EU Accession Talks: North Macedonia’s opposition SDSM accused Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski of “secret talks” on the EU path, after he said Skopje is pursuing confidential efforts to unblock the Bulgaria dispute and secure more predictable accession once the impasse ends. Cross-Border Environment: Greece and North Macedonia launched a €3.07m Interreg project to protect and sustainably manage Lake Doirani, aiming for joint governance, monitoring, and hydrological plans. Diplomatic Friction: Albania declared two North Macedonian citizens, Valon Bela and Bekir Halimi, persona non grata over alleged threats to national security and public order, including a 10-year entry ban. Public Safety: North Macedonia reported wildfire spread amid drought and heatwave conditions, with dozens of fires tracked and air support deployed, including near Kavadarci. Sports—Regional Spotlight: KF Shkendija arrived in Scotland for the UEFA Conference League qualifier against Hibernian without head coach Artim Polozani due to documentation delays, while Hibs face multiple injury doubts ahead of the first leg at Easter Road. International Legal Watch: A U.S. federal judge set the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery antitrust trial for March 2–19, 2027, with the merger’s “ticking fee” implications continuing to shape the dispute.