Volleyball (Regional Sports): Ukraine beat hosts Bulgaria 3-1 at the Men’s European Volleyball Championship in Sofia, extending its winning streak and topping Group B; Bulgaria’s defeat likely ends its top-spot hopes, while North Macedonia remains winless in the group. Education (Local Interest): Sofia’s University of Telecommunications and Post opened the 2026/2027 academic year, marking its 145th anniversary, with officials including North Macedonia’s rector Ace Milenkovski among the guests. Aviation (Travel & Economy): Eurocontrol says Europe saw record summer air traffic despite the Middle East war, with higher volumes in countries including North Macedonia. Food Safety (Trade): Croatia and Bulgaria blocked and destroyed over 35 tonnes of peppers shipped from Albania and North Macedonia after pesticide rule violations were found in lab tests. Independence Day Costs (North Macedonia): North Macedonia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations cost 5.5 million euros, with nearly 4.9 million funded by the State Lottery, according to government disclosure. EU Border Disruptions (Regional Watch): Bulgaria warned of coordinated carrier blockades planned for September 14 involving Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and also North Macedonia, affecting land border crossings near Schengen.