Corridor 8 Rail Deal: North Macedonia’s PM Hristijan Mickoski says Bulgaria and North Macedonia are committed to the Corridor VIII cross-border railway tunnel, with financing agreements for the Kriva Palanka–Deve Bair section expected to be signed soon; the EU is set to provide a €149 million grant under the Western Balkans Investment Framework, alongside EIB/EBRD funding. Environment & Regional Cooperation: Greece launched a €3.07 million Interreg project with North Macedonia to improve governance and sustainable management of Lake Doirani, setting up joint structures and monitoring plans. Security & Diplomacy: Albania declared two North Macedonian citizens persona non grata—Valon Bela and Bekir Halimi—citing threats to national security and public order, with a reported 10-year entry ban and deportation for Bela. Military Posture: Türkiye completed the move of the Southeast Europe Brigade headquarters from Kumanovo to Istanbul, with the formation now operating from Orgeneral Muharrem Mazlum İskora Barracks. Wildfires From Drought: Heat and drought are driving wildfires across North Macedonia; the Crisis Management Center reported 14 open-air fires by Aug. 4, with Kavadarci among the hardest hit. Sports (Local Impact): Hibernian took a 2-1 lead over Shkendija in the UEFA Conference League qualifier, with Warren O’Hora scoring late; the second leg is set in Skopje.