semi-finals of the Prague Open today as the lone Czech player remaining in the tournament. Nosková will face Germany's Tamara Korpatsch, with their match scheduled as the second on the program today. However, Prague is expected to receive persistent rainfall throughout the day.

Nosková's progression to the semi-finals matches her achievement from last year. Today's match will also mark her first face-off against Korpatsch. The other semifinal match will pit Japan's Nao Hibino , who eliminated Tereza Martincová, against Romania's Jaqueline Cristian.

Collaborative efforts between Czech Republic police, customs authorities, and canine units led to the apprehension of a festival-goer carrying a substantial amount of drugs during the Let It Roll music festival in Milovice. A check on a shuttle bus transporting festival attendees yielded the discovery.

"Based on the information we had, we checked the bus. We found a large amount of drugs on one of the passengers," a police spokesperson noted. Video of the check has been published to social media, raising questions about proper procedure and passenger rights adherence. The Let It Roll festival ranks among the world's largest drum and bass music events, attracting a global audience to Milovice annually.

The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) has urged South Korea to consider suspending its Scout Jamboree due to extreme heat, and scouts from the United Kingdom and United States are leaving the country. Hundreds of scouts from the Czech Republic are also participating in the event.

About 40,000 participants from over 150 countries are attending the Scout Jamboree, including 413 from the Czech Republic. Czech scouts reportedly have not experienced health issues, but the Czech Embassy in Korea offered assistance with accommodation and other necessities due to initial unpreparedness of their campsite. South Korean organizers are evaluating options amidst temperatures reaching 35 to 38 degrees Celsius.

Josef Baxa, the recently appointed chairman of the Czech Constitutional Court, said on Friday that he envisions his important role as that of a conductor, harmonizing the collaboration between his existing and incoming colleagues. His focus lies in making the court comprehensible and approachable, with a "user-friendly" approach. He also said the Constitutional Court must fulfill its role, and not overstep it and meddle with the role of other constitutional institutions.

Kateřina Ronovská, the new deputy chairwoman, anticipates applying her academic administrative experience to her new managerial position. She also acknowledged earlier that her gender played a role in President Petr Pavel's decision to nominate her. 

In July, approximately 73,000 Prague residents utilized shared bikes through the Prague Lítačka public transport card, marking a considerable 39-percent year-on-year increase. Filip Drápal, spokesperson for the Regional Organizer of Prague Integrated Transport, mentioned that this also represents a 20-percent drop from June, as people often bike to work or school. Lítačka holders can enjoy two daily 15-minute free rides.

Favorable weather and increasing public awareness of the scheme contribute to the surge in usage, according to Drápal.

The Czech Mercedes-Benz Club marks its 60th anniversary today at the National Technical Museum. Over 130 cars from different models and years will gather, with 12 rare vehicles showcased in the afternoon. 

The event starts at 10 a.m. with an exhibition at the museum's premises, showcasing cars until 4:30 p.m. The motors’ owners will also give talks, as will members of the Czech Mercedes-Benz Club. Historical club films will screen simultaneously, and brand-related stories begin at 11 a.m.

Sparta and Slavia Prague are both aiming to maintain their 100-percent win record in the Czech First League this weekend. Defending champions Sparta faces Pardubice, while Slavia meets Zlín as favorites. Sparta's recent 1-0 victory in Zlín showcased their defensive strength, while Pardubice seeks their first league goal. 

Hradec Králové also debuts its new stadium against České Budějovice. Plzeň, after a tough qualification win against Drita, faces Ostrava on Sunday in the European Conference League. Slavia is currently on top of the table and SK Dynamo at the bottom.

The 32nd Glass Melting with Wood event began Friday with hundreds of attendees in Deštné, Orlické hory (in Hradec Králové). The glass festival, held at the Museum of Winter Sports, Tourism, and Crafts, will run until Sunday, concluding with a traditional auction of crafted items. Around 60-70 glassblowers are participating.

Prior to Covid-19, about 3,500 attendees would visit the event. This year, organizers for about 2,000. The first day saw an estimated 300 visitors. Organizers innovated the festival layout for a more child-friendly experience, retaining the core concept. The process of melting glass with wood has a more than 400-year tradition in Orlické hory.

Famous Czech actress Jana Šulcová's funeral was on Friday afternoon held at Prague's Motol crematorium. The ceremony, attended by relatives and friends, saw moderator Aleš Cibulka honoring Šulcová's daughters' wish for a lighthearted speech. Fond memories and amusing anecdotes from Šulcová's life evoked laughter in the packed hall. 

The media were absent as per the family's request. Šulcová, who starred in classic films such as The Cremator and I Enjoy the World with You (S tebou mě bavi svět), passed away in late July aged 76 due to long-term health issues.