Skopje School Demographics: Education Minister Vesna Janevska says first-grade enrolment for 2026-27 is already sharply down, with the preliminary figure around 14,500 versus 17,921 last year—about 38% fewer first-graders in a decade—pushing plans for fewer primary and secondary classes and possible closure of around 26 rural schools. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Bojana Davitkovska discusses how defending journalists in North Macedonia has shifted from classic defamation cases to broader Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation and coordinated online intimidation. Foreign Policy Pivot to Israel: Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunski says North Macedonia is making Israel a foreign-policy priority, aiming to expand cooperation in defense, investment, tourism, agriculture and water management, including exploring direct flights to Skopje or Ohrid. Local Economy & Society: A report highlights how translation funding cutbacks are limiting international access to North Macedonia’s literature, affecting authors and children’s publishing. Culture & Community: The Kavadarci Museum Gallery opened Amer Hadžić’s “WHATEVER” exhibition, while regional events in Greece spotlight Balkan culture and gastronomy.