Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that negotiations with Russia for the evacuation of wounded Ukrainian soldiers from the besieged Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol are highly complex. Kyiv is using influential intermediaries to facilitate the process. Despite continuous Russian bombardment, Ukraine has proposed evacuating 38 severely wounded defenders in exchange for releasing a significant number of Russian prisoners of war. The Ukrainian government is committed to evacuating all defenders, while Russia demands their surrender. Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk emphasized the importance of evacuating all soldiers alive, despite potential dissatisfaction with the negotiation outcomes.

A fire broke out in the buildings of 'Macedonia Tabak' and 'Pofix' in Tetovo, resulting in four injuries, including three cases of asphyxiation and one suspected knee fracture. The Tetovo Municipality, in collaboration with the Education Sector, decided to suspend classes in local schools due to severe air pollution. Emergency services, including fire brigades from Tetovo, Gostivar, and Skopje, are on-site. Dr. Ismet Ibishi advised people to stay away from the area due to the dangerous levels of carbon dioxide. Crisis Management Center Director Stojanche Angelov reported that a helicopter from the Ministry of Interior would attempt to control the fire, emphasizing the need for caution to prevent the spread of the fire.

Disinformation campaigns targeting North Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic orientation, particularly since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, pose a threat to the country's stability. President Stevo Pendarovski emphasized the destabilizing potential of disinformation at a conference organized by the Metamorphosis Foundation. The conference highlighted the challenges posed by disinformation, including undermining trust in science and expert knowledge, and the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address these threats. Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and other speakers stressed the importance of government transparency, critical thinking, and international cooperation in combating disinformation.

A man shot and killed two women in a church parking lot in Iowa before turning the gun on himself, adding to the recent spate of shootings in the United States. The incident occurred shortly after President Joe Biden's address on gun violence, where he called for Congress to ban assault weapons and implement other gun control measures. Another shooting in Wisconsin injured two people attending a funeral. The Iowa shooting took place at Cornerstone Church during a church program, according to Nicholas Lennie, the chief deputy of the Story County Sheriff's Office.

Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski highlighted that North Macedonia is unique in Europe for having a ministry dedicated to smaller ethnic communities and legal solutions to enhance their rights, including language use and equal employment opportunities in the public sector. He emphasized the capacity of institutions to be increased for the benefit of all citizens. Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov expressed that Bulgaria's long-term interest aligns with North Macedonia's EU aspirations and stressed the importance of protecting the rights of Bulgarians in North Macedonia.

President Stevo Pendarovski awarded certificates to participants of the 'Young Managers and Business Leaders' program, organized by the Council of Foreign Investors under the patronage of the President's Office. The program provided practical experience to 32 young individuals in 18 member companies, significantly increasing interest and participation compared to the previous year. Pendarovski emphasized the mutual benefits for both young managers and companies, highlighting the program's role in motivating young professionals to build their careers in North Macedonia. He encouraged continued participation and praised the program's impact on professional development.

Ukraine anticipates receiving more weapons from allies following a new U.S. aid promise, as the battle for eastern Ukraine intensifies 100 days into the Russian invasion. President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russian forces now occupy about 20% of Ukraine's territory, focusing on the industrial Donbas region. Civilian casualties continue, with three killed in Donetsk. Zelensky emphasized the need for advanced combat systems, while Russia accused the U.S. of escalating the conflict with a new $700 million weapons package. The U.S. assured that the weapons would not be used to target Russia. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, destroyed cities, and over 6 million refugees.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the strategic importance of integrating the Western Balkans into the European Union during a Bundestag session attended by North Macedonia's Assembly President Talat Xhaferi. Scholz highlighted the aspirations of six Western Balkan countries for EU membership and the need to counter external influences, including Russia. He also stressed the necessity of financial aid for Ukraine to help recover from the war's devastation.

The 56th Macedonian Theater Festival 'Vojdan Chernodrinski' was officially opened with lifetime achievement awards presented to actress Bedia Begovska and playwright Rusomir Bogdanovski. The festival, held in Prilep, celebrates live art and cultural tradition, featuring performances that reflect the current state of Macedonian theater. The opening ceremony included speeches highlighting the festival's significance and the joy of live performances, with the first play in competition being 'An Enemy of the People' by the Macedonian National Theatre.

