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
U.S. Army secretary Dan Driscoll resigns
Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation as secretary of the U.S. Army, according to a White House confirmation. Reports in U.S. media in recent days said Driscoll’s relationship with his superior, …
“Today is a day of sorrow”: Sýn broadcasts its final television newscast after nearly 40 years
Sýn’s final television newscast ended nearly 40 years of broadcasting history, leaving editor Kolbeinn Tumi Daðason to read the evening news for the last time. “Today is a day of sorrow and a day of i…
Iceland’s Deadliest Car Crash of the Century
Three young people have died in a crash on Iceland’s Krýsuvíkurvegur road near Bláfjallavegur, making it the country’s deadliest road accident since December 2018. The crash joins a list of seven Icel…
“The Importance of Nordic Cooperation for Iceland Is Growing Steadily”
Ásta S. Fjeldsted has taken her seat on the board of Nordic Compass, a new forum bringing together business leaders from across the Nordic region. The Festi chief executive attended her first board me…
“No words can express such a loss,” Iceland’s president says after fatal crash
President Halla Tómasdóttir said no words could express the loss after three young people died in a car crash on Krýsuvíkurvegur. The victims, a boy and two girls, were travelling in a car that left t…
Iceland suffer 37-point defeat to Turkey
Iceland fell 15-1 behind Turkey and never recovered, losing 110-73 in a men's 2027 Basketball World Cup qualifying game. Turkey led 33-14 after the opening quarter and extended its advantage to 28 poi…
Iceland fall 56-87 to Turkey in World Cup qualifier
Iceland’s men’s basketball team lost 87-56 to Turkey in a 2027 World Cup qualifying match at Laugardalshöll. Morgunblaðið followed the game through a live text commentary. The coverage included photog…
Iceland lead Turkey 60-37
Iceland's men's basketball team faced Turkey in a 2027 World Cup qualifying match at Laugardalshöll. A live text update listed Turkey ahead 60-37. The coverage identified Iceland players Tryggvi Snær …
Arsenal lead Aston Villa 1-0 after Bukayo Saka scores
Bukayo Saka put Arsenal ahead against Aston Villa in the 59th minute of their second-round English Premier League match. Riccardo Calafiori supplied the cross from the left, and Saka finished from clo…
Young Independence Members Call It “Absurd” for the State to Handle Television News Alone
Iceland’s Young Independents have condemned the prospect of RÚV becoming the country’s only regular television evening news provider, calling the situation “absurd” for a free media system. The group …
Iceland faces Turkey in 2027 World Cup basketball qualifier
Iceland’s men’s national basketball team is facing Turkey in a 2027 World Cup qualifying match at Laugardalshöll in Reykjavík. Morgunblaðið is following the game with live text updates. The coverage i…
Iceland and Turkey Level at 0-0
Iceland’s men’s basketball team was facing Turkey in a 2027 World Cup qualifying match at Laugardalshöll in Reykjavík, with the score level at 0-0. Turkey entered the game top of the group, while Icel…
Aston Villa and Arsenal level at 0-0
Aston Villa and Arsenal were tied 0-0 in their second-round English Premier League match. Villa entered the game after a 4-0 defeat by Brighton in the opening round. Arsenal began the season with a 3-…
Logi: “Bad and sad news”
Iceland’s culture, innovation and higher education minister, Logi Már Einarsson, described Sýn’s decision to end its television news broadcasts as “bad and sad news” and a return to an earlier era. Sý…
“Unfortunately, this decision was unavoidable”
Sýn is ending its television news service after almost 40 years, with about 10 full-time positions affected, mainly in television news production and distribution. Chief executive Herdís Dröfn Fjeldst…
From Tomorrow, Everyone Can Donate Blood
Iceland will open blood donation to everyone tomorrow, ending rules that barred donors based on sex or sexual orientation. A new regulation from the health minister also prohibits discrimination based…
Gakpo will not join Manchester City
Cody Gakpo will remain with Liverpool after the club rejected an £80 million offer from Manchester City. English media had reported that Gakpo wanted to move to City and that the two clubs were likely…
Messi retires from Argentina’s national team
