First Balkan Media

Alaska Bear Named ‘Mama Bear of 2026’ After Defending Her Cubs

A black bear named Oso has been crowned “Mama Bear of 2026” in Alaska after bravely defending her cubs from another bear, earning recognition from the US Forest Service. The protective mother,

by Kate

October 29, 2026

EU Drops Associate Membership Proposal for Canada Ahead of Major Summit

The European Union has removed a proposal to offer Canada “associate member”

Hegseth Removes Top Pentagon Planner as Trump Considers New Iran Strikes

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed one of the Pentagon’s most

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to Open Historic 2027 MLS Season Against Cincinnati

Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami will kick off Major League Soccer’s historic 2027

Dubrovnik Welcomes Over 570,000 Cruise Passengers as Croatia Tackles Overtourism

Dubrovnik welcomed more than 570,000 cruise passengers during the first nine months

Croatian Swimmer Jere Hribar Breaks Three Pool Records in US, Wins SEC Weekly Honor

Croatian swimmer Jere Hribar has broken three pool records while competing for

Albania Introduces $6,000 Fines for Protesters as Anti-Government Demonstrations Turn Violent

Albania has introduced fines of more than $6,000 for people who remain

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Close-up of a person with a clenched fist and visible injuries on their knuckles, illustrating physical violence.

Thousands Protest in Kosovo After Eighth Domestic Violence Killing This Year

Thousands of people gathered in Pristina, Kosovo, demanding stronger protection for women following a domestic violence killing that has raised serious questions about the

October 29, 2026

Whats New

From Abortion Rights to a Billionaire Tax: Key Ballot Measures in the 2026 U.S. Midterms

Voters will weigh major policy questions on November 3, including transgender athletes’ participation in sports, abortion access, voter identification requirements and redistricting battles that

October 28, 2026

Politics·Whats New

U.S. Rents Hit Three-Year High as Rental Demand Surges Nearly 20%

Rising mortgage costs are pushing would-be homebuyers into the rental market, increasing competition for available housing and putting further pressure on renters’ budgets. Renters

October 28, 2026

Business·Whats New

Microsoft Offers Voluntary Buyouts to 60,000 Employees as AI Investments Surge

The program covers eligible workers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and India, including employees in AI, Copilot, Xbox and Windows divisions.

October 28, 2026

Business·Whats New

Business

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US dollar banknotes resting on a laptop computer keyboard

US Economy Expected to Grow 3.2% as AI Investment and Consumer Spending Rise

The US economy may have grown at a faster pace in the third quarter of 2026. Strong consumer spending and major investments in artificial

October 29, 2026

Business

Small American flag resting on US dollar banknotes, including a twenty-dollar bill.

Federal Reserve Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged: What It Means for Americans

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, October 28, as inflation remained a concern across the United States. The decision comes as

October 29, 2026

Business

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in the Balkans, Europe and the United States?

The monthly income threshold for the upper-middle class ranges from €603 in Macedonia to €6,490 in Switzerland. In the United States, a comparable benchmark

October 28, 2026

Business

Tipping at Self-Checkout? Newark Airport Removes 18% Tip Prompt After Backlash

A $6.49 bottle of water sparked outrage after a traveler was asked to leave an 18% tip at an unattended airport kiosk. Officials say

October 28, 2026

Business·Entertainment

Politics

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EU Drops Associate Membership Proposal for Canada Ahead of Major Summit

The European Union has removed a proposal to offer Canada “associate member” status after several member states opposed the idea, according to a draft

October 29, 2026

Politics

Hegseth Removes Top Pentagon Planner as Trump Considers New Iran Strikes

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed one of the Pentagon’s most senior military planning officials as President Donald Trump considers additional military strikes

October 29, 2026

Politics

Albania Introduces $6,000 Fines for Protesters as Anti-Government Demonstrations Turn Violent

Albania has introduced fines of more than $6,000 for people who remain at demonstrations that turn violent, even if they do not personally participate

October 29, 2026

Politics

Trump Says US and Israel Must Address Iran as Washington Continues Talks With Tehran

US President Donald Trump believes the United States and Israel must resolve their differences with Iran, either through a negotiated agreement or other measures,

October 29, 2026

Politics

Community

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Latin Bridge over the Miljacka River in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, at sunset.

