Independence Watch: North Macedonia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations cost 5.5 million euros, with nearly 4.9 million covered by the State Lottery and about 650,000 euros from “socially responsible” companies, after earlier reporting raised questions about who paid and how. Health Alert: West Nile virus continues to hit Skopje, with eight patients hospitalized and deaths reported rising to 8. Energy & Jobs: Alcazar Energy Partners reached financial close on the 131.25MW Štip wind farm, a €180 million project expected to be fully operational by 2028, with construction and operations expected to create 300+ jobs. EU Path & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski says Skopje is ready to share its EU accession experience with Ukraine, while warning against intimidation and unilateral concessions during talks. Security & NATO: A NATO Joint Force Command Naples delegation visited North Macedonia to discuss regional security, training opportunities, and interoperability. Culture & Books: The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair opens Sunday, with Balkan Culture as guest of honour in collaboration with North Macedonia. Education Load: Across the Balkans, schools are adding lockers and digital textbooks to ease heavy schoolbags, with North Macedonia parent groups citing similar concerns.