Lionel Messi has announced that he is stepping away from Argentina’s national team after a career that made him both the country’s most-capped player and its leading scorer. Messi, 39, became world ch…
Brussels Gets a Cold Shower from Icelanders
Iceland’s rejection of continued European Union accession talks delivered what Euronews analysts called a “cold shower from the north” to Brussels. The vote came as EU officials had been working to re…
Liverpool confirms signing of French winger Bradley Barcola
Bradley Barcola has officially joined Liverpool, with the English club agreeing to pay Paris Saint-Germain £106 million for the French winger. The 23-year-old, who signed a five-year contract, could c…
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This Government Will Not Resume Talks with the EU
Iceland’s government will not reopen membership negotiations with the European Union, Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said after meeting Alþingi’s Foreign Affairs Committee. “The resul…
Toll collection to begin, with single-trip charges starting at 1,500 krona
The new Ring Road around Hornafjörður will begin charging drivers in September, only months after opening to traffic in June. The tolls will help pay part of the road’s construction, operation and mai…
Two Taken to Hospital After Car Rolls Over in Iceland
Two people were taken to hospital after a car rolled over at least twice near Eyri in southern Fáskrúðsfjörður, Iceland. Four people were inside the vehicle. Firefighters initially faced uncertainty a…
‘It Is Strange to Play’ After the King’s Death
Hans Erik Ødegaard said it felt wrong to move from memorial ceremonies for King Harald V directly into a competitive football match just two days after the monarch’s death. “I think this is wrong. I d…
Betting sites predict Iceland will reject EU membership talks
Betting websites are forecasting that Iceland will likely reject the prospect of resuming membership talks with the European Union. Odds offered by platforms such as EpicBet suggest that the Icelandic…
Iceland's Finance Minister: Euro could anchor national consensus on economy
Icelandic Finance Minister Daði Már Kristófersson has suggested that adopting the Euro could provide a much-needed anchor for national consensus on economic policy. He acknowledges that a significant …
Reuters reporter discusses Iceland's election and potential EU impact
Foreign media, including Reuters, closely followed Iceland's election, with reporter Johan Ahlander present at polling stations. Ahlander noted that Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir appeared pleased…
Government calls press conference on referendum results
Iceland's government leaders are convening a press conference to address the nation following a recent referendum. The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 1 p.m. in Harpa, a prominent concert hall an…
Afturelding Secures Promotion to Iceland's Top Football League
Afturelding has officially secured its place in the Bestu deild karla, Iceland's premier men's football league, for the next season. The club from Mosfellsbær clinched their promotion with a decisive …
Rough Seas Hamper Iceland's Fin Whale Hunt
Iceland's fin whale hunting season has been hampered by challenging weather conditions, with rough seas and fog significantly impacting operations. Kristján Loftsson, CEO of Hvalur hf., reported that …
Iceland's Role in Myeloma Research Highlighted During US Veterans' Cycling Tour
A group of US veterans, including former Gulf War soldier Eric Blackburn, are undertaking a cycling journey across Iceland to raise global awareness and funds for multiple myeloma research. Blackburn,…
Liverpool held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest at Anfield
Liverpool dropped points at Anfield for the second consecutive match, drawing 2-2 with Nottingham Forest in a dramatic Premier League encounter. The result mirrored their opening-day fixture against N…
Children with behavioral issues excluded from school trips in Iceland
Children in Iceland struggling with behavioral issues or neurodevelopmental disorders are reportedly being excluded from school trips and events, according to Salvör Nordal, the Ombudsman for Children…
Reykjavik tightens rules for employee foreign travel
Reykjavik City has introduced new, stricter regulations for its employees regarding work-related international travel. Under the revised policy, staff planning to travel abroad for work must now secur…
