🇮🇸 Morgunblaðið
Iceland · IS · https://www.mbl.is
About Morgunblaðið
Morgunblaðið, founded in 1913, has been published by Árvakur hf. since 1919. Árvakur also operates mbl.is, Iceland's most popular news website, and Landsprent hf, the country's largest newspaper printing press. In 2009, Árvakur was acquired by a group of investors led by Óskar Magnússon, with some investors having ties to the fishing and oil industries.
Morgunblaðið is recognized as Iceland's newspaper of record and a cornerstone of conservative journalism, maintaining historical and ongoing ties to the center-right Independence Party. It has faced longstanding allegations of political bias due to its alignment and structural connections, including board members and several chief editors being affiliated with the Independence Party. A notable controversy involved the 2009 appointment of former Prime Minister Davíð Oddsson as co-editor, which sparked concerns about journalistic independence. While Iceland enjoys a high degree of press freedom, Reporters Without Borders notes that the small media market is vulnerable to political and economic pressures.
Sigmundur Davíð Introduces New Family Member
- Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, leader of the Center Party, shared a personal update on Facebook about his family's new puppy. - He described a pleasant evening with his daughter, where they decided t…
Salmon sightings increase as Iceland's fishing season approaches
- Anglers are reporting sightings of salmon in several Icelandic rivers as the season begins. - Norðurá river has seen a significant number of salmon, with some anglers observing up to thirteen fish i…
Valur vs. Víkingur R.: Reykjavík derby underway in Bestu deild karla
- Valur and Víkingur R. are competing in a Reykjavík derby match as part of the 9th round of the Bestu deild karla football league. - Víkingur R. currently leads the league standings with 25 points, w…
Talks held over weekend in Icelandair pilot dispute
- Talks are ongoing between Icelandair and the Union of Icelandic Commercial Pilots, but no new meeting has been scheduled. - The state mediator is facilitating discussions via phone to find a resolut…
Tech Giants Criticized for Intrusive Practices; Vivaldi Launches Awareness Campaign
- Jón von Tetzchner, founder of Vivaldi Technologies, criticizes major tech companies for intrusive data collection practices. - Vivaldi, in partnership with Proton, launched the
Colombia election: Petro's experiment faces a right-wing challenge
- Colombia's first leftist president, Gustavo Petro, promised deep transformations but delivered a mixed record over four years. - Voters will choose between continuing Petro's line or a right-wing sh…
Linda Dröfn Gunnarsdóttir named Woman of the Year 2025
- Linda Dröfn Gunnarsdóttir, director of Kvennaathvarfið (Women's Shelter), was named Woman of the Year 2025 by the Federation of Women in Reykjavík. - The award ceremony took place on the federation'…
Cod war's end: 50 years since Iceland secured its fishing zone
- Fifty years ago, on June 1, 1976, an agreement was signed in Oslo, ending the cod war between Iceland and Britain. - The agreement formally recognized Iceland's 200-mile fishing zone, preventing Bri…
Laufey Named Performer of the Year at Iceland's Sögur Awards
- Singer Laufey was named Performer of the Year at the Sögur awards, an event celebrating children's culture. - The awards ceremony, held in Reykjavik, recognized various achievements in children's me…
Pilots showcase skills at Iceland's annual air show
- Iceland's Aviation Association held its annual air show at Reykjavík Airport. - The event featured skilled aerobatic pilots and a special guest, Canadian champion Luke Penner. - Displays included th…
Hantavirus-infected cruise ship Hondius set to sail again
- The cruise ship MV Hondius, previously carrying passengers infected with hantavirus, has received clearance to sail again. - The ship underwent thorough disinfection and cleaning in Rotterdam. - Whi…
Three killed in road accident in Norway
- Three people died in a head-on collision between a car and a truck on national road 3 near Kvikne, Norway. - The victims were occupants of the car, which had foreign license plates. - Authorities ar…
David Szalay wonders whether AI could write hockey smut
- Hungarian-British author David Szalay discussed his Booker Prize-winning novel "Flesh" and the challenges of articulating the "unsayable." - Szalay shared his thoughts on Australian literature, reco…
Iceland sets minimum daylight standards for new buildings
- Iceland is implementing new building regulations to ensure minimum daylight levels in new constructions, effective May 1 for new zoning plans and August 1, 2027, for all building permits. - The regu…
Casemiro frustrated by Neymar questions ahead of World Cup
- Brazil midfielder Casemiro expressed frustration with repeated questions about teammate Neymar ahead of the World Cup. - Casemiro stated that Neymar is as important to the squad as any other player.…
Keflavík Airport warns of delays due to 'minimum manning' at border control
- Icelandair passengers at Keflavík Airport were notified of potential delays due to "minimum manning" at border control. - The alert advised passengers to arrive early for border checks following che…
Overcrowded Trains Lead to Fainting Incidents on Norway's Vestfold Line
- Passengers on Norway's Vestfoldbanen train line are experiencing severe overcrowding and lack of oxygen due to a shortage of carriages. - The regional governor of Vestfold has criticized the Ministe…
Important questions remain unanswered
- Iceland's parliament passed a resolution for a referendum on European Union membership with 34 votes in favor. - Opposition lawmakers highlighted inconsistencies in messages from Prime Minister Kris…
Icelandic Teacher Argues Inclusive Education Policy Is Unworkable
- An Icelandic teacher argues that the current implementation of inclusive education in Iceland is unworkable and detrimental. - Davíð Már Sigurðsson states that teachers cannot effectively cater to u…
Student Convicted of Terror Plot Can Continue Chemistry Studies, Swedish Court Rules
- A Swedish court ruled that the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) cannot expel a student convicted of planning a terrorist attack. - The 24-year-old student, who received an eight-year sentence in …
Expert criticizes Icelandic committee chair over EU membership discussion
- Hjörtur J. Guðmundsson, a historian and international relations expert, criticized the chairman of Iceland's parliamentary foreign affairs committee, Pawel Bartoszek. - Guðmundsson stated Bartoszek …
Rare 13th-century artifact found in Árbær
- A rare 13th-century stone cross was discovered in Árbær, Iceland, during archaeological research. - The find suggests human settlement in the area predates written records from the mid-15th century.…
Demolition and Construction in Vogabyggð, Reykjavik
- Construction continues in Reykjavik's Vogabyggð district, with new apartment buildings replacing industrial sites. - City planning has approved merging two plots to build a 112-unit apartment comple…
Referendum on EU talks is not about informing the public, says party leader
- Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, leader of the Progressive Party, criticizes the upcoming referendum on EU accession talks, stating it's not about informing the public but about granting authority for …
From Vesturbæ to Holland
- Basketball player Hanna Þráinsdóttir has joined Dutch club Leiden. - The 28-year-old previously played for KR in Iceland, helping them reach fourth place in the league. - Þráinsdóttir averaged 12 po…
Veitur Halts Drilling in Skammadal Amid Environmental Concerns
- Veitur has halted drilling operations in Skammadal to implement further mitigation measures for the local ecosystem. - Independent experts will assess the impact of past drilling on the river and it…
15 students feared dead in Kenyan school fire
- At least 15 students are feared dead following a fire at a girls' boarding school in Kenya's Nakuru County. - The blaze erupted around 1:00 AM local time at Utumishi Girls Academy. - Emergency servi…
Icelandic lawmakers to access classified EU documents
- Lawmakers not on the Foreign Affairs Committee will be granted access to classified documents regarding potential EU membership negotiations. - The request for access was made by the leader of the S…
New Evidence to be Presented to Police in Óshlíð Case
- Relatives of a man who died in 1973 are presenting new evidence to police, seeking a renewed investigation into his death. - The man, Kristinn Hauks Jóhannesson, was found dead near the Óshlíð road …
Iceland's National Library replaces librarians with security guards amid budget cuts
- Iceland's National Library will replace librarians with security guards for evening and weekend shifts on the third and fourth floors. - The change is attributed to government-mandated budget cuts a…
Reykjavik Left Party Leader Criticizes New Coalition's Agenda
- Sanna Magdalena Mörtudóttir, leader of the Left party in Reykjavik, criticizes the new majority coalition's focus. - She expresses concern that the new coalition's agenda does not address housing co…
Banks demanded to reverse interest rate hikes
- Icelandic trade unions are demanding that commercial banks retract recent interest rate hikes, citing the banks' significant profits. - Unions argue that banks, which reported nearly 100 billion Ice…
Transportation pact main sticking point for Reykjavik council
- The new majority in Reykjavik's city council has agreed to revise the transportation agreement and initiate discussions with the government and neighboring municipalities. - Key issues included the …
Rural dream near city: New neighborhood offers country living close to amenities
- A new residential area called Tjarnabyggð is being developed near Selfoss, Iceland, offering a rural lifestyle with urban proximity. - The development by brothers Haraldur and Benedikt Ólafsson aims…
Icelandic Parliament Debates EU Referendum Amidst Opposition
- Iceland's parliament is debating a referendum on EU membership talks, with a deadline of August 29 for the vote to proceed. - Sigríður Á. Andersen of the Progress Party expressed dissatisfaction, ci…
Icelandic Teacher Charged with Smearing Feces Amid Stalking Allegations
- A primary school teacher in Reykjanesbær, Iceland, faces charges for allegedly smearing feces on a door and car. - The alleged acts were committed at the homes of individuals accusing Iris Helga Jón…
Artist Þórunn Elísabet Sveinsdóttir receives Iceland's top performing arts honor
- Þórunn Elísabet Sveinsdóttir received the Icelandic Performing Arts Association's honorary award for 2026. - Sveinsdóttir, a visual artist, costume, and set designer, expressed surprise at the recog…
Former hospitality students celebrate 55 years since graduation
- A group of former hotel and restaurant school graduates from 1971 recently reunited in Iceland to reminisce and discuss industry changes. - Ten of the original 29 graduates attended the gathering, m…
Eighth win in a row for the champions
- Víkingur secured their eighth consecutive win in the Besta deild karla, defeating Stjarnan 3-1. - The victory maintains Víkingur's three-point lead at the top of the league standings. - Stjarnan has…
US attacks missile sites in Iran despite ceasefire, says it acted to defend troops
- US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran targeting missile sites and boats attempting to lay mines. - The attacks occurred as Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for talks aimed at …
Vintage Tractors and Classic Cars Shine at Iceland's Tractor Day
- The Ferguson Club held its annual Tractor Day event at Blikastöðum in Mosfellsbær, Iceland, showcasing vintage tractors and classic cars. - Around twenty tractors, primarily Ferguson models, were di…
Rwanda's first women's drumming group educates next generation
- Ingoma Nshya, Rwanda's first women's drumming group, was founded 22 years ago by Odile Gakire Katese to encourage women's participation in arts where they were excluded. - The group faced significan…
Iceland's Settlement Centre celebrates 20 years, boosting local tourism
- The Settlement Centre in Borgarnes, Iceland, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. - Opened in 2006 by Sigríður Margrét and Kjartan Ragnarsson, the center focuses on Iceland's settlement history and …
UK breaks 80-year-old heat record as temperatures soar
- An 80-year-old heat record was broken across the UK as temperatures soared, with London reaching 34.8 degrees Celsius. - The high temperatures are unusual for May, with the current heatwave comparab…
Russia Urges US Diplomats to Leave Kyiv After Weekend Strikes
- Russia's Foreign Minister urged the U.S. to move its embassy staff out of Kyiv following weekend missile and drone attacks. - Moscow claimed its Oreshnik hypersonic missile was used in the strikes, …
Europe Shatters May Temperature Records Amid Intense Heatwave
- Record-breaking heatwaves are sweeping across Europe, with temperatures reaching 33.5°C (92.3°F) in Heathrow, UK. - Temperatures are expected to climb higher, potentially reaching 35°C (95°F) in the…
First Student Completes Advanced Piano Exam at Icelandic Music School
- Sóley Sif Jónsdóttir made history by becoming the first student to complete advanced piano studies at the Austur-Húnvetninga Music School. - She comes from a musical family, with her mother as the s…
Crack in Toxic Tank May Ease Pressure, California Evacuations Continue
- Authorities discovered a crack in a damaged toxic chemical tank, potentially relieving pressure and reducing explosion risk. - Approximately 40,000 residents were evacuated from Garden Grove, Califo…
Two-year-old boy missing in Sweden, extensive search underway
- A large-scale search is underway in Nyåker, Sweden, for a two-year-old boy who disappeared this morning. - Police are utilizing search dogs, a helicopter, and drones, expanding the search area as th…
Hotels must adapt to AI search trends
- 37% of travelers now use AI travel sites to plan and book trips, according to a Boston Consulting Group study. - Hotels must adapt to be visible to AI models, which process natural language queries …
Around 200 earthquakes measured in swarm on Reykjanes Ridge
- Around 200 earthquakes have been measured in a seismic swarm on the Reykjanes Ridge, which began about 24 hours ago. - The largest quake in the swarm measured 3.5 magnitude early this morning, and w…
Hope that Lebanon will be part of the agreement
- Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem expressed hope for a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States that would include Lebanon. - Qassem stated that if an agreement is reached, it would encompa…
Tottenham survives relegation scare with crucial win over Everton
- Tottenham secured a 1-0 victory against Everton, ensuring their place in the Premier League next season. - Joao Palhinha scored the lone goal for Tottenham in the first half. - The win placed Totten…
French couple detained in Portugal over child abandonment
- Portuguese authorities have arrested a French woman and her partner, detaining them on suspicion of abandoning her two young sons, aged four and five, by the roadside. - The children were found cryi…
California Declares State of Emergency Over Leaking Toxic Tank
- California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Garden Grove due to a leaking toxic chemical tank. - Over 40,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate as the tank containing meth…
Icelandic Watercolor Artists Expand Internationally
- Icelandic watercolor artists are experiencing a growing international presence, with increased collaboration beyond traditional Nordic partnerships. - The establishment of the Watercolor Society of …
Major accident feared if tank with toxins explodes
- Firefighters in California are racing to cool a tank containing 26,000 liters of methyl methacrylate, a flammable liquid used in plastic production. - Over 40,000 residents in the Garden Grove area …
Trump says U.S., Iran closer to deal, warns of 'hard blow' if talks fail
- U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States and Iran are moving closer to an agreement to end the conflict in the Middle East. - Trump warned of severe consequences if an agreement is …
Icelandair cancels six flights due to unprecedented crew shortages amid negotiations
- Icelandair has canceled six flights today due to crew shortages, a situation the CEO described as unprecedented. - Four of the cancellations were specifically attributed to the inability to staff cr…
Traffic Limited Due to Maintenance on Jökulsá á Fjöllum Bridge
- Maintenance work on the bridge over Jökulsá á Fjöllum near Grímsstaðir will begin on May 26 and last until June 16. - The bridge will be closed during working hours (8:00 AM to 7:00 PM) on weekdays,…
Icelandic politicians' social media antics reviewed
- Icelandic politicians' social media activity is humorously reviewed in the "Spursmálum" segment. - The review covers reactions to local elections, including wins and losses for prominent figures. - …
Nurse Recounts TB Battle, Criticizes Conditions at Iceland's National Hospital
- An Icelandic nurse, Atli Dagur Sigurðsson, has completed a 120-day treatment for latent tuberculosis contracted at his workplace, the Landspítali hospital's emergency department. - Sigurðsson descri…
Significant Disparities in Graduation Rates Linked to Primary Schools in Iceland
- A new report reveals significant disparities in the rate at which students graduate from upper secondary school within three years, depending on their previous primary school. - The report, commissi…
Divers' Equipment Questioned After Fatal Maldives Cave Dive
- A Finnish diver, Sami Paakkarinen, found the bodies of four Italian divers who died in a cave at a depth of 60 meters in the Maldives. - Paakkarinen stated that the equipment used by the Italian div…
Footage of flying strange objects released
- The U.S. Department of Defense has released footage from an F-16 fighter jet's targeting system showing the downing of an unidentified object over Lake Huron in February 2023. - This release is part…
Icelandic Court Upholds Trademark Violation Ruling, Awards Reduced Damages