Bosnian Diaspora in US Builds New Partnerships With Sarajevo

The Bosnian diaspora in the US is strengthening its ties with Sarajevo through new partnerships. Officials from Sarajevo Canton recently visited Chicago and New

October 29, 2026

Bosnia & Hercegovina·Community

John Televantos and his family with Cyprus Children's Fund representatives at the 2026 award ceremony in New Jersey.

Cypriot-American Family Creates Two Annual Scholarships for Students in the US

A Cypriot-American family has created two annual scholarships to support students with Hellenic roots in the United States. The new awards will help young

October 29, 2026

Community

Mileva Project campaign featuring a smiling child, Serbian flag balloons and an illustrated airplane symbolizing a journey to Serbia.

Serbian-American Project Raises $133,532 to Help Children Discover Their Roots

The Mileva Project raised $133,532 in its first year to help Serbian-American children visit Serbia and discover their family roots. So far, 31 children

October 29, 2026

Community·Serbia

United Macedonian Diaspora celebrates its 22nd anniversary with a collage highlighting community events and activities since 2004.

United Macedonian Diaspora Marks 22 Years of Connecting Macedonians Worldwide

The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD), a Washington-based organization representing Macedonian communities around the world, marked its 22nd anniversary on October 28, highlighting more than

October 29, 2026

Community·Macedonia

Sport

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Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to Open Historic 2027 MLS Season Against Cincinnati

Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami will kick off Major League Soccer’s historic 2027 Sprint Season against FC Cincinnati on February 19, marking the beginning of

October 29, 2026

Sport

Croatian Swimmer Jere Hribar Breaks Three Pool Records in US, Wins SEC Weekly Honor

Croatian swimmer Jere Hribar has broken three pool records while competing for Louisiana State University (LSU), earning the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Men’s Swimmer of

October 29, 2026

Sport

Serbian NBA star Nikola Jokić wearing his Denver Nuggets No. 15 jersey and holding a basketball against a red background.

Nikola Jokic Makes NBA History With 200th Career Triple-Double

Nikola Jokic reached 200 career triple-doubles on Wednesday night as the Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 104-91. The Serbian basketball star became

October 29, 2026

Sport

Tatum Hits Buzzer-Beater as Portland Stuns Lakers Despite Dončić’s 41 Points

Jayson Tatum delivers a dramatic overtime winner for Boston, while Portland remains unbeaten after handing the Los Angeles Lakers their first loss of the

October 28, 2026

Slovenia·Sport

Latest

Alaska Bear Named ‘Mama Bear of 2026’ After Defending Her Cubs

Entertainment

October 29, 2026

A black bear named Oso has been crowned “Mama Bear of 2026” in Alaska after bravely defending her cubs from another bear, earning recognition

EU Drops Associate Membership Proposal for Canada Ahead of Major Summit

Politics

October 29, 2026

The European Union has removed a proposal to offer Canada “associate member” status after several member states opposed the idea, according to a draft

Hegseth Removes Top Pentagon Planner as Trump Considers New Iran Strikes

Politics

October 29, 2026

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed one of the Pentagon’s most senior military planning officials as President Donald Trump considers additional military strikes

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami to Open Historic 2027 MLS Season Against Cincinnati

Sport

October 29, 2026

Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami will kick off Major League Soccer’s historic 2027 Sprint Season against FC Cincinnati on February 19, marking the beginning of

Dubrovnik Welcomes Over 570,000 Cruise Passengers as Croatia Tackles Overtourism

Croatia

October 29, 2026

Dubrovnik welcomed more than 570,000 cruise passengers during the first nine months of 2026, as Croatia’s famous Adriatic destination continues efforts to control overcrowding

Croatian Swimmer Jere Hribar Breaks Three Pool Records in US, Wins SEC Weekly Honor

Sport

October 29, 2026

Croatian swimmer Jere Hribar has broken three pool records while competing for Louisiana State University (LSU), earning the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Men’s Swimmer of

Albania Introduces $6,000 Fines for Protesters as Anti-Government Demonstrations Turn Violent

Politics

October 29, 2026

Albania has introduced fines of more than $6,000 for people who remain at demonstrations that turn violent, even if they do not personally participate