President Stevo Pendarovski of North Macedonia sent a letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressing support for Ukraine's EU membership candidacy and commending the Ukrainian people's defense of their country and democratic values. Pendarovski emphasized the importance of the EU making significant political decisions to continue its expansion, including supporting Ukraine's integration. He highlighted North Macedonia's backing of Ukraine's European path and the need for internal reforms to align with EU standards. Pendarovski concluded with a call for recognition and support from European allies and expressed hope for Ukraine's liberation from occupation.

The arson attack on the Ivan Mihailov Cultural Center in Bitola will not affect the relations between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, according to Bulgarian Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska during her visit to the site. Genchovska is in North Macedonia for a working visit to address bilateral issues and European integration. She met with Bitola police officials who assured her that measures are being taken to find the perpetrators. North Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski and Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski condemned the attack, emphasizing that such acts achieve nothing. Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova described the incident as part of an anti-Bulgarian campaign.

Marko Bislimoski, President of the Regulatory Commission for Energy and Water Services, announced changes to the household electricity tariff system in North Macedonia. The new system will introduce block tariffs, where higher consumption will incur higher costs, aligning closer to market prices. The changes aim to reduce overall consumption and promote rational use of electricity. The initiative is a collaboration with the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Faculties and will make North Macedonia the first in the region to apply block tariffs only to expensive electricity. The move is also intended to address energy poverty and ensure social fairness.

The Republican Council for Road Traffic Safety (RSBSP) has issued a strong appeal to graduates and their parents to ensure that graduation celebrations are free from traffic incidents. Emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior, RSBSP warns against driving without a license or under the influence of alcohol. The council highlights the increased risk of traffic accidents during graduation periods, urging parents to take responsibility by driving their children to celebrations to reduce the risk of accidents. The message underscores the severe consequences of traffic rule violations and calls for adherence to traffic regulations.

The reconciliation liturgy held at the 'Saint Sava' temple in Belgrade marked a significant step towards healing a 55-year-old schism between the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) and the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Ohrid Archbishopric (MOC-OA). Archbishop Stefan expressed hope for the imminent recognition of the MOC-OA's autocephaly. SPC head Porfirije emphasized a new approach to church hierarchy, placing the people at the top. The event was attended by key religious figures, including Jovan Vraniškovski, who acknowledged the efforts to resolve the schism. Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski and Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski expressed gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for recognizing the canonical unity of the MOC-OA. Political leader Hristijan Mickoski also voiced support for the decisions made by Archbishop Stefan.

The expiration of anti-crisis measures implemented in March to mitigate the economic crisis effects will lead to a significant increase in food and fuel prices from midnight. The government did not discuss extending these measures in today's session, allowing for a sharp rise in prices due to increased excise duties and VAT. The temporary government measure, which prevented drastic price hikes over the past three months, will end, causing the VAT rate on energy products to revert from 10% to 18%, and excise duties on oil and petroleum derivatives to increase by 2 denars, significantly raising the cost of gasoline and diesel.

The dog Patron, a Jack Russell Terrier who discovered over 200 mines since the start of the war in Ukraine, was awarded a medal by President Volodymyr Zelensky in a ceremony in Kyiv. Patron, who has become a national symbol of Ukrainian resistance, also educates children on mine safety. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the ceremony, announcing further military support for Ukraine.

President Stevo Pendarovski condemned the arson attack on the Bulgarian Cultural Center 'Ivan Mihajlov' in Bitola, describing it as a provocation that hinders relations with Bulgaria. He urged authorities to conduct a swift and detailed investigation to identify and sanction the perpetrators.

The governments of North Macedonia, Serbia, and Albania will sign an agreement on June 8 for the mutual recognition of diplomas and scientific degrees issued by higher education institutions. The agreement will be signed at the Open Balkan Summit in Ohrid by North Macedonia's Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic, and Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama. Additionally, the North Macedonian government extended the state of crisis due to the high risk of increased migrant flow and public health protection until December 31, 2022.

