Czech news in brief for July 15: Tuesday's top headlines

Prague’s Masaryk Railway Station will close to passengers from July 26 to August 1 due to ongoing modernization. Regional trains will be rerouted, mainly to the Main Station, with timetable changes also expected. The upgrade, part of a multi-year project, includes new platforms and a footbridge. Travelers are advised to check updated schedules online. Replacement documents will allow affected passengers to use public transport during the closure.

The Czech Food Chamber warns that expanding duty-free import quotas from Ukraine could devastate the Czech sugar industry. Producers cite the closure of a Hrušovany factory as a cautionary example, with fears of job losses and reduced self-sufficiency. Poultry farmers share concerns over unfair competition. The Chamber urges the government to reject the EU's proposed increase, which may raise Ukraine’s sugar quota fivefold.

Best-selling author Dan Brown will visit Prague to present his new thriller, The Secret of All Secrets, set partly in the Czech capital. The novel, out Sept. 9 in English and Czech, follows Robert Langdon through Prague, London, and New York. Publisher Argo has not confirmed the event date. Netflix is developing a series based on the book. Brown last visited Prague in 2021 as a composer and author.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský reaffirmed support for EU-Israel ties in a call with Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar. Amid EU debates on suspending Israel’s association agreement over Gaza, Lipavský stressed Czech backing for continued engagement. He urged a ceasefire and full humanitarian aid. Talks on a 60-day Gaza truce have stalled, with Israel accusing Hamas of sabotage, according to AFP and Reuters.

Sixteen Czech firefighters arrived in Texas to help search for those missing after devastating flash floods killed at least 132 people. The USAR team began work near the Guadalupe River, using dogs, drones, and boats. They were warned about local hazards, including rattlesnakes. US and Czech officials praised the international aid effort. Volunteers also joined clean-up efforts, highlighting the solidarity sparked by the disaster.

Extensive development is planned around Prague’s Václav Havel Airport. A new law allows the state-owned company to work with private investors to build a district connected to the terminals. Over 35,000 square meters are set for construction. The airport will lead most projects and lease some space to vetted investors. The goal is to boost infrastructure near the city’s main international gateway.

A fallen conductor on the V411 high-voltage line caused a major blackout across parts of Bohemia on July 4, affecting over a million customers. Transmission operator ČEPS released photos of the damaged line but said the cause remains under investigation. Officials ruled out overload or sabotage. Inspections of key lines are underway as part of a broader probe involving European grid experts. See photos here.

Italian cosmetics brand KIKO Milano will open its first Czech store at Prague's Westfield Chodov by year-end. Known for affordable makeup and skincare, the brand offers over 1,000 products. Founded in Milan in 1997, KIKO has gained international popularity for its broad color range and European-made items. The expansion marks the brand’s entry into the Czech market as it continues growing across Europe.