Czech news in brief for July 19: Saturday's top headlines

Only 8 percent of Czechs aged 16 to 30 have no income, according to an Ipsos survey. About 28 percent are employed, while 58 percent take part in part-time work or short-term jobs. Among students, just 5 percent report no income. The main motivator is financial independence, with many saving or covering daily expenses. The study also highlights tough housing conditions—39 percent of young Czechs still live with parents, above the EU average.

A three-day Rubik’s Cube competition is underway in Pardubice as part of the Czech Open 2025, with 100 players from across Europe. The event features 17 disciplines, including blindfolded and one-handed solving. Top solvers average around six seconds per solve. Organizers say interest is growing, with newer puzzle types like Megaminx and Square-1 gaining popularity. The event runs through Sunday at the Ideon convention center.

Archaeologists have uncovered remnants of a medieval central heating system at the Pyšolec castle ruins near Vír in Vysočina. The rare air-based heating structure dates to the 14th century and reflects the site’s historical importance. Restoration of the pillar base is planned. The castle, largely demolished by the 15th century, is undergoing long-term preservation. Community volunteers are aiding the difficult terrain logistics.

Heavy traffic ahead of the Brno Grand Prix on Sunday morning left dozens of city buses stuck in gridlock, stranding passengers at the university campus transfer hub. Brno’s transit company added backup buses, raising the total to nearly 50 vehicles, and urged visitors to avoid driving. Rain also delayed access to key parking areas. The race marks the return of the MotoGP event to Brno after a five-year break.

A fire broke out early Saturday at Prague’s U Apolináře maternity hospital, prompting the evacuation of 30 people, including newborns. Firefighters extinguished a coffee machine blaze in the lobby using a single hose. Rescue crews deployed a special Fénix vehicle to safely relocate patients and staff. No injuries were reported. The historic hospital, celebrating its 150th year, has resumed normal operations.

The Czech Foreign Ministry called Russian military intelligence (GRU) sabotage and cyber operations in Europe cowardly and unacceptable in a statement issued Friday. The statement follows UK sanctions on GRU units linked to the 2022 Mariupol theatre bombing and earlier attacks. Prague expressed solidarity with the UK and NATO allies, warning Russian agents also target Czech institutions. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský is pushing for tighter EU limits on Russian operatives’ movement.

Salaries of top Czech politicians could rise by about 5 percent next year, with members of parliament earning over CZK 300,000 monthly for the first time, according to Czech News Agency calculations. The increase is capped by a new law limiting growth in base salary. President Pavel’s pay would reach CZK 383,200. Lawmakers’ monthly pay would grow by CZK 5,500 to CZK 115,000.

Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová said Thursday that Italy and Czechia share similar positions on Ukraine aid and global security after meeting Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto in Rome. They also discussed defense-industry ties, joint missions, and the Czech F-35 fighter jet purchase, with Italy set to assemble half the fleet. Italy will be the partner country at NATO Days in Ostrava this September, Černochová noted.

Police in Pilsen charged a 46-year-old man with extortion and assaulting an officer after he threatened to kill children and later injured a policeman, authorities said Thursday. The intoxicated man made the threats during a 158 emergency call Wednesday evening, demanding action against the government. He was arrested near a playground and injured an officer while being transported in handcuffs.

Water levels at the Orlík Reservoir have dropped three meters since May 1 due to persistent drought, limiting boat traffic at Kořensko lock, officials said Thursday. Submerged structures, including a WWII bunker and old buildings, are now visible. Despite recent rainfall, inflow remain low. Authorities are regulating the Vltava River to maintain ecological balance and water supply, with similar declines also reported at the Lipno Reservoir.

Slovak police jeopardized Czech officers’ safety by revealing a suspect’s arrest while joint teams were still in Ukraine, Czech police told Respekt. The arrest, tied to 2023 school bomb threats, was meant to stay confidential until the teams returned. Czech officials say the suspect may have been paid by Russia. Slovakia’s early disclosure omitted the Russian link, drawing criticism from Czech intelligence and opposition politicians.