This week in Iceland
Iceland's news this week was largely focused on intense domestic sports competitions, with numerous headlines detailing decisive playoff games and finals in both men's and women's basketball and handball, featuring teams like Njarðvík, Valur, and FH. In national news, Icelandair's CEO expressed hopes to avert flight cancellations amid ongoing labor negotiations, while reports highlighted significant construction delays, averaging seven years, for traffic infrastructure projects in the capital region.
About Iceland
Iceland, a captivating island nation in the North Atlantic, is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, vast glaciers, and abundant geothermal activity, offering a unique blend of natural wonders. Despite its small population, the country maintains a vibrant and independent media market, consistently ranking among the top globally for press freedom. This strong commitment to open information ensures a diverse and critical news environment, reflecting the nation's democratic values.
Visiting Iceland
Media landscape
Iceland boasts a highly free and independent media environment, characterized by a small but diverse market. The press plays a crucial role in public discourse, with both traditional and digital outlets providing comprehensive coverage.
For a comprehensive understanding, consult both Icelandic-language news for local depth and English-language publications like The Reykjavík Grapevine for cultural and political insights.
Sources we track 1
Motorcyclist Seriously Injured After Crash Leaves Bike Tangled in Vancouver Traffic Light
- A motorcyclist in Vancouver, Canada, was hospitalized with serious injuries after a collision with a car. - The motorcycle ended up entangled in a traffic light following the crash. - The accident c…
Trump Has The Pool Painted Blue
Workers have begun painting the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial blue as part of an effort to beautify Washington D.C. for the nation's 250th anniversary. The historic pool has suffered from le…
Can You Build a Deck Directly on Grass?
- A reader asked landscape architect Björn Jóhannsson if a wooden deck can be built directly on grass. - Jóhannsson advised against this, explaining that direct contact with soil causes rot and frost …
West Ham - Arsenal: Score 1-1 as Trossard's Late Goal Boosts Title Hopes
- West Ham is currently drawing 1-1 with Arsenal in the 36th round of the English Premier League. - The match is being played at the London Olympic Stadium. - Leandro Trossard scored a crucial goal in…
Attacks Continue on Second Day of Ceasefire in Ukraine
- Russian forces continued attacks in eastern Ukraine on the second day of a three-day ceasefire, injuring at least nine people, according to Ukrainian authorities. - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zel…
Icelandic Cyclists Embark on Epic US Journey for Parkinson's Awareness
- Icelandic cyclists Einar Guttormsson and Hartmann Guðmundsson are cycling 3,500 km from Seattle to Arizona to raise funds for the Parkinson's Association. - The challenging journey, which began Apri…
Full of Energy from Young People
- Hildur Einarsdóttir finds joy and energy in teaching chemistry to young students at Flensborg. - She has been teaching at the school since 1996 and feels a strong connection to her students, respect…
Iran submits response to US peace proposal
- Iran has submitted its response to the latest US peace proposal through Pakistani mediators. - The Iranian response focuses on ending the war and ensuring maritime security in the Persian Gulf and t…
Iceland's Architectural Advantage: Nature as Inspiration, Says Kengo Kuma
- Japanese architect Kengo Kuma believes Japan can learn from Iceland's approach to architecture, particularly its deep connection with nature. - Kuma criticizes the global trend of "internationalism"…
Three arrested in Sweden on suspicion of murder
- Three men in their thirties were arrested in Kristianstad, Sweden, on suspicion of murder. - The arrests followed the death of an individual who was injured by an implement the previous evening. - T…
Cruise Ship with Hantavirus Arrives in Tenerife; Passengers to be Evacuated
- The cruise ship MV Hondius, carrying passengers with hantavirus, arrived in Tenerife, Spain. - Approximately 150 people on board will be disembarked and flown home. - Three passengers, including a D…
39 Killed in Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon Despite Ceasefire
- At least 39 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon on Monday, according to Lebanese health authorities, despite an existing ceasefire. - The Israeli military stated that the targets wer…
„Gerðum allt sem við gátum til að tapa þessu“
