Arctic Security: Iceland is likely to play a bigger strategic role as the US sharpens its Arctic focus, with NATO shifting more defence responsibility to Europe and Canada and Greenland’s Pituffik radar remaining central. EU Talks: Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir says Iceland could negotiate stronger EU exemptions in fisheries, agriculture and emissions trading if membership talks restart. COVID Milestone: Iceland logged seven straight weeks with no detected COVID-19 cases, the longest since early 2020. Geothermal Tourism: Mývatn’s Earth Lagoon reopened after major redevelopment, expanding capacity to about 600 guests and adding new facilities. Local Health Costs: The physiotherapists’ association warns planned consultation fees from 1 September could sharply raise costs and limit access. Culture & Community: Reykjavik opened Iceland’s first Jewish center, Schwidler House/Beit Shvidler, including a geothermally heated mikvah. Infrastructure: A new bridge over Breiðholtsbraut opened to traffic, with new lights at Arnarnesvegur/Breiðholtsbraut easing queues. Business/Industry: SalMar agreed to buy a 70% stake in Måsøval for Nkr3.4bn, aiming to boost innovation and resource use along Norway’s coast.