Ethiopia–Tigray Front: Fighting in northern Ethiopia has intensified again, with federal-aligned forces and their allies claiming they captured the strategic town of Alamata south of Mekelle, while Tigrayan rebels push across multiple fronts and report earlier gains including Erebti in Afar; humanitarian sources warn of major displacement, with communications disruptions complicating reporting. Regional Accusations: Ethiopia’s army chief Birhanu Jula renewed claims that Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt back Tigray-linked armed groups, a charge met with denials and raising fears of a wider regional spillover. Media Under Fire: The Tigrai TV headquarters in Mekelle was hit by a drone strike, disrupting broadcasts as the conflict escalates. Eritrea in the Sports Spotlight: In AFCON 2027 qualifying, South Africa’s Pitso Mosimane starts his second Bafana Bafana spell with a win over Guinea and looks ahead to the next match involving Eritrea; meanwhile Kenya’s build-up issues and unpaid allowances have affected preparations ahead of their Eritrea clash. Eritrean Civic & Cultural Discourse: A new Eritrea-focused essay argues for public preparedness and a “Pledged Public” approach to civic power, while another profile reflects on the patriotism of late Eritrean artist Teklenkiel Gebru (Wedi Gebru). Eritrean National Celebration: Meskel was celebrated nationwide in Eritrea with a live broadcast from Eri-TV and Dimtsi Hafash Radio.