High North News - English

William "Billy" Long is the new US Ambassador to Iceland. Long presented his credentials to Icelandic President Halla Tómasdottir on Monday this week.

Long is from the state of Missouri and for 12 years he represented Missouri's 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Iceland and the United States share a long history of partnership, from security, defense, and business, to art, literature, and exploration," Ambassador Long said in a statement on the Embassy's Facebook page.

"I look forward to working alongside the people of Iceland to deepen our cooperation and strengthen the bonds between our two nations," he added.

Long was nominated by President Donald Trump to the position in September 2025.

The Government of Greenland has received inquiries that cruise ships sailing in certain fjord areas are perceived as a burden on the local population and the affected natural areas. The inquiries concern, among other things, the impact on wildlife, noise pollution and the desire to preserve the areas' natural and recreational values.

This is stated by the Greenland government, Naalakkersuisut, in a press release.

In the statement, the government writes that it views positively the growing interest in Greenland as a travel destination and recognizes that cruise tourism contributes significantly to the development of the tourism industry, but also emphasizes that tourism development occurs on a sustainable basis and with respect for the local population, nature and wildlife.

Against this background, the Government of Greenland recommends that cruise ship navigation in fjord areas be avoided or limited as much as possible.

"The purpose of the recommendation is to limit the impact on vulnerable natural areas and wildlife, and to accommodate the wishes of the local population to preserve the areas' recreational values ​​and opportunities for hunting and fishing."

The Arctic football team Bodø/Glimt won 3-2 against Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday evening in the second leg against the Belgian team. The aggregate score ended 6-5.

With the victory, playoff in the Champions League against awaits, and Glimt will meet the Dutch team NEC on August 19 in the Netherlands.