- Iceland's Landsréttur court upheld a lower court's ruling regarding trademark infringement. - The court found that the use of the 'b5' brand name for a nightclub constituted a trademark violation. -…
Breiðablik 6 - 2 KR: Dominant Victory in Bestu deild
- Breiðablik defeated KR 6-2 in a Bestu deild karla football match. - Kristófer Ingi Kristinsson scored the sixth goal for Breiðablik in the 54th minute, assisted by Anton. - Anton contributed signifi…
Árni Magnússon Elected Chairman of University of Bifröst Board
- Árni Magnússon, former Minister of Social Affairs, has been elected chairman of the board of the University of Bifröst. - A new five-member board has taken office for a two-year term, comprising rep…
Eleven Students Receive 30 Million Króna in Scholarships from Leif Eiriksson Foundation
- The Leif Eiriksson Foundation awarded scholarships totaling 30 million Icelandic króna to eleven Icelandic and American university students for the 2026-2027 academic year. - The foundation, establi…
Young boys abandoned in Portugal
- Police in Portugal arrested a mother and stepfather after two young French boys were found abandoned and crying by the roadside. - The children, both under five years old, were discovered near Alcác…
Swedish Right-Wing Parties Push for Sunday Alcohol Sales at State Monopoly
- Right-wing political parties in Sweden are advocating for the state-run alcohol monopoly, Systembolaget, to be allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays. - Jimmie Åkesson of the Sweden Democrats argues it'…
'I'm not going to say it's a done deal' - Progress in Norðurþing coalition talks
- Negotiations are underway to form a seven-member majority coalition in Norðurþing municipality. - The coalition would include the Independence Party, Progressive Party, Social Democratic Alliance, a…
Tourist Numbers Decline in Japan Amidst Geopolitical Tensions
- The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan decreased in April, marking a decline after a record high in the previous month. - This decrease was partly attributed to a drop in Chinese tourists and…
Vörður Introduces Fertility Protection to Insurance Policies in Iceland
- Vörður, an Icelandic insurance company, has introduced fertility protection as a free addition to its standard disease insurance policies. - This new coverage aims to support individuals and couples…
Arsenal fans erupt in joy after first league title in 22 years
- Thousands of Arsenal fans celebrated outside the Emirates Stadium, marking the club's first league title in 22 years. - The team secured the title after finishing second for the past three seasons. …
Concern that the voice of the People's Party is not heard
- The People's Party (Flokkur fólksins) failed to secure a seat in the Reykjavik city council in the recent local elections, receiving 3.3% of the vote. - Party leader Guðmundur Ingi Þóroddsson expres…
Driver Jailed 13 Years for Smuggling 90kg Cocaine in Skims Truck
- A truck driver has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for smuggling 90 kilograms of cocaine. - The cocaine was hidden in a truck carrying underwear from Kim Kardashian's brand, Skims, and was valu…
Drivers Urged for Patience Amidst Suðurlandsbraut Construction Delays
- Major traffic delays are occurring on Suðurlandsbraut in Reykjavik due to ongoing construction to replace a heating pipeline. - The pipeline replacement is essential for safety and supply security, …
Hormuz Strait Shipments Increase Again
- Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz saw a slight increase last week after nearly stopping the week prior, with only 19 ships passing through. - This was the lowest number of ships since conflicts b…
Tindastóll - Grindavík, the score is 40:45
- Tindastóll and Grindavík are competing in the fourth game of the Icelandic men's basketball league finals. - Grindavík currently leads the series 2-1, needing one more win to secure the championship…
Tindastóll Hosts Grindavík in Crucial Basketball Finals Game
- Tindastóll will host Grindavík in the fourth game of the Icelandic men's basketball league finals. - Grindavík currently leads the series 2-1, with the first team to win three games securing the cha…
Arsenal vs. Burnley: A Tale of Two Seasons
- Arsenal hosts Burnley in the 37th round of the English Premier League at the Emirates Stadium. - Arsenal leads the league with 79 points, while Burnley is 19th and has been relegated. - mbl.is is pr…
Four Italians Die in Maldives Diving Tragedy
- Four Italian divers died in a diving accident off the Maldives on Thursday. - Their bodies were found in a 60-meter-deep cave in Vaavu Atoll. - The university they were affiliated with stated their …