- Grindavík secured a victory against Tindastóll in the first game of the Icelandic men's basketball league finals. - Grindavík initially built a significant lead, but Tindastóll fought back to tie th…
Grindavík takes 1-0 lead in Icelandic basketball finals with 85:80 win over Tindastóll
- Grindavík defeated Tindastóll 85:80 in the first game of the Icelandic men's basketball championship finals. - Grindavík established early leads, extending their advantage to 19 points in the second…
Putin says war in Ukraine nearing its end, criticizes Western support
- Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the war in Ukraine is approaching its end. - Putin criticized Western support for Ukraine, accusing the West of escalating the conflict. - He reiterated …
WHO Director-General arrives in Tenerife
- The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has arrived in Tenerife, Spain. - His visit is to assist in managing the evacuation of passengers from a crui…
Grindavík and Tindastóll Begin Basketball Championship Finals
- Grindavík is hosting Tindastóll in the first game of the men's basketball championship finals series in Grindavík. - Grindavík defeated Valur in the semifinals, while Tindastóll eliminated the defen…
Multi-purpose Building Under Construction at Þeistareykir
- Landsvirkjun has begun construction of a new multi-purpose building near the Þeistareykir geothermal power station in Iceland. - The building, initially 126 square meters, will be leased to GeoSilic…
Grindavík vs. Tindastóll: Championship Finals Begin in Grindavík
- Grindavík is hosting Tindastóll in the first game of the men's basketball championship finals. - The series requires three wins to secure the championship, with Grindavík having defeated Val and Tin…
Valur - ÍBV, the score is 22:33
- Valur and ÍBV are competing in the third game of the women's handball Icelandic Championship finals. - Valur has won the first two games and can secure the championship title with a victory tonight.…
City's Title Hopes Alive After Dominant Win Over Brentford
- Manchester City secured a 3-0 victory against Brentford in the English Premier League. - The win keeps City in second place, two points behind Arsenal in the title race. - Goals from Jérémy Doku and…
UK prepares to isolate passengers from virus-hit cruise ship
- UK health authorities are preparing to receive approximately 24 individuals from the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, which has reported an outbreak of the hantavirus. - The ship carries nearly 150 pas…
Valur Aims to Clinch Handball Title Against ÍBV in Game 3
- Valur and ÍBV are competing in the third game of the Icelandic Women's Handball Championship finals. - Valur leads the series 2-0 and can secure the championship with a win tonight. - If ÍBV wins, a…
Man. City - Brentford, the score is 1:0
- Jeremy Doku scored a superb goal to give Manchester City a 1-0 lead against Brentford. - Manchester City is currently second in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in …
Valur vs. ÍBV: Championship on the Line in Decisive Handball Final
- Valur and ÍBV are competing in the third game of the Icelandic Women's Handball Championship finals. - Valur has won the first two games and can secure the championship with a victory tonight. - If …
Ceasefire already in jeopardy
- Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a three-day ceasefire agreement that began on May 8, 2026. - Ukraine claims Russia launched 51 attacks since the morning, while Russia states …
United Couldn't Find Their Stride Against the Newly Promoted
- Manchester United drew 0-0 with Sunderland in their English Premier League match. - The result keeps Manchester United in third place with 65 points, while Sunderland remains 12th with 48 points. - …
Icelandic MP Criticizes Finance Minister Over Delayed Public Sector Wage Report
- An Icelandic MP, Njáll Trausti Friðbertsson, is awaiting a report on public sector wage growth from the finance minister. - Friðbertsson argues that the public sector should not lead wage increases …
University of the Arts to Consolidate in Stakkahlíð Facility
- Iceland's University of the Arts signed a letter of intent to consolidate its operations into a single building in Stakkahlíð. - This move aims to bring all departments under one roof for the first …
Liverpool Fans Boo Manager Arne Slot After Substitution
- Liverpool fans booed manager Arne Slot during their Premier League match against Chelsea. - The boos occurred when Slot substituted young player Rio Ngumoha in the 67th minute for striker Alexander …
UK Sends Warship to Middle East to Protect Shipping
- The UK will send a warship to the Middle East as part of an international effort to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. - The HMS Dragon will be deployed ahead of a multinational operation aim…
Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea: Gravenberch's goal seals victory
- Liverpool defeated Chelsea 1-0 in a Premier League match at Anfield. - Ryan Gravenberch scored the lone goal in the 28th minute. - The win keeps Liverpool in fourth place while Chelsea remains ninth…
Extended Spending Time for Grant
- A grant for promoting discussion on European affairs faced criticism regarding its timeline. - Initially, recipients were expected to use the funds by the end of June 2026. - This deadline was later…
Overwhelming Response to Terra's New Sustainability Grant Fund
- Terra has launched a new grant fund aimed at supporting individuals and startups with projects related to environmental and innovation matters. - The fund has received over 40 applications, exceedin…
Starmer Vows to Listen to Voters After Election Rout
- Keir Starmer pledged to listen to voters after the Labour Party suffered a historic defeat in local and regional elections. - Disappointed voters supported hard-right and nationalist parties, with R…
Emails Show Reykjavík Leadership Knew About Warehouse Scale Before Construction
- Emails reveal that Reykjavík's majority leadership was aware of the scale of a warehouse construction project at Álfabakki 2a before it was built, contradicting earlier statements. - The emails show…
Special Unit Deployed to Assist in Vestmannaeyjar
- Iceland's National Police Directorate has deployed a special unit to Vestmannaeyjar to assist local police in an ongoing operation. - The exact nature of the operation is not being disclosed at this…
Njarðvík takes first win in women's basketball finals
- Njarðvík defeated Haukar 92-80 in the first game of the Icelandic women's basketball championship finals. - Njarðvík leads the best-of-five series 1-0, with Brittany Dinkins scoring 26 points and ei…
KR Completes Stunning Comeback to Stay Perfect at Top of Bestu deild
- KR secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Stjarnan to maintain their perfect record at the top of the Bestu deild men's football league. - Other matches saw Fram defeat Valur 3-2 with a las…
Three Vie for Icelandic Chess Championship Title
- Hilmir Freyr Heimisson leads the Icelandic Chess Championship heading into the final round, potentially winning his first title. - Reigning champion Vignir Vatnar is in second place, with former cha…
Standardized Tests Are the Only Way
- A former school principal argues that standardized tests are the only way to ensure consistent and comparable grading across schools and years. - He states that grade inflation has always existed bu…
Haukar - Njarðvík, the score is 33:52
- Haukar and Njarðvík are competing in the first game of the Icelandic Women's Basketball Championship finals. - The championship will be won by the first team to secure three victories in the best-of…
Haukar vs. Njarðvík: Championship Series Begins
- Haukar and Njarðvík are competing in the first game of the Icelandic women's basketball league finals. - The series is a best-of-three, with the first team to win three games declared champions. - M…
Iceland Appoints Group to Assess Reykjanes Peninsula Infrastructure Amidst Natural Hazard Risks
- A working group has been appointed to assess critical infrastructure on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland. - The group will propose mitigation measures against risks from earthquakes, volcanic erup…
Besta deild: Fram Equalizes Against Valur in Live Match Commentary
- Fram equalized the score to 1-1 against Valur in the 6th round of the Besta deild men's football league. - The match is one of four games kicking off simultaneously at 7:15 PM, with KR leading the l…
Three-Day Ceasefire Approved
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Russian and Ukrainian negotiation teams have agreed to a three-day ceasefire. - The agreement includes a prisoner exchange of one thousand individuals from…
Víkingur R. Defeats Þór 2-0 in Bestu deild Clash
- Víkingur R. defeated Þór 2-0 in a men's football match in the Bestu deild. - Víkingur R., the reigning champions, are second in the league with 13 points. - Newcomers Þór are seventh with six points…
Mosfellsbær Majority Parties Condemn Progress Party's Violent Campaign Video
- Three majority parties in Mosfellsbær, Iceland, have strongly condemned a campaign video posted by the local Progress Party on TikTok. - The video depicted a man being punched after voting for the P…
Hantavirus Never Investigated in Icelandic Rodents, Authorities Confirm
- No rodents in Iceland have ever been tested for hantavirus, according to MAST, the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Service. - A virologist confirmed that while no hantavirus has been confirmed in Icel…