The 12th Philosophical Film Festival kicks off today at the Summer Cinema 'Mirno Leto' in the Cinematheque of North Macedonia with a musical solo performance by Foltin's frontman Branislav Nikolov and the screening of Alejandro Amenábar's film 'While at War'. The festival, organized by the Philosophical Society of Macedonia in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Skopje, will feature a variety of films and discussions from June 1 to June 9. Highlights include a presentation by Professor Alicia Villar Escudero and an analysis by philosophy professor Sergio Fernandez. The event will also include a retrospective of Buñuel, a presentation of aesthetic-filmological research, and a book promotion.

Starting May 30, a series of environmental protection events, including a solar-powered film projection and workshops for children on video game creation, are being launched in several cities across North Macedonia as part of the 'Video Game Library' project organized by UMPAKI Skopje. The initiative begins with a lecture and workshop on waste reduction, reuse, and sorting in Gostivar in collaboration with the Go Green Association. The project, supported by the Ministry of Culture and the EU Delegation, aims to promote ethical environmental behavior among youth using video games and films as engaging and understandable tools.

President Stevo Pendarovski emphasized the unacceptability of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in a message marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. He highlighted the need for societal inclusion, acceptance, and respect for diversity, urging continuous efforts to raise awareness and fight for equal rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ+ individuals. Pendarovski acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the community, including discrimination, stigmatization, and violence.

Queen Elizabeth II visited the newly named Elizabeth Line of the London Underground, marking a significant public appearance despite recent health issues. The event, attended by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, highlighted the line's expected impact on travel times across London. The project, initially budgeted at £14.8 billion, faced delays and cost overruns, with total expenses reaching £18.9 billion. The line will officially open on May 24, with full service expected by May 2023, coinciding with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Elizabeta Gjorgievska, the wife of the President of North Macedonia, emphasized the crucial role of women in social processes and economic development during the opening of the 'Women in Craftsmanship' exhibition. She highlighted the need for financial support, education, and marketing for women artisans. The event, supported by USAID and BTD, aims to promote women's entrepreneurship and preserve cultural heritage. Other notable speakers included the Minister of Culture, the US Ambassador, and directors from various organizations.

A conference titled 'The Youth Celebrate Whistleblowers' will be held on May 13, organized by the Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative in collaboration with the Youth Educational Forum. The event aims to mark Whistleblower Day and will feature discussions on the experiences and protection mechanisms for whistleblowers, the role of civil society in supporting whistleblowing, and the importance of public awareness, especially among youth, in the fight against corruption. Notable participants include journalist Tomislav Kezarovski, anti-corruption experts from the RAI Secretariat, and the director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism.

The Russian Embassy in North Macedonia claims that a monument commemorating the anti-Hitler coalition fighters was desecrated. During a ceremony, Russian Ambassador Sergei Bazdnikin accused vandals of defacing the monument and called for the police to find the perpetrators. However, the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that no report of such an incident had been filed.

In an event organized by Nexus Civil Concept in collaboration with the Saraj Municipality's department for education, culture, sports, and youth, and Happy Shelter, elementary students learned empathy through interaction with street dogs. The experience was eye-opening for many students, who were delighted to play with the dogs and shared their own experiences with caring for homeless animals. Afrodita Musliu from Nexus highlighted the positive impact on children's mental and psychosocial state, making them more resilient to negative influences. Happy Shelter hopes that increasing such school visits will raise awareness and interest in adopting homeless animals, contributing to solving the issue in the country.

The United Kingdom will send long-range M270 missile systems to Ukraine following Russian strikes on the outskirts of Kyiv, marking the first such attack since April. These systems can launch precision missiles up to 80 kilometers, surpassing the range of any previously used in the conflict. The British Ministry of Defence stated that these systems would help Ukrainians better defend against the indiscriminate use of long-range artillery by Putin's forces. Ukrainian soldiers will be trained in the UK to operate the equipment. Following the announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of expanding targets in Ukraine if the West sends long-range weapons to Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited troops and displaced persons near Zaporizhzhia, expressing support and vowing to find housing for all displaced individuals. Kyiv experienced explosions while Ukrainian forces battled Russian troops in Severodonetsk, with Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko reporting no casualties in the city's first severe air attack since Russian forces refocused efforts on the Donbas and southeastern Ukraine.

The stigma surrounding menstruation, considered a sign of fertility or sexual maturity, persists in modern society, with discussions often shrouded in outdated codes. Many girls and women are unable to manage their menstrual cycle in a dignified, healthy manner. To address this, May 28 is marked as World Menstrual Hygiene Day. The new episode of 'Shortcut' highlights the peaceful protest demands made by women's rights activists to the authorities. It also covers the consequences of inadequate menstrual hygiene on reproductive health, with insights from the president of the Macedonian Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, Professor Dr. Tofoski. The episode also focuses on youth mental health post-COVID pandemic and the evaluation of students at the end of the school year, along with a feature on the Nihon-Ki Japanese culture festival in Skopje. The episode will be aired on social media channels at 19:00.

Approximately 1.8 billion people worldwide experience menstruation each month, with many lacking the means to manage it in a dignified, healthy way. May 28 is marked as World Menstrual Hygiene Day. Despite modern society, menstruation is still often discussed in coded language. Ana Ashtalkovska Gajtanoska, a professor at the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, notes that while girls who menstruate were not completely excluded from daily activities in Macedonian tradition, they were limited during their cycle. A study by Tiit Ink found that 53% of respondents feel 'unclean' during menstruation. Dr. Gligor Tofoski, president of the Macedonian Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (MAGO), emphasizes the importance of menstrual health education. Statistics show that 81% of high school girls believe that schools should provide free menstrual hygiene products. In response to menstrual poverty, countries like Spain, Scotland, and England have introduced measures such as free menstrual products in schools and paid leave for severe menstrual pain. In North Macedonia, despite activists' recommendations to institutions, there has been no positive response, and the status of Skopje's decision to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools is unknown. Activists continue to advocate for reduced VAT on menstrual products and improved conditions for menstrual hygiene.

The National Youth Council of Macedonia has expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction with the government's proposed reorganization, which would downgrade the Agency for Youth and Sports to a lower status within the Ministry for Relations between Communities. The Council argues that this move undermines the importance of youth issues and calls for the Agency to be transformed into a Ministry for Youth and Sports, similar to other European countries. They offer their experience and resources to help achieve this transformation, provided there is genuine political will.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned of the potential spread of monkeypox at festivals and other large gatherings planned for this summer across Europe, as reported by The Guardian. Hans Kluge, WHO's Regional Director for Europe, stated that there is a significant potential for further spread of the virus in Europe and elsewhere during the summer. However, Kluge also sees these events as an opportunity to raise awareness and strengthen individual and community protection, especially among sexually active and globally mobile young people. He noted that the current outbreak in Europe has been ongoing since mid-April and represents the largest spread of the virus outside the endemic regions of Western and Central Africa. Kluge attributed the rapid spread in Europe in recent months to the lifting of coronavirus pandemic restrictions and emphasized that anyone could be infected with the virus, although many infections are linked to sexual activity. He also mentioned that since the virus does not spread in the same way as COVID-19, there was no need for public health protection measures similar to those during the coronavirus pandemic.

Russian troops continue to fight for control over the eastern industrial city of Sievierodonetsk after the United States announced it would provide Ukraine with longer-range missile systems to help force Moscow to negotiate an end to the war. President Joe Biden stated that the U.S. would supply Ukraine with advanced rocket systems and ammunition for more precise targeting on the battlefield. Despite concerns that such weapons could draw the U.S. into direct conflict with Russia, assurances were given that the missiles would not be used to attack Russian territory. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that its nuclear forces conducted exercises in the Ivanovo province. The latest U.S. pledge of military support comes as Russia intensifies its assault to take the eastern Donbas region. Nearly all critical infrastructure in Sievierodonetsk has been destroyed, with 60% of residential property severely damaged, and around 12,000 civilians remain trapped without adequate access to essentials.

The revised budget allocates more funds for gasification and social housing while reducing investments in roads, railways, water supply, hospitals, clinics, medical equipment, and police reforms. Capital expenditures are cut by 8.8% to €522.6 million. Significant reductions are seen in the Ministry of Health, particularly for strategic projects and new clinical centers. The Ministry of Agriculture faces cuts in modernization and irrigation projects, while the Ministry of Transport and Communications sees reduced funds for local roads and railway corridors. The Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior also experience budget cuts, affecting modernization and police reforms.

