Geothermal Energy Spotlight: Iceland’s near-universal geothermal heating (about 90% of homes) and mostly renewable electricity are highlighted as a model for clean, reliable power drawn from volcanic heat. Solar Eclipse Travel Boom: New flight-search data points to a surge in eclipse travel, with Reykjavik searches up 102% year-on-year as the 12 August total solar eclipse crosses Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. Heat-Wave Pressure on Tourism: Europe’s extreme summer heat is reshaping travel choices, with “coolcation” trends growing as health and infrastructure risks mount. Mining Update (Greenland): Amaroq reports high-grade underground drilling at the Nalunaq gold mine, reinforcing confidence in near- and medium-term production. Tech Policy (Iceland): Iceland proposes a social media access ban for children under 15, framed as child protection rather than criminal punishment. Smartphone Reshuffle: Reports say OnePlus plans to wind down outside China, starting with the US and Europe this week and potentially exiting India by 2027. Aviation Milestone (Germany): Airbus says Germany’s first Project Quadriga Eurofighter completed its first production flight acceptance test, starting certification ahead of delivery. Work-Life Debate: The 40-hour workweek is being questioned as a century-old productivity rule may no longer fit modern work. AI & Inflation Tension (Korea): Bank of Korea’s rate move is framed as a direct challenge to the US Fed’s view that AI investment isn’t driving inflation. Ocean Science Access: A government-funded ocean monitoring network is described as facing repeated defunding attempts, despite its role in tracking marine heat and sea-level change.