World Cup Tickets Too Pricey for Trump
- Ticket prices for the men's FIFA World Cup have become a major topic of discussion, with some resale market tickets for the final exceeding $2.3 million. - FIFA President Gianni Infantino attributes…
Labour Suffers Heavy Losses in English Local Elections; Reform UK Gains
- The UK's Labour Party suffered significant losses in local elections across England, according to initial results. - Nigel Farage's Reform UK party made substantial gains, performing strongly in the…
Two Britons Infected With Hantavirus on Remote Island
- Two British citizens have been diagnosed with hantavirus on the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha. - A third individual is suspected of being infected. - Passengers on the MV Hondius …
Students with A's Multiply Between Years at Gardaskoli | Morgunblaðið Analysis
- In the 2023 school year, no 8th-grade students at Gardaskoli received an 'A' in Icelandic, and the same was true for 9th graders the following year. - However, by the end of the 10th grade, 28 stude…
“This was my last handball game”
- Val won the Icelandic men's handball championship, with player Róbert Aron Hostert concluding his career with the title. - Hostert expressed immense pride in his team's victory, acknowledging the cl…
Boots on the shelf after championship win over alma mater
- Magnús Óli Magnússon has won the Icelandic championship in handball with Val after defeating his former club FH in the final match. - Following the victory, Magnússon announced his retirement from h…
Valur and FH Battle for Icelandic Handball Championship Title
- Valur and FH are competing in the decisive final match for the Icelandic men's handball championship. - The series is tied 2-2, making tonight's game the championship decider. - mbl.is is providing …
Chinese National Arrested in Norway for Suspected Espionage
- Norwegian police have arrested a Chinese national in Otta on suspicion of large-scale espionage. - The suspect is believed to be a front for Chinese intelligence services attempting to access satell…
Developing pioneering drugs against serious treatment complications
- Icelandic pharmaceutical company Akthelia Pharmaceutical is developing a new drug, AKT-011, to protect the gastrointestinal lining from damage caused by cancer treatments. - The drug aims to reduce …
Valur and FH Face Off in Decisive Handball Championship Final
- Valur and FH are competing in the decisive final match for the Icelandic men's handball championship. - The series is tied 2-2, making tonight's game the ultimate decider for the title. - mbl.is is …
Three-Car Collision on Reykjavík Road
- A three-car collision occurred on Reykjavík Road around 7 p.m. - The fire department responded to the scene with two ambulances. - Information regarding injuries is not yet available.
Grindavík and Valur Face Off in Decisive Game 5 of Basketball Semifinals
- Grindavík and Valur are tied 2-2 in their best-of-five semifinal series in the Icelandic Men's Basketball Championship. - The decisive Game 5 is being played in Grindavík, with the winner advancing …
Unreasonable to charge for the runway
- Iceland's consumer appeals board partially overturned a ruling against Isavia, the airport operator, regarding parking fees at Keflavík Airport. - The board reduced Isavia's fine by 100,000 Icelandi…
Reykjavik Council Approves Grafarvogur Housing Project Amid Resident Opposition
- Reykjavik's environmental and planning council approved a zoning change in Grafarvogur to allow for a new multi-unit residential building. - The proposed building will be two to four stories high an…
Tindastóll leads Stjarnan 93:86 in decisive Game 5 of basketball semifinals
- Tindastóll and Stjarnan are competing in a decisive Game 5 of their Icelandic men's basketball league semifinal series. - The series is tied 2-2, with each team having won two games. - The winner wi…
Tindastóll and Stjarnan Face Off in Decisive Game 5 of Icelandic Basketball Semifinals
- Tindastóll and Stjarnan are competing in a decisive game in the Icelandic men's basketball league semifinals. - The series is tied 2-2, with each team having won two previous games. - The winner wil…
Tindastóll and Stjarnan face off in decisive basketball playoff game
- Tindastóll and Stjarnan are competing in the decisive game of their Icelandic men's basketball championship semifinals. - The series is tied 2-2, with the winner advancing to face either Valur or Gr…
Bjarki and Edda Married and Baptized Their Son
- Bjarki Sigurðsson and Edda Kristín Bergþórsdóttir celebrated a significant family event, getting married and baptizing their son. - Their son, Hrafn Bjarkason, was born over two months ago and recei…
“There’s hardly anything that tops this!”