Activists from several civil organizations protested in front of the Ministry of Finance demanding the reduction of menstrual poverty by lowering the VAT on menstrual hygiene products to 5% and subsidizing these products in schools and public toilets nationwide. They highlighted the public health issue, citing a 70% increase in vaginal infections due to lack of access to proper menstrual health management products in 2021. The activists also called for the promotion and subsidization of menstrual cups to break the menstrual stigma and restore dignity to women and girls in the country. Ljupka Trajanovska, representing the Network for Gender-Responsive Budgeting, emphasized the need for a gender-responsive state budget to equally satisfy the needs of all citizens.

The summer season has started, and Croatia has become a popular destination for seasonal work in the hospitality industry, with job advertisements offering salaries ranging from 800 to 1,500 euros. Macedonian workers are filling positions in Croatian hotels and restaurants, leading to a shortage of qualified staff in North Macedonia's hospitality sector. The season, which ends in October, offers workers the potential to earn at least 4,000 euros over four months, excluding tips. Despite competitive salaries in North Macedonia, many workers are choosing to work abroad, exacerbating the local industry's struggle to find trained staff, which has been further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A teacher from Strumica has been accused of committing sexual acts against a student under 14 years old. The Prosecution Office has opened an investigation, revealing that the teacher touched and kissed the student in the school's sports hall on two occasions. Additionally, from October 2020 to May 2022, the teacher sent explicit sexual messages to the student via social media. The 40-year-old teacher has been detained for 30 days, and if convicted under Article 188, paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code, he faces a minimum prison sentence of 12 years.

A white horse left on a balcony in an abandoned house in the Skopje neighborhood of Debar Maalo was rescued last night. Photos on social media prompted teams from ZOO Skopje, the Food and Veterinary Agency, and the police to initiate a rescue operation. The horse was found tied up without food or water and was later transferred to ZOO Skopje for veterinary care. The zoo appealed for better treatment of animals and called for a central plan to improve horse welfare.

The British Ministry of Defence reports that Russia likely suffered as many casualties in the first three months of the war in Ukraine as the Soviet Union did during its nine-year conflict in Afghanistan. The high casualty rate, particularly in the Donbas offensive, is attributed to poor low-level tactics, limited air cover, and inflexible command. These losses are expected to become more apparent to the Russian public, potentially increasing dissatisfaction with the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky states that Ukraine is losing between 50 and 100 lives daily in the east. The war in Ukraine and its risks to the global economy will be discussed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, with Zelensky scheduled to give a virtual speech. Other guests include Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko and his brother Vladimir, while German Economy Minister Robert Habeck will discuss Germany's plans to reduce dependence on Russian energy, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is also set to speak.

Several main and side streets in Tetovo are in a dire state, filled with potholes, causing problems for citizens and worsening traffic chaos. The municipality has allocated around 300,000 euros for street repairs this year but has not specified when the work will begin. Formal tender procedures have been completed, and the municipality is in the process of selecting companies to carry out the repairs. Bilal Kasami stated that once a company is contracted, an urgent operational plan will be made to start the repairs, with reconstruction on Street 161 beginning next week.

Russian forces have intensified their offensive in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, using artillery, rocket launchers, and aircraft to damage defenses around Donetsk. Ukrainian officials report significant civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction. President Volodymyr Zelensky describes Donbas as completely destroyed and highlights ongoing attacks in the Odessa region. The US Senate approved a substantial aid package for Ukraine, and the Group of Seven nations pledged additional financial support. The White House is working to provide advanced anti-ship missiles to Ukraine, while the EU considers using frozen Russian oligarch assets for Ukraine's reconstruction. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accuses Russia of weaponizing food, exacerbating global food prices.

Serbian tabloids have been heavily criticized for their unethical and insensitive coverage of Matej Periš's death, including publishing graphic images and details from the investigation. This behavior is seen as a broader issue within journalism, reflecting a lack of empathy and professional standards. The article condemns the media's fascination with morbid content and the government's failure to enforce media laws, highlighting the negative impact on the credibility of journalism and the emotional toll on affected families.