Thousands Protest in Kosovo After Eighth Domestic Violence Killing This Year

Whats New

October 29, 2026

Thousands of people gathered in Pristina, Kosovo, demanding stronger protection for women following a domestic violence killing that has raised serious questions about the

Croatia’s Eurovision entry sparks controversy and apologies, as Tony Cetinski says country was “closer than ever” to victory

Croatia’s representatives at the Eurovision Song Contest, the group Lelek, became the focus of international attention following a series of controversies and

Macedonia Ranks 52nd in Atlantic Council Prosperity Index, 73rd in Freedom Rankings

Macedonia has been placed 52nd globally in the Atlantic Council’s 2026 Prosperity Index and 73rd in its companion Freedom Index, according to

Zlatibor Tourism Surges Past 100,000 Overnight Stays in May

The Serbian mountain destination welcomed more than 41,000 visitors in May as domestic tourism remained strong and international interest continued to grow.

Serbia

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Serbia’s State TV Chief Resigns After Student Election Victory

The head of Serbia’s public broadcaster RTS has resigned following the student-backed movement’s parliamentary election victory, marking another major development in the country’s political

October 29, 2026

Serbia

Serbian-American Project Raises $133,532 to Help Children Discover Their Roots

The Mileva Project raised $133,532 in its first year to help Serbian-American children visit Serbia and discover their family roots. So far, 31 children

October 29, 2026

Community·Serbia

Djokovic Makes Winning Return to Basel After 15 Years, Battles Back for Three-Set Victory

The Serbian tennis superstar overcame a slow start to defeat Ugo Humbert 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, securing his place in the round of 16 against

October 28, 2026

Serbia·Sport

Family Reported Belgrade Embassy Attack Suspect Missing Before Incident

Dario Nikolić, 18, from Bela Reka near Šabac, was reported missing by his family a day before the attack outside the Israeli Embassy in

October 28, 2026

Politics·Serbia

Slovenia

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Tatum Hits Buzzer-Beater as Portland Stuns Lakers Despite Dončić’s 41 Points

Jayson Tatum delivers a dramatic overtime winner for Boston, while Portland remains unbeaten after handing the Los Angeles Lakers their first loss of the

October 28, 2026

Slovenia·Sport

Shocking Discovery in Slovenia: €30 Million Cigarette Factory Under Human Trafficking Investigation

Authorities in Slovenia have uncovered what is being described as the country’s largest illegal cigarette factory, located in the Trimlini industrial zone near the

October 16, 2026

Politics·Slovenia

Bosnia’s Driver Crisis Could Also Cost Slovenian Companies

Restrictions on the time professional drivers from Bosnia and Herzegovina may spend in the Schengen Area are creating problems that could extend far beyond

October 16, 2026

Bosnia & Hercegovina·Slovenia

Lakers Rest Luka Doncic Against Warriors After 21-Point Preseason Performance

The Los Angeles Lakers rested Luka Doncic and several key players against the Golden State Warriors as head coach JJ Redick took a cautious

October 7, 2026

Slovenia·Sport

Croatia

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Dubrovnik Welcomes Over 570,000 Cruise Passengers as Croatia Tackles Overtourism

Dubrovnik welcomed more than 570,000 cruise passengers during the first nine months of 2026, as Croatia’s famous Adriatic destination continues efforts to control overcrowding

October 29, 2026

Croatia

Croatia Plans Ban on Energy Drinks for Anyone Under 18

New legislation would prohibit minors from buying or consuming energy drinks, restrict advertising aimed at children and introduce mandatory registration for products sold on

October 28, 2026

Croatia

Croatian Doctor Indicted Over Alleged Misdiagnosis That Led to Patient’s Stomach Removal

A Croatian doctor has been indicted on suspicion of medical malpractice after allegedly misdiagnosing a patient with stomach cancer, leading to major surgery in

October 27, 2026

Community·Croatia

A250 Military Exhibition to Honor Croatian Americans Who Served in the U.S. Armed Forces

The Embassy of the Republic of Croatia will host the opening of the A250 Military Exhibition on Friday, October 23, in Eastlake, Ohio, honoring