- Helga Gabríela Sigurðardóttir, a sandwich artist, shares her recipe for a delicious roast beef sandwich, emphasizing a unique remoulade sauce made with cream cheese instead of mayonnaise. - She reco…
Threatened to kill wife and set her apartment on fire
- An foreign man is in custody in Iceland on suspicion of severe assault, domestic violence, arson, and threats. - He allegedly set fire to his estranged wife's apartment and threatened to kill her. -…
Reform Party Leader Slams Social Democrats Over Kindergarten Crisis
- The leader of the Reform Party in Reykjavik criticized the Social Democratic Party for the state of the city's kindergartens. - She cited a 33-month wait for a kindergarten spot for her son and desc…
16 Dead in Collision Between Bus and Oil Tanker
- Sixteen people died in a collision between a passenger bus and an oil tanker truck on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. - The accident occurred around midday in the North Musi Rawas district of Sout…
Three Patients Transferred from MV Hondius; Doctors En Route
- Three individuals suspected of being infected with hantavirus have been transferred from the cruise ship MV Hondius for medical treatment in the Netherlands. - A planned flight to the Canary Islands…
Fish Alone Cannot Guarantee Food Security in War
- Norway, a major fishing nation, faces potential food security risks in emergencies due to reliance on imported feed for aquaculture and fuel for fishing fleets. - A recent article highlights that in…
Sigfús Pétursson, Farmer and Singer, Dies at 83
- Sigfús Pétursson, a farmer and singer from Álftagerði in Skagafjörður, Iceland, has passed away at the age of 83. - He was known for his deep love of sheep farming and his work maintaining fences on…
Iceland sits out Eurovision 2025 in Vienna
- Iceland will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Vienna, marking 40 years since its first participation. - The country is among five nations, including Ireland, Netherlands, Slove…
Arsenal reach Champions League final for first time in 20 years
- Arsenal defeated Atlético Madrid 1-0 in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, winning the tie 2-1 on aggregate. - Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal in the first half, securing Arse…
Njarðvík reaches finals for third consecutive year
- Njarðvík defeated Grindavík 83-72 in the decisive fifth game of their women's basketball playoff series, winning 3-2 overall. - The team overcame a 2-0 series deficit to reach the finals for the thi…
Njarðvík and Grindavík Face Off in Decisive Basketball Semifinal
- Njarðvík and Grindavík are competing in the decisive game of the women's basketball semifinals in Iceland. - The winner will advance to face Haukar in the finals. - mbl.is is providing live text com…
Njarðvík and Grindavík Face Off in Decisive Basketball Semifinal Game 7
- Njarðvík and Grindavík are competing in a decisive Game 7 of the women's basketball league semifinals. - The winner will advance to face Haukar in the championship finals. - mbl.is is providing live…
IBV - Valur, Score is 13:15
- IBV and Valur are competing in the second game of the Icelandic Women's Handball Championship finals. - Valur currently leads the series 1-0, with the first team to secure three wins crowned champio…
Anna and Berglind take on new roles at Rue de Net
- Rue de Net has appointed Anna Alexandra Haraldsdóttir and Berglind Ósk Einarsdóttir to new roles to enhance its market and product strategy. - Berglind Ósk will serve as Marketing Manager, leveragin…
New Trailer Released for Christopher Nolan's "Odyssey," Partially Filmed in Iceland
- Universal Studios has released a full-length trailer for the upcoming film "Odyssey," directed by Christopher Nolan. - The film, partially shot in Iceland, stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and is based …
Nothing Better for Health Than a Good Sauna
- A new series on mbl.is, 'Undir berum himni,' explores garden design from start to finish. - Landscape architect Björn Jóhannsson and Jón Axel Ólafsson examine the construction and material selection…
Icelandair CEO Hopes to Avert Flight Cancellations Amid Stalled Labor Talks
- Icelandair's CEO, Bogi Nils Bogason, hopes to avoid flight cancellations amid ongoing labor negotiations with pilots, flight engineers, and flight attendants. - While talks with flight attendants ar…
