Water Crisis & Political Tensions: North Macedonia’s opposition says young SDSM activists were attacked and threatened during a visit to the Strumica area tied to concerns over drinking-water contamination in Gostivar, comparing the tactics to those used by Serbia’s ruling circles. Wildfires & Drought Pressure: With a heatwave gripping the country, wildfires are spreading; by Aug. 4 the Crisis Management Center reported 14 open-air fires, including a major blaze near Kavadarci. Cross-Border Environment: Greece launched a €3.07m Interreg project with North Macedonia to improve governance, monitoring and sustainable management of Lake Doirani. Regional Rail Push: Corridor 8 momentum continues, with major EU funding for the Kriva Palanka–Bulgaria border railway phase aimed at strengthening the Balkans’ key rail link. Diplomacy in Ohrid: Kazakhstan opened an honorary consulate in Ohrid, with talks focused on trade, culture and tourism cooperation. Culture & Film: Macedonian director Marjan Gavrilovski has begun shooting “Ants / Mravki,” a dark comedy about a hidden case involving a trans woman. Sports Note: Jaylon Brown, who previously played in North Macedonia, has signed with Australia’s Cairns Taipans for the off-season.