October 22, 2026

Community·Croatia

Macedonia

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United Macedonian Diaspora Marks 22 Years of Connecting Macedonians Worldwide

The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD), a Washington-based organization representing Macedonian communities around the world, marked its 22nd anniversary on October 28, highlighting more than

October 29, 2026

Community·Macedonia

Medical team performing surgery in a hospital operating room

Mother Donates Kidney to Child With Rare Genetic Disease in First-of-Its-Kind Transplant in Macedonia

A mother has donated a kidney to her child suffering from Alport syndrome, marking the first transplant of its kind in Macedonia, according to

October 27, 2026

Macedonia

My Cousin Vlad Brings Balkan Humor to Chicago With Two Sold-Out Shows

Macedonian-Australian comedian Bratislav, known to audiences as My Cousin Vlad, wrapped up his North American tour with two sold-out performances at The Den Theatre,

October 26, 2026

Community·Entertainment·Macedonia

Mickoski Warns European and Balkan Unrest Could Spill Over Into Macedonia

Speaking at a ceremony marking October 23, Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle Day, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski warned of possible attempts to destabilize the country, defended

October 23, 2026

Macedonia·Politics

Bosnia & Herzegovina

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Bosnian Diaspora in US Builds New Partnerships With Sarajevo

The Bosnian diaspora in the US is strengthening its ties with Sarajevo through new partnerships. Officials from Sarajevo Canton recently visited Chicago and New

October 29, 2026

Bosnia & Hercegovina·Community

BACA to Host 6th Annual Fundraising Dinner Celebrating Bosnian-American Community

An evening of culture, music, delicious food, and community spirit will bring people together in support of the Bosnian-American community on Thursday, October 29,

October 27, 2026

Bosnia & Hercegovina·Community

BHAAAS Elects Dr. Azra Sadiković as New President at 20th Annual Meeting in Chicago

The Bosnian-Herzegovinian American Academy of Arts and Sciences marked two decades of collaboration in Chicago, welcoming new leadership, strengthening institutional partnerships and placing young

October 22, 2026

Bosnia & Hercegovina·Community

The Balkans: Europe’s Hidden Gem — Top Places to Visit

Lake Ohrid ranks fourth and Mavrovo National Park sixth on the American publication’s list of eight destinations, while Sarajevo takes the top spot. The

October 21, 2026

Bosnia & Hercegovina·Croatia·Entertainment·Macedonia·Montenegro

Montenegro

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Germany Backs Montenegro’s EU Membership in 2028 Despite Croatia Disputes

Montenegro could join the European Union in 2028, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during the Berlin Process Summit, offering fresh encouragement to the Balkan

October 29, 2026

Montenegro

Montenegro’s Diaspora in Turkey Raises Concerns Over Voting Rights During Meeting With Diaspora Minister

Montenegro’s Minister of Diaspora, Mirsad Azemović, met with representatives of Montenegrin diaspora associations and business leaders in Turkey to discuss cooperation with their homeland,

October 23, 2026

Montenegro·Politics

Montenegro Must Resolve Disputes With Croatia to Join EU, Marta Kos Says

Montenegro must resolve its outstanding disputes with Croatia if it wants to join the European Union, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos has warned. Speaking

October 21, 2026

Croatia·Montenegro

The Balkans: Europe’s Hidden Gem — Top Places to Visit

Lake Ohrid ranks fourth and Mavrovo National Park sixth on the American publication’s list of eight destinations, while Sarajevo takes the top spot. The

October 21, 2026

Bosnia & Hercegovina·Croatia·Entertainment·Macedonia·Montenegro

Interviews

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Alaska Bear Named ‘Mama Bear of 2026’ After Defending Her Cubs

Entertainment

October 29, 2026

A black bear named Oso has been crowned “Mama Bear of 2026” in Alaska after bravely defending her cubs from another bear, earning recognition

EU Drops Associate Membership Proposal for Canada Ahead of Major Summit

Politics

October 29, 2026

The European Union has removed a proposal to offer Canada “associate member” status after several member states opposed the idea, according to a draft

Hegseth Removes Top Pentagon Planner as Trump Considers New Iran Strikes

Politics

October 29, 2026

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed one of the Pentagon’s most senior military planning officials as President Donald Trump considers additional military strikes

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