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Explosion in Hjarðarhagi: Three hospitalized after apartment fire

yesterday, 12:11 GMT An explosion in an apartment building on Hjarðarhagi in Vesturbær triggered a major emergency response this afternoon. Heavy smoke and fire poured from the ground floor of the building following the blast. The cause of the explosion is still unknown, according to the capital area Fire Department.

In Húsavík, potato fields have been plowed by the municipality.

Potato planting begins three weeks early in North Iceland

two days ago Favorable spring weather has led to potato gardens being plowed up to three weeks earlier than usual in parts of North Iceland. In areas like Skagafjörður and Húsavík, planting has already begun, marking a significant shift from the typical agricultural calendar.

Ásgeir Jónsson, Governor of the Central Bank.

Central Bank cuts key interest rate to 7.5% amid inflation concerns

two days ago The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Iceland has lowered the bank’s key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, setting the seven-day term deposit rate at 7.50%. This marks the fourth consecutive rate cut, with unanimous support from all committee members.

Today is Jóhannesson's first day working at Þingvellir, but in a conversation with mbl.is he says he has fallen in love with being in that beautiful place, being outside and being around people.

Former President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson begins Summer job as guide at Þingvellir

20 May “I was fascinated by being in this beautiful place, being outside and meeting people. That’s why I’m here,” says Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, former President of Iceland, who began his new role as a summer guide at Þingvellir National Park today.

Two Coast Guard helicopters were called out.

Passenger boat loses engine in Ísafjarðardjúp — 47 rescued

20 May A passenger boat carrying 47 people lost engine power and drifted onto a sandy beach near Ögur in Ísafjarðardjúp around noon today. A mass casualty response plan was activated following the incident, though there have been no reports of injuries or leaks.

Prime Minister announces tough measures for deficit-free budget by 2027

20 May Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir stated yesterday that achieving the government's goal of a balanced budget by 2027 will require "difficult measures on both the expenditure and revenue sides" of the treasury.

This photograph was taken aboard Vörður II.

Four rescue ships respond simultaneously in unusually busy night for Landsbjörg

19 May The Landsbjörg rescue teams have responded to five separate calls since midnight—an unusually high number in such a short period. Remarkably, four rescue vessels were operating at sea simultaneously, each assisting vessels in distress.

Earthquake activity near Grímsey declining

19 May Seismic activity near Grímsey has decreased significantly, though small earthquakes continue to be recorded. In the past 24 hours alone, approximately 130 tremors were measured in the area, according to Steinunn Helgadóttir, a natural hazard specialist at the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

SagaGarðarsdóttir, Hlynur Pálmason, Sverrir Guðnason and Pálmason's three children at the front.

Hlynur, Saga, and Sverrir walk the red carpet at Cannes

19 May Director Hlynur Pálmason premiered his latest film Ástin sem eftir er (The Love That Remains) at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on Sunday, May 18.

Children in Reykjavík's western part of town took advantage of the good weather.

Photos: Capital’s summer temperature record already surpassed

17 May Although May is only halfway through, Reykjavík has already seen temperatures surpass last summer’s highest reading. Last year was notably cooler, with the capital’s peak temperature reaching just 17.4°C. Yesterday, however, the mercury climbed to 19°C, setting a new early-season high.

Over 31,000 individuals purchase shares in Íslandsbanki auction

16 May The public showed strong interest in the recent sale of Íslandsbanki shares, with over 31,000 individuals participating in the government’s auction, which concluded yesterday. According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, nearly all the shares offered by the state were subscribed to by the public.

It didn't get any better than when the contractor company Sólgarður's mini excavator fell to the side while working on the islet in Tjörnin lake today, but everything went well, says Sölvi Steinar Jónsson, who is responsible for refreshing the islet.

Excavator overturns on Tjörnin lake islet

16 May An excavator overturned on the islet in Tjörnin lake in Reykjavík during restoration work, but no injuries or damage were reported.

Excellent weather forecast for the weekend

16 May The weather forecast for the weekend is looking very promising, with mild and pleasant conditions expected across the country through Tuesday.

Ross Edgley, a British swimmer who plans to swim around Iceland.

British adventurer to swim around Iceland

15 May Ross Edgley, a 39-year-old endurance athlete and swimmer from the UK, is set to embark on an extraordinary journey this Friday—a 1,600-kilometer swim around Iceland. The challenge, which could take between three to five months, is one of the most ambitious of his career and has been more than a year in the making.

Police Chief Úlfar Lúðvíksson resigns after surprise meeting with Justice Minister

15 May Úlfar Lúðvíksson, former chief of police in Suðurnes, has resigned from his position following a meeting with the Minister of Justice, Þorbjörg Sigríður Gunnlaugsdóttir, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday.