North Macedonia–Israel Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski visited Jerusalem and pushed to deepen ties beyond politics, with new cooperation agreements covering education, culture and sports, plus talks on defense industry links, agriculture, water management, innovation, health, tourism and investment, including plans for direct flights to Skopje or Ohrid. Film & Culture: Skopje director Arben Thaçi has begun shooting his second feature, Ajal, a contemporary drama set in the Šar Mountain region, exploring mortality, faith, belonging and family conflict. Press Freedom: Bojana Davitkovska reflects on years defending journalists in North Macedonia, warning that today’s pressure increasingly comes through SLAPPs and coordinated online intimidation. Demographics & Schools: Education Minister Vesna Janevska reports a steep drop in first-graders for 2026–27, with rural school closures expected as cohorts keep shrinking. UNESCO & Lake Ohrid: UNESCO gave Albania and North Macedonia five years to strengthen protection of Lake Ohrid, warning that unchecked construction and pollution could threaten World Heritage status. Regional Arts Spotlight: The Sarajevo Film Festival crowned Austria’s Everytime with the Heart of Sarajevo for Best Narrative Feature Film, while North Macedonia’s Eva Kostić won Best Actress for 17. US Immigration Court Ruling: A US judge struck down Trump-era immigrant visa suspensions affecting 75 countries, including North Macedonia, restoring case-by-case processing.