Germany to Invest €10 Billion in National Defense by 2029
- Germany will invest €10 billion (approximately 1.434 trillion ISK) in national defense by 2029 to deter Russia. - The funds will support the purchase of 1,000 specialized vehicles and strengthen def…
Decision on the Continuation to Be Made Tonight
- Hildur Björnsdóttir, leader of the Independence Party in Reykjavík, is holding intensive meetings with leaders of other parties to form a new city majority. - The goal is to establish a new majority…
Ex-Google Executive Takes Helm at BBC Amidst Layoffs and Lawsuit
- Matt Brittin, a former Google executive with no broadcasting or journalism experience, has been appointed as the new BBC Radio editor. - Brittin takes over during a period of significant staff layof…
Yamal to Miss World Cup Matches Due to Injury
- Young talent Lamine Yamal is likely to miss the first two matches of the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America due to injury. - Yamal sustained the injury during a match with Barcelona on April 2…
Reykjavík Council: Independence Party Holds Key to Majority
- Hildur Björnsdóttir of the Independence Party holds the key to forming a majority in the Reykjavík city council. - No coalition talks have officially begun, with newly elected council members assess…
Icelandair Pilots and Management Meet with Mediator Amidst Disruptions
- Negotiating committees for Icelandair and its pilots are meeting with the state mediator. - The airline claims pilots have engaged in unofficial actions, causing delays and cancellations. - Pilots h…
Einar summoned to meeting: 'This is getting off to a slow start'
- Hildur Björnsdóttir, leader of the Independence Party in Reykjavík, has invited Einar Þorsteinsson, leader of the Progressive Party, for coalition talks. - Þorsteinsson confirmed his attendance, sta…
Trump warns Iran: "Time is running out" for nuclear talks
- Former US President Donald Trump warned Iran that "time is running out" for nuclear talks, urging them to "hurry up, FAST." - The warning came as Iran reportedly stated the US had not made significa…
Hildur Björnsdóttir Charts Her Course in the City
- Hildur Björnsdóttir, leader of the Independence Party in Reykjavík, is central to forming a new city government after elections. - Björnsdóttir is considering two main coalition options: a two-party…
Remember When Líney Chased Her Dream After Being Laid Off?
- Líney Sif Sandholt launched a cleaning company, LS þrif, after losing her job as a flight attendant during the COVID-19 pandemic. - She had previously worked in cleaning part-time and saw the job lo…
Reports: Starmer Has Decided to Resign
- Rumors are circulating in the UK that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering resigning. - Reports suggest Starmer is frustrated with allies who have turned against him. - Several figures, includ…
Icelanders Would Pay More for Membership
- Iceland would likely have to pay more into the European Union than it would receive in benefits if it joined, due to its high per capita economic output. - This assessment was presented by experts a…
Icelandic Seamen's Union announces strike on Eimskip and Faroe Ship vessels
- A strike by boatmen and sailors has been announced by the Icelandic Seamen's Union (SÍ) on Eimskip and Faroe Ship vessels. - The indefinite strike is set to begin on May 25th if negotiations fail, i…
Spelling mistake on ballot papers in Akureyri
- A spelling error occurred on the ballot papers in Akureyri, Iceland, where the middle name of the lead candidate for the Viðreisn party was misspelled. - The candidate, Lovísa Oktovía Eyvindsdóttir,…
“We are naturally just in seventh heaven”
- Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, leader of the Progressive Party, expressed extreme satisfaction with the party's performance in the nationwide municipal elections. - The party quadrupled its number of…
Progressive Party Leader Claims Strategic Win in Reykjavík Elections, Eyes Coalition Without Social Democrats
- Einar Þorsteinsson, leader of the Progressive Party in Reykjavík, discusses the party's performance in the recent municipal elections. - Despite losing representation, Þorsteinsson frames the electi…
Independence Party Secures Strong Majority in Kópavogur Elections; Leader Criticizes PM's Intervention
- The Independence Party secured a clear majority in the Kópavogur municipal elections, winning six out of nine seats. - Party leader Ásdís Kristjánsdóttir expressed gratitude for the decisive victory…