The Metamorphosis Foundation is organizing a three-day International Conference on Open Data in Skopje, starting on May 18, 2022. The event, part of the USAID Civic Engagement Project, aims to assess the current state of open data in the Western Balkans, particularly North Macedonia, and highlight innovative solutions based on open data. Key speakers include Filip Stojanovski, James Stein, and Admirim Aliti. The conference will feature informative sessions, panel discussions, and workshops, focusing on the value of open culture and the role of open data.

A guerrilla action against disinformation continues in the center of Skopje. Today, a model with liars holding banners with fake news appeared. Some of the messages from the guerrilla action 'Liars with short legs caught in the middle of Skopje' include false statements about ASNOM being deleted from the Constitution, the Prespa Agreement turning citizens into 'North Macedonians', Putin liberating Ukraine from fascism, and the construction of camps to settle hundreds of thousands of migrants in Macedonia, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking.

On Saturday, over 500 young dancers from Break A Leg Studio, Aqua Dance Club, Eat The Beat, and Dansa Latina Stefi performed to Justin Timberlake's 'Can’t Stop the Feeling' to officially announce the upcoming European Dance Championship with the largest flash mob ever held in Skopje. The event aimed to promote healthy habits and highlight the importance of dancing in society and among the youth.

Anonymous activists in Skopje set up installations featuring mock mobile phone screens displaying harmful disinformation prevalent in Macedonia. Each piece of fake news is countered with a piece of folk wisdom highlighting the dangers and immorality of such manipulations. The installations address five major disinformation topics, including constitutional changes, the Prespa Agreement, and the situation in Ukraine, urging the public to verify information before sharing.

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a declaration condemning the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot while reporting on an Israeli military operation in Jenin on the occupied West Bank. The declaration, proposed by the USA, calls for an urgent, thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. Al Jazeera and Palestinian authorities accuse Israeli soldiers of deliberately shooting Abu Akleh and plan to conduct their own investigation and take the case to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Israel offers a joint investigation, claiming that forensic analysis of the bullet is necessary to determine who fired, but the Palestinian side has rejected this offer and refused to hand over the fatal bullet.

The FILMAJ International Short Film Festival announced the winners and selected films for this year. Samir Karahoda from Kosovo won the 'Lazar Gjorgjević' award for best direction for his film 'Displaced', which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and has won multiple awards. Vladimir Samoilovski received the 'Radislav Ristevski' award for best cinematography for his work on the Macedonian film 'Northern Pole', and 'Angels of Christmas' (Greece) by Fotis Zampetakis won the 'Kozjak' award for best screenplay. 'Ordinary Eli', directed by Lavinija Sofronievska, won the award for best domestic (Macedonian) film. The newly created FILMAJ award for best short film was given to 'Alone' (Croatia, directed by Borna Zidarić), a joint decision by members of the photo-cinema club 'Kozjak' - Kumanovo. The festival screening will take place on June 2, 2022, at NUCK 'Trajko Prokopiev' - Kumanovo. The jury for this year's FILMAJ consisted of three members: Sezer Salih (screenwriter and director), Kosara Mitić (screenwriter and director), and Filip Ilievski (member of the photo-cinema club 'Kozjak').

Ili Morina, a 13-year-old from Skopje's Shuto Orizari district, is a mathematical genius who spends his time solving math and physics problems. Unlike his peers, he attends classes for the eighth grade instead of the seventh and shares his knowledge on his YouTube channel, which has attracted students from various fields such as architecture, physics, and economics from North Macedonia and around the world. Ili has won several competitions and hopes to continue his education in a mathematics high school. His teacher, Meral Riza, and his mother, Imrane, praise his talents but note the lack of educational programs tailored for gifted children like him.

During Women's Health Week, May 8-14, the Macedonian Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (MAGO) launched a sexual education campaign in collaboration with the global NGO Amaze. The campaign includes 20 educational videos and resources in Macedonian and Albanian. Findings from mobile gynecological clinics show that the youngest minor to have an abortion in North Macedonia was 13 years old, and in 2020, there were 18 girls under 15 who gave birth, with 4.9 percent of all newborns born to mothers aged 15 to 19. Despite a possible decline in underage pregnancies, the numbers remain significant. The campaign also aims to address reproductive health topics, break down stigmas, and emphasize the importance of regular gynecological exams. A concerning statistic is that over 60% of women do not have an annual gynecological exam, and over 40% do not have a chosen primary gynecologist. The Eastern Region has a lower turnout for such exams, and the pandemic has reduced the number of gynecological exams among pregnant women. Mobile gynecological clinics have served 1,300 patients, providing various medical services.