Nepal army uses drilling equipment in bid to rescue 100 workers trapped in tunnels
Rescue teams from the Nepalese army are employing drilling equipment in a critical effort to save more than 100 workers trapped inside the tunnels of the Trishuli 3A hydropower plant. The workers have…
Increased Electrical Conductivity in Múlakvísl River; Gas Pollution Warning Issued
Recent measurements show a steady increase in electrical conductivity in the Múlakvísl river in Iceland, reaching approximately 240 µS/cm over the past few days. This rise in conductivity is a key ind…
Traffic chaos as key intersection closed for upgrades
Drivers in Reykjavik are experiencing significant traffic delays at the intersection of Grensásvegur and Miklubraut. The congestion stems from the closure of the right-turn lane from Miklubraut to Gre…
Driver arrested after intentionally hitting pedestrian
Police in Reykjavik arrested a driver who allegedly intentionally struck a pedestrian while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The incident occurred after the driver first collided with a parke…
Large iceberg spotted off Iceland's Westfjords
A significant iceberg has been sighted in Icelandic waters, prompting attention from the country's meteorological authorities. The Icelandic Met Office confirmed receiving a report from a ship detaili…
Busy Philipps: 'My brain doesn't feel broken anymore' after rare tumor removal
Actress Busy Philipps is sharing her recovery journey after undergoing surgery to remove a rare malignant brain tumor. The growth was discovered incidentally during a full-body MRI scan in February. P…
Iceland referendum on EU talks: Poll shows razor-thin margin
Icelanders are closely divided on whether to continue negotiations for European Union membership, according to the latest poll conducted by Maskína. The survey reveals that 50.4% of respondents intend…
Minister's lamb meat statistics questioned
Statistics on lamb meat prices presented by Minister of Industry Hanna Katrín Friðriksson in a Facebook post appear to lack factual basis. Friðriksson used these figures to advocate for continued EU a…
Serbia Dominates Iceland 102-73 in FIBA World Cup Qualifier
Serbia asserted its dominance over Iceland, securing a commanding 102-73 victory in the seventh round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers at the Belgrade Arena. While Iceland put up a spirited…
Greenland Seeks Truth and Reconciliation Over Forced Contraception Scandal
Greenlandic authorities have announced plans to establish a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the deeply traumatic "coil case," involving the forced implantation of intrauterine devic…
Brussels prosecutor seeks more funds amid surge in shootings
Brussels is grappling with an escalating wave of gun violence, prompting the city's chief prosecutor to demand more resources to tackle drug trafficking gangs. Julien Moinil stated that 69 shootings h…
Serbia Dominates Iceland in Basketball World Cup Qualifier, 102-73
Serbia decisively defeated Iceland 102-73 in a crucial FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifier match played at the Belgrade Arena. The game, part of the 7th round of qualifiers, saw the Serbian team demon…
Lawmaker reverses stance on EU accession talks after reassessment
Sigríður María Egilsdóttir, a lawyer and former representative for the Viðreisn party, has publicly reversed her stance on Iceland's potential accession talks with the European Union. Initially, she w…
Iceland University's Oktoberfest promises lively student celebration
Iceland University's annual Oktoberfest is set to return for its 22nd iteration, promising a vibrant celebration for students and the public alike. Scheduled from September 10 to 12 in Vatnsmýrin, the…
Nepal floods: Nearly 2,000 missing after deadly deluge
Devastating floods have swept through Nepal, leaving a trail of destruction and a rapidly growing casualty count. Authorities have significantly increased the number of missing persons to 1,924, just …
Albert Guðmundsson reportedly nearing transfer to Bologna
Icelandic national team player Albert Guðmundsson is reportedly on the verge of a significant club transfer, potentially moving to Italian side Bologna. Guðmundsson, who has spent recent years with Fi…
Four admit to arson attack on Jewish charity ambulances in UK
Four young men have admitted to carrying out an arson attack on ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity in the UK. The incident, which occurred in March, saw four ambulances operated by Hatzola destr…
Residents wake to large fire and black smoke in Reykjavik apartment building
Residents of an apartment building on Kirkjustétt in Reykjavik were jolted awake around 2 a.m. Friday by a fire deliberately set in the building's entrance. The blaze quickly engulfed the entryway, se…
Man Caught Carrying Axe Concealed Internally
Reykjavík police apprehended a man in the central part of the city after he was found to be carrying an axe concealed internally. The incident led to the man being charged with weapons possession. Acc…
Icelandic Parliament Divided on EU Membership Vote
Icelandic lawmakers are divided as the nation prepares for a referendum on resuming membership talks with the European Union. A survey indicates that more members of parliament intend to vote 'no' tha…
Icelandic PM acknowledges public's low confidence in economic management
A recent poll reveals widespread public dissatisfaction with the Icelandic government's economic policies, with a stark majority expressing low confidence in its ability to lower interest rates and cu…
Icelandic Health Official Warns of Increased Alcohol Access Making It 'More Attractive and Innocent'
Iceland is facing a growing concern over increased access to alcohol, particularly through online channels, which a public health official warns is making the substance "more attractive and innocent."…
Nepal army searches for over 100 trapped in hydropower plant tunnels after flash floods
Rescue teams from the Nepalese army are engaged in a critical search for over 100 individuals trapped inside the tunnels of a hydropower plant. The situation arose two days after devastating flash flo…
Record Turnout for Early Voting in Iceland as Lines Stretch to Parking Lot
Iceland is witnessing unprecedented participation in early voting, with nearly 22% of the electorate having already cast their ballots. As of the latest figures, 59,364 individuals have voted early ac…
Thieves bought tickets before stealing expensive necklace
Police in Vienna are investigating a brazen art heist where two men bought admission tickets to a museum before smashing a display case and making off with a valuable necklace. The incident occurred a…
Iceland Fashion Week Owner Denies Allegations of Unpaid Work and Poor Treatment
Kolbrún Aðalsteinsdóttir, the owner of Iceland Fashion Week, has vehemently refuted claims circulating on social media alleging poor treatment and non-payment of models. The accusations, which emerged…
Prince Harry Dissatisfied with Security Arrangements After UK Return
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to Britain with their children, Archie and Lilibet, but the family's security arrangements are still a subject of review. Upon their arrival, the couple re…
Was the Government Bluffing? Ex-Minister Questions Economic Claims
Svandís Svavarsdóttir, a former minister and current lawmaker for the Left-Green Movement, has sharply criticized the government's handling of economic affairs and its stance on the European Union. Sh…
Bakery targeted in overnight break-in
The Hygge bakery on Barónsstíg experienced an overnight break-in, with thieves forcing entry by prying open the front door. The culprits tampered with the point-of-sale system by cutting its cables be…
Sweden Sends Military Forces to Finland Amid Border Concerns
Sweden is sending military forces, including Gripen fighter jets and warships, to Finland, according to the Swedish national broadcaster. This decision comes after Finland requested military support, …
First Mother and Wife Crowned Miss USA
Justus Kelley, 31, has been crowned Miss USA 2026, marking a historic moment as the first mother and married woman to win the prestigious pageant. The competition, held in Miami, saw Kelley, who repre…
Article: Direct application of legal provisions
Ahead of a referendum on EU accession talks, there's a notable lack of explanation regarding the EU's governance structure and its legislative processes. International law typically dictates that agre…
New approach to real estate purchases could lower prices in Iceland
A novel approach to real estate transactions, known as "Fjöldakaup" or Mass Purchase, has been presented in Iceland, aiming to tackle the current housing market conditions. Introduced at the autumn me…
Iceland Faces Serbia's Nikola Jokic in World Cup Qualifiers
The Icelandic men's national basketball team is set to face a formidable challenge tonight in Belgrade as they begin the second round of World Cup qualifiers against Serbia. Their opponent boasts one …
King Charles III mourns death of cousin, King Harald of Norway
King Charles III has expressed his profound grief over the passing of his cousin, King Harald V of Norway. King Harald died in a hospital at the age of 89. In a statement, the British monarch shared h…
Iceland's President mourns King Harald of Norway
President Halla Tómasdóttir of Iceland has expressed her profound sorrow following the death of King Harald V of Norway. The King passed away early this morning, marking the end of a significant reign…
Nepal issues flood warning after Tibet dam breach
Authorities in Nepal issued an urgent warning to residents this morning following reports of a dam breach in Tibet. This alert comes just two days after devastating floods already ravaged the region, …
Two air traffic controllers left work early before fatal crash at New York's LaGuardia Airport
An investigation into a fatal March crash at New York's LaGuardia Airport has revealed that two air traffic controllers left their posts an hour before their scheduled shift ended. This premature depa…
Reykjavik Child Welfare director: Teen drinking and cannabis use rising
Reykjavik's Child Welfare agency is observing a concerning rise in both alcohol and cannabis use among children as young as primary school age, according to its director, Þyrí Halla Steingrímsdóttir. …
Trump Orders Lake Ontario Renamed 'America Lake' Amid Trade Dispute
In a move that further strains U.S.-Canada relations, President Donald Trump has ordered the renaming of Lake Ontario to 'America Lake.' The directive, issued during a press conference announcing an e…
Blake Lively awarded only a fraction of legal costs in dispute with Justin Baldoni
Actress Blake Lively will receive just over $407,000 in legal and other costs stemming from her dispute with actor and director Justin Baldoni, a significant reduction from the $8 million she had soug…
The Rosé War: When the battlefield is alcohol
The protracted legal and business battle between Hollywood stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie has taken a new turn, focusing on their shared French vineyard, Château Miraval, and its highly successful…
Former PM Katrín Jakobsdóttir to vote 'no' on EU accession talks
Former Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir has broken her silence on political matters since leaving parliament, declaring her intention to vote 'no' on continuing accession talks with the European Uni…
Bridging the generation gap at Tónabíó
A rally organized by the group Sjá in Reykjavík's Tónabíó cinema aimed to bridge the generation gap on the issue of Iceland's potential European Union membership. The event featured speakers from diff…
Jakob Smári Magnússon named Mosfellsbær's artist of the year
Mosfellsbær has honored veteran bassist Jakob Smári Magnússon as its artist of the year for 2026. The prestigious title was bestowed upon him during the opening ceremony of the town's annual festival,…
Vikingur R. Eliminated from Europa Conference League After 6-2 Aggregate Loss
Vikingur R.'s European journey has ended after a 3-1 loss to Bosnian club Borac in the second leg of their Europa Conference League playoff. The Icelandic team fell 6-2 on aggregate, failing to overco…
Icelandic Children's Ombudsman: It's Misleading to Say Young Children Commit Violence
Salvör Nordal, Iceland's Children's Ombudsman, has challenged the common narrative surrounding children's behavior, arguing that it is misleading to label the actions of young children as 'violence.' …
Icelandic guide on disaster preparedness delayed until autumn
Iceland's planned public guide on disaster and conflict preparedness has been pushed back to the autumn, officials announced. The booklet, intended to equip citizens with knowledge on how to prepare f…
Heimar's profit more than quadruples on strong rental income
Real estate firm Heimar has announced a dramatic increase in its profits, reporting 4.6 billion Icelandic krónur (ISK) for the first six months of the year. This figure represents more than a fourfold…
Icelandic politician urges government to 'look in the mirror' on EU talks
The Icelandic government must 'look in the mirror' rather than merely 'look in the package' regarding its approach to European Union accession talks, according to lawyer and former MP Sigríður María E…
Icelanders urged to vote 'yes' for options on EU deal
Jonas Hagan, chairman and co-founder of the organization Sjá, is urging Icelanders to vote 'yes' in an upcoming referendum, stating it is a vote for securing options. Hagan explained that a 'yes' vote…
Liverpool Gets Easier Draw Than Other English Teams in Champions League
Liverpool has drawn what appears to be a more manageable path in the Champions League group stage compared to their English counterparts. The draw, conducted today, placed Liverpool in a group that in…
Defense lawyers argue for acquittal or leniency in Reykholt assault case
In the District Court of Southern Iceland, defense lawyers for brothers Pétur Már Mortensen Birgisson and Andri Már Mortensen Birgisson presented their arguments today, seeking acquittal or the most l…
Puffin chicks spotted in Reykjavík signal healthy food supply
The unusual sight of puffin chicks wandering through Reykjavík has become a talking point for residents, particularly in the Vesturbær district. Several young puffins have been observed disoriented am…
UEFA to Sue FIFA, Infantino Over Alleged Secret Deal
European football's governing body, UEFA, is preparing to launch a lawsuit against FIFA, its president Gianni Infantino, the JP Morgan bank, and Joshua Kushner. The legal action stems from allegations…
EU Membership Bid Lacks Popular Support in Iceland, Analyst Says
The strategy employed by proponents of European Union membership negotiations in Iceland reveals a "certain weakness," according to political scientist Hjörtur J. Guðmundsson. He observes that those a…
King Charles expresses sorrow over Nepal disaster
King Charles of Great Britain stated that he and Queen Camilla are "heartbroken" by the destruction wrought by flash floods and landslides on the border of Nepal and Tibet. The British government has …
Icelandic health officials consider alcohol breathalyzers for middle schools
Icelandic health authorities are observing a worrying trend of increased alcohol consumption among adolescents, prompting discussions about implementing alcohol breathalyzer tests at middle school eve…
Swedes envy Iceland's new IKEA dessert craze
A new dessert offering at IKEA Iceland has become an unexpected hit, generating significant buzz both locally and internationally. The creation, a blend of soft-serve ice cream served atop a warm choc…
Two dead in school attack near Berlin
An attack at a school near Berlin has resulted in two fatalities, according to German media reports. The victims have been identified as an 18-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man. Authorities have ap…
Data Breach Exposes Personal Information of 8.7 Million Passengers from Three UK Airports
Personal information belonging to 8.7 million customers of three British airports was stolen during a cyberattack last weekend. Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the operator of Manchester, London Stan…
Icelandic Handball Player Still Without Club in Portugal
Icelandic handball player Þorgils Jón Svölu Baldursson is still searching for a club after moving to Portugal this summer with his partner, Lovísa Thompson. The 29-year-old, who won the Icelandic cham…
Icelandic Prosecutors Seek 6-10 Year Sentences in Reykholt Assault Case
Icelandic prosecutors are seeking substantial prison sentences for six individuals accused in a severe assault case that occurred in Reykholt in April 2024. The prosecution is requesting six to 10 yea…
'We Cannot Afford to Give Up' on Tackling Inflation, Says Confederation of Icelandic Industries
Iceland is experiencing its highest inflation rate in two years, with the 12-month figure reaching 5.6%. This marks a slight increase from the previous month's 5.3% and is significantly higher than th…
Farmers reject EU agricultural policy, vote against joining
Icelandic farmers have overwhelmingly rejected the European Union's agricultural policy, signaling a strong desire to protect their domestic industry. In a decisive vote, 52 farmers opposed adopting t…
Champions League Group Stage Draw Set to Begin; Format Change Praised
The UEFA Champions League league stage draw is scheduled for today at 5 PM Icelandic time in Monaco. This marks the third season utilizing the expanded league format, which replaced the traditional gr…