Construction Delays Average Seven Years
- Traffic infrastructure projects in Iceland's capital region are experiencing significant delays, averaging seven years past their planned completion dates. - Economist Konráð S. Guðjónsson highlight…
Decisive Game 5 Looms After FH Edges Valur in Double Overtime Thriller
- FH defeated Valur 37-36 in a double-overtime thriller in the Icelandic men's handball championship finals. - The victory evens the best-of-five series at 2-2, forcing a decisive Game 5. - The final …
Icelandic Handball Semi-Finals: FH and Valur Tied After Double Overtime
- FH and Valur are competing in the fourth game of the Icelandic men's handball league semi-finals. - Valur will secure the championship with a win tonight, while FH can force a deciding game with a v…
Everton 1-1 Man. City: Live Update from the Premier League
- Everton and Manchester City are currently tied 1-1 in their English Premier League match. - The match is taking place at the Hill Dickinson Ground in Liverpool. - Manchester City is second in the le…
Valur on the verge of Icelandic championship title in handball
- Valur can secure the Icelandic championship title with a victory in tonight's handball match against FH. - If FH wins, a decisive seventh game will be played on Thursday. - mbl.is is providing live …
Valur faces elimination against Grindavík in basketball semifinals
- Valur and Grindavík are competing in the fourth game of the men's basketball league semifinals. - Grindavík leads the series 2-1, and a win tonight would advance them to the finals. - mbl.is is prov…
Preparations Underway for Total Solar Eclipse Viewing in Iceland
- Iceland is preparing for a total solar eclipse on August 12, with the Westfjords region experiencing the longest duration of totality. - Special measures, including increased park rangers and traffi…
Valur - Grindavík, the score is 13:11
- Valur and Grindavík are competing in the fourth game of the semifinals of the Icelandic Men's Basketball Championship at Hlíðarenda. - Grindavík currently leads the series 2-1, meaning a victory ton…
Car Drives Into Crowd in Leipzig; Several Injured
- Several people were injured when a car drove into a crowd in the city center of Leipzig, Germany. - Police have not released further details, including the exact number of injured. - Emergency servi…
France Fines Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly Over Illegal Drug Advertisements
- French health authorities fined Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly for illegally advertising prescription weight-loss drugs. - Novo Nordisk received fines totaling €1.78 million for ads promoting Saxenda an…
There Will Be a Deciding Game Five in Sauðárkrókur
- Tindastóll defeated Stjarnan 103-97 in Game 4 of their semi-final series, forcing a decisive Game 5. - The victory evened the best-of-five series at 2-2, setting up a thrilling conclusion. - The gam…
Stjarnan - Tindastóll, the score is 84:90
- Tindastóll leads Stjarnan 90-88 in the fourth game of their Icelandic men's basketball playoff semi-final series. - Tindastóll has a 2-1 lead in the best-of-three series, with the winner advancing t…
Icelandic Engineer Leads AI Loan Chatbot Innovation in New York
- Guðmundur Már Jónasson, an electrical engineer from Iceland, is leading a team at the US software company Better in New York. - Better has launched an AI chatbot that can process mortgage and other …
Trump: "Engaged in Very Positive Discussions" with Iran
- U.S. officials are engaged in "very positive discussions" with Iran regarding potential steps to end the Middle East conflict. - This follows Iran's submission of a 14-point plan to end the war, to …
Stjarnan vs. Tindastóll: Live updates from crucial Icelandic basketball playoff game
- Stjarnan leads Tindastóll 2-1 in their best-of-five semifinal series in the Icelandic men's basketball league. - The teams are playing the fourth game of the series in Garðabær, with Stjarnan curren…
Icelandic Game Developer CCP to Be Acquired by Management Team
- Icelandic game developer CCP is being acquired by its management team. - The company was previously owned by South Korean firm Pearl Abyss. - The sale price is reported to be $120 million USD.