The National Network Against Homophobia and Transphobia (NMHT) condemns the physical attack on Bekim Asani, president of LGBTI United, and urges authorities to find and sanction the perpetrators. The attack occurred on May 7, 2022, at the Tetovo city cemetery, where Asani was with his mother. Four men verbally abused Asani with homophobic slurs before one of them physically assaulted him. NMHT emphasizes the need for thorough legal action against hate crimes to prevent further distrust in institutions and calls for equal treatment of all citizens. Asani also expressed dissatisfaction with the police and hospital staff's response to the incident.

Laurence Soper, a former abbot of Ealing and a senior cleric in the Roman Catholic Church, has been blocked from being extradited to Britain by a judge in Kosovo. Soper was arrested in Peja, Kosovo, after a five-year manhunt initiated by the Metropolitan Police. He is accused of child abuse crimes dating back to the 1970s when he taught at St Benedict’s School in west London. The extradition request was rejected because Kosovo has a 30-year statute of limitations, and the alleged crimes have expired. The Metropolitan Police plan to appeal the decision, and a new hearing is expected soon at the appeal court.

Laurence Soper, a former abbot of Ealing Abbey in west London, was arrested in Kosovo over allegations of child sex abuse. Despite being on police bail and under a European arrest warrant, Soper had been travelling freely in the Balkans using his British passport. He had visited Macedonia and Albania. Soper disappeared from a monastery in Rome in 2011 when he was due to answer bail in London related to abuse claims from his time teaching at St Benedict’s school. Authorities are now preparing to extradite him to Britain.

A leaflet in Arabic, falsely attributed to German politician Norbert Blüm, led around 2,000 refugees to leave the Idomeni camp in Greece and attempt a dangerous crossing into Macedonia. The leaflet promised buses or trains to Germany on the other side and warned that staying in Greece would result in deportation to Turkey. Despite the perilous journey, which claimed three lives, the refugees who crossed were rounded up by Macedonian military and sent back to Greece. The incident has highlighted the desperation of refugees stranded at the Greek border due to the Balkan route closure and the risks they are willing to take to reach safer European countries.

Halo Rashid, a 29-year-old British man, has flown to the Idomeni refugee camp on the Greek-Macedonian border to assist his 18 relatives, including his pregnant sister and newborn nephew, who have fled Iraq. Rashid, originally from Kirkuk and a UK resident for 16 years, showed a British passport and claimed to run a dry cleaning business in London. He arrived at the camp after being contacted by his family, who are living in dire conditions, with some refugees boiling grass for food. Rashid has been able to buy supplies due to his British passport, improving his family's diet compared to others in the camp. His family's journey included a perilous boat crossing from Turkey to Greece, and they are now hoping Rashid can help them reach safety. Rashid has attempted to seek assistance from the British Embassy but is uncertain of the support he can receive. The article also touches on the broader refugee crisis, with many trapped at the border and aid workers struggling to provide sufficient food and care.

Halo Rashid, a 29-year-old British man, has flown to the Idomeni refugee camp on the Greek-Macedonian border to assist his 18 relatives, including his pregnant sister and newborn nephew, who have fled Iraq. Rashid, originally from Kirkuk and a UK resident for 16 years, showed a British passport and claimed to run a dry cleaning business in London. He arrived at the camp after being contacted by his family, who are living in dire conditions, with some refugees boiling grass for food. Rashid has been able to buy supplies due to his British passport, improving his family's diet compared to others in the camp. His family's journey included a perilous boat crossing from Turkey to Greece, and they are now hoping Rashid can help them reach safety. Rashid has attempted to seek assistance from the British Embassy but is uncertain of the support he can receive. The article also touches on the broader refugee crisis, with many trapped at the border and aid workers struggling to provide sufficient food and care.