The Icelandic Institute of Natural History has confirmed the first discovery of mosquitoes in Iceland, with three specimens found in West Iceland. The insects were identified as the species *Culiseta annulata* by entomologist Matthías Alfreðsson after being collected by Björn Hjaltason, who initially spotted the first mosquito in a trap. This find is significant because this cold-resistant species can likely survive Icelandic winters, marking the first time mosquitoes have been discovered outdoors in Iceland. Scientists have anticipated their arrival for some time.
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On April 21st, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry announced the arrival of a €2 million ($2.3 million) IT equipment shipment from the IT Coalition, funded by Luxembourg and Iceland. This delivery, the third from the coalition in 2025, included crucial communication and charging infrastructure such as access points, routers, solar-powered charging stations, and phones. Deputy Defense Minister Chernohorenko emphasized the equipment’s importance in bolstering the Armed Forces’ communication capabilities in combat zones. The IT Coalition, a part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, continues to provide vital technological support to Ukraine’s military.
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Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir, Iceland’s Minister for Children, resigned following revelations of a relationship she began with a 15-year-old boy 36 years prior, resulting in a child when the boy was 16. Thórsdóttir, then a 22-year-old counselor, acknowledged the relationship and expressed regret for her actions. Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir deemed the matter serious, though stating limited prior knowledge. The resignation followed an immediate meeting between the Prime Minister and the Minister following confirmation of the news.
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A rare polar bear showed up on the shores of Iceland and the police shot it. It’s a sad and unfortunate event, but it was likely the most sensible move in this instance. Polar bears are not native to Iceland and can be extremely dangerous to humans and other wildlife. They are apex predators and will actively hunt down and attack humans if given the chance. In a situation where an elderly woman living alone calls the police out of fear, there may not have been many other options.
Polar bears are highly cannibalistic and will eat anything they can find, including other polar bears.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker