Wikipedia:In the news/Candidates

This page provides a place to discuss new items for inclusion on In the news (ITN), a protected template on the Main Page (see past items in the ITN archives). Do not report errors in ITN items that are already on the Main Page here— discuss those at the relevant section of WP:ERRORS.

This candidates page is integrated with the daily pages of Portal:Current events. A light green header appears under each daily section - it includes transcluded Portal:Current events items for that day. You can discuss ITN candidates under the header.

Virat Kohli In cricket, the T20 World Cup concludes with India defeating South Africa in the final (player of the final Virat Kohli pictured). In Bolivia, troops led by Juan José Zúñiga storm the presidential palace in an attempted coup. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is released from prison as part of a U.S. plea bargain. Protesters attack the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, Kenya, leaving 19 people dead and at least 160 others injured. Ongoing: Israel–Hamas war timeline Russian invasion of Ukraine timeline Sudanese civil war timeline Recent deaths: Mohamed Osman Jawari Susana Ruiz Cerutti Shifty Shellshock Sergeant Cecil Frederick Crews Sika Anoaʻi view — page history — related changes — edit

Glossary Blurbs are one-sentence summaries of the news story. Altblurbs, labelled alt1, alt2, etc., are alternative suggestions to cover the same story. A target article, bolded in text, is the focus of the story. Each blurb must have at least one such article, but you may also link non-target articles. Articles in the Ongoing line describe events getting continuous coverage. The Recent deaths (RD) line includes any living thing whose death was recently announced. Consensus may decide to create a blurb for a recent death. All articles linked in the ITN template must pass our standards of review. They should be up-to-date, demonstrate relevance via good sourcing and have at least an acceptable quality. Nomination steps Make sure the item you want to nominate has an article that meets our minimum requirements and contains reliable coverage of a current event you want to create a blurb about. We will not post about events described in an article that fails our quality standards. Find the correct section below for the date of the event (not the date nominated). Do not add sections for new dates manually - a bot does that for us each day at midnight (UTC). Create a level 4 header with the article name (==== Your article here ====). Add (RD) or (Ongoing) if appropriate. Then paste the {{ITN candidate}} template with its parameters and fill them in. The news source should be reliable, support your nomination and be in the article. Write your blurb in simple present tense. Below the template, briefly explain why we should post that event. After that, save your edit. Your nomination is ready! You may add {{ITN note}} to the target article's talk page to let editors know about your nomination. The better your article's quality, the better it covers the event and the wider its perceived significance (see WP:ITNSIGNIF for details), the better your chances of getting the blurb posted. Headers When the article is ready, updated and there is consensus to post, you can mark the item as (Ready). Remove that wording if you feel the article fails any of these necessary criteria. Admins should always separately verify whether these criteria are met before posting blurbs marked (Ready). For more guidance, check WP:ITN/A. If satisfied, change the header to (Posted). Where there is no consensus, or the article's quality remains poor, change the header to (Closed) or (Not posted). Sometimes, editors ask to retract an already-posted nomination because of a fundamental error or because consensus changed. If you feel the community supports this, remove the item and mark the item as (Pulled). Voicing an opinion on an item Format your comment to contain "support" or "oppose", and include a rationale for your choice. In particular, address the notability of the event, the quality of the article, and whether it has been updated. Please do... Pick an older item to review near the bottom of this page, before the eligibility runs out and the item scrolls off the page and gets abandoned in the archive, unused and forgotten. Review an item even if it has already been reviewed by another user. You may be the first to spot a problem, or the first to confirm that an identified problem was fixed. Piling on the list of "support!" votes will help administrators see what is ready to be posted on the Main Page. Tell about problems in articles if you see them. Be bold and fix them yourself if you know how, or tell others if it's not possible. Please do not... Add simple "support!" or "oppose!" votes without including your reasons. Similarly, curt replies such as "who?", "meh", or "duh!" are not helpful. A vote without reasoning means little for us, please elaborate yourself. Oppose an item just because the event is only relating to a single country, or failing to relate to one. We post a lot of such content, so these comments are generally unproductive. Accuse other editors of supporting, opposing or nominating due to a personal bias (such as ethnocentrism). We at ITN do not handle conflicts of interest. Comment on a story without first reading the relevant article(s). Oppose a recurring item here because you disagree with the recurring items criteria. Discuss them here. Use ITN as a forum for your own political or personal beliefs. Such comments are irrelevant to the outcome and are potentially disruptive. Suggesting updates There are two places where you can request corrections to posted items: Anything that does not change the intent of the blurb (spelling, grammar, markup issues, updating death tolls etc.) should be discussed at WP:Errors. Discuss major changes in the blurb's intent or very complex updates as part of the current ITNC nomination.

March 24

Portal:Current events/2020 March 24

March 24, 2020 (2020-03-24) (Tuesday) Armed conflicts and attacks Terrorism in the United States, COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri FBI agents shoot dead an armed man during an arrest operation in Belton, Missouri, U.S. The man was suspected of plotting a bombing attack, with far-right motivations, at a Kansas City hospital believed to be treating COVID-19 patients. (ABC News) (CNN) Arts and culture Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China The Badaling section of the Great Wall of China reopens to visitors. (CNN) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2020 Summer Olympics After the Summer Olympics is postponed, the Tokyo station's Olympic countdown clock displaying the number of days until the Games (a local tourist attraction) is switched to show the current date and time. (The Japan Times) Disasters and accidents Mozambique people smuggling disaster 64 Ethiopian illegal immigrants are found dead and 14 alive inside a cargo container on a lorry in Tete Province, Mozambique, apparently having died of asphyxiation. (Al Jazeera) Health and environment COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China Premier Li Keqiang says that the spread of the epidemic has been basically blocked and the outbreak controlled within China. (State Council Information Office) 2020 Hubei lockdowns, COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei China is expected to end lockdowns on most of the Hubei province. Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus, is expected to reopen on April 8. (ABC News) COVID-19 pandemic in India, Indian local government response to the COVID-19 pandemic Complete lockdowns are announced in 30 states and union territories of India in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. (The Times of India) COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal Nepal enters in a total and nationwide lockdown for a week. (Kathmandu Post) COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia reports the country's first death from COVID-19, as the total number of cases rises to 767. The patient was an Afghan expatriate. (Gulf News) COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand New Zealand reports 40 new cases of coronavirus. (Stuff NZ) COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Australia announces a nationwide lockdown, outlawing all travel interstate and overseas, and closing the nation's borders. Schools remain open in some locations. (News.com.au) COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Spain's Ministry of Health reports 514 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date. (BBC News) The Palacio de Hielo ice rink in Madrid begins to be used as a morgue as the city's funeral homes are not able to hold all COVID-19 victims. (CNN) COVID-19 pandemic in France Cameroonian musician and songwriter Manu Dibango dies from COVID-19 in Paris, France. (BBC News) France reports 2,444 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 240 more deaths, bringing the country's total to 22,300 cases and over 1000 deaths. (France 24) COVID-19 pandemic in Poland The government introduces new measures over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in the country: a ban on gatherings of more than two people, from the current 50. However, the number of people allowed to take part in religious services, including funerals, is limited to five. The new restrictions are to last until at least 11 April. (BBC News) Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tells at a news conference on Tuesday that the presidential election, scheduled for 10 May, will not be affected by the coronavirus pandemic and will go ahead as planned. (TVN24) COVID-19 pandemic in Vatican City Roman Curia confirms three more cases, raising to four. (Il Messaggero) COVID-19 pandemic in South America COVID-19 pandemic in Chile Despite a week-long lockdown, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) reports its first case of coronavirus. (CNN Chile) COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt Egypt declares a two-week nationwide curfew between 7pm and 6am to prevent the spread of the virus. Those who break the curfew will be fined up to 4,000 pounds or be jailed, according to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Libya The National Centre for Disease Control reports Libya's first confirmed case of COVID-19, a patient at a hospital in Tripoli. The World Health Organization has warned that the virus could cause Libya's already struggling health system to collapse. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in California The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California reaches 2,226, with 42 deaths. (Los Angeles Times) COVID-19 pandemic in New York U.S. Vice President Mike Pence says FEMA will send 4,000 ventilators to New York in the next 48 hours. The state now has at least 20,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. (Washington Examiner) COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan confirms nine members of the Detroit Police Department have tested positive for COVID-19, with one death, a 38-year-old male dispatcher. An additional 233 officers have been quarantined since Sunday. (MLive.com) COVID-19 pandemic in Florida Playwright Terrence McNally dies from complications of COVID-19 in Florida. (BBC News) A man in the Chinese province of Yunnan dies after testing positive for hantavirus. (Newsweek) International relations South Korea–United States relations, COVID-19 pandemic in the United States South Korea President Moon Jae-in says that President Donald Trump asked the country to send medical equipment to the United States to help fight the coronavirus. (Reuters) Science and technology Chinese space program China launches three military surveillance satellites on a Long March 2C rocket. (Space.com) Sports Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2020 Summer Olympics The 2020 Summer Olympics has been postponed for the first time in the modern Olympic Games history to 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (The Guardian)

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(Pulled) 2020 Summer Olympics postponed

Article: 2020 Summer Olympics (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ The 2020 Summer Olympics will be postponed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. (Post)
Alternative blurb: ​ The International Olympic Committee announce that the Olympic Games planned for this summer will be postponed for one year
News source(s): Guardian BBC IOC
Credits:

• Nominated by RockinJack18 (talk · give credit)

Nominator's comments: Pretty major sporting event, worldwide. I remember someone saying that this should be the only event that should be ITN if postponed. --Rockin 19:50, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

• Wait only because (after searching for confirmation) this is one IOC member saying this. Wait until the official IOC statement. --Masem (t) 19:53, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
  • To be clear, as from the BBC story [1] "The International Olympic Committee has given itself four weeks to decide on the future of this summer's Games, but veteran IOC member Pound says a decision will be announced soon. "It will come in stages," he said. "We will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramifications of moving this, which are immense." So just wait for the "stage 1" announcement. --Masem (t) 19:57, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Wait for a statement from the IOC, this is just one member(who may certainly know, but doesn't speak for the group as a whole). 331dot (talk) 19:59, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Wait as premature per Masem and 331dot. – Muboshgu (talk) 20:03, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Just close this now It obviously hasn't happened yet. HiLo48 (talk) 23:19, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Reopened. Now confirmed per sources above. Black Kite (talk) 12:38, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Japan'sPM confirmed it. Starzoner (talk) 12:41, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment - Now it's official. Let's get it up there. Quick, quick, hurry!!--WaltCip (talk) 12:42, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• I've written a present-tense blurb that avoids calling it the 2020 Games, as this will now be the 2021 Games. --LukeSurl ^{t c} 12:44, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose Article has not been updated sufficiently as of right now. Fix the article and its lead to actually reflect the latest information, and then I can support this. --Jayron32 12:45, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support but only if the blurb also links to Dick Pound for some cheap laughs in these bleak times. Lugnuts ^{Fire Walk with Me} 13:03, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support - I've made an edit request to update updated the page. Kingsif (talk) 13:12, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment Given the official confirmation I have gone ahead and lowered the protection level to semi-PP x 48 hrs. The article can now be edited by anyone who is auto-confirmed. -Ad Orientem (talk) 13:20, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment I don't think the IOC have said anything yet but obviously the Japan PM announcing it is good enough. This is the one sporting postponement that is worth posting in my view. Once the article has been updated take this as a support.-- P-K3 (talk) 13:27, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Posted. --Tone 13:35, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment The "2020 Summer Olympics" should be bolded --Rockin 13:37, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Pull While I support in principle, far too many of the tables are poorly referenced. I would also note that there does not appear to have been a discernible consensus to post this. -Ad Orientem (talk) 13:45, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Pull per aO. Also questioning the "consensus"—excluding the nom, only two support votes, Tone?!? ——SN54129 13:54, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Official statement. Yes, this was posted too early but there's no question now. --Masem (t) 13:56, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Pull until consensus is reached per aO and Serial. Rockin 14:07, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Keep/Support. Fix the tables or remove them for the time being. The ITN process makes it take too long to pull a blurb and then have it reposted. Though consensus was weak, there's no doubt that this was going to be significant enough to post. Nice4What (talk · contribs) – (Don't forget to share a Thanks ♥) 14:12, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Pull until quality is fixed for BOTH of the problems noted above (sufficient update, referencing issues) UNLESS Nice4What (talk · contribs) or someone else fixes those problems before an admin gets to removing it. This should not have been posted in the state it was in. --Jayron32 14:20, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Pulled per the above comments. Consensus does not appear to be reached yet and some referencing improvements needed.  — Amakuru (talk) 14:21, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment – For whenever the article issues are addressed, I'd just like to go on record saying the alt-blurb seems more appropriate. The format of the initial blurb doesn't seem to mesh well with other ITN headlines. Master of Time (talk) 14:35, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Re-post - I hate the practice of posting then pulling events of paramount importance. Let's post it and then improve it.--WaltCip (talk) 14:36, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Main page is too important to post sub-par articles and expect them to get improved. And Olympics - which were still 3months out - are not of "paramount importance" at this point. --Masem (t) 14:39, 24 March 2020 (UTC)

RD: Manu Dibango

Article: Manu Dibango (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): BBC
Credits:

• Nominated by Fram (talk · give credit)

Article updated
Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Famous saxophone player, died today (from Covid-19). Article has been updated extensivley by a number of editors already (not me!), not clear who best to give credit. Fram (talk) 10:57, 24 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose several citations needed and as usual, an unreferenced discography, worse than normal because many items not even linked. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 11:02, 24 March 2020 (UTC)

RD: Albert Uderzo

Article: Albert Uderzo (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): Le Monde, BBC
Credits:

• Nominated by Fram (talk · give credit)

Article updated
Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Recent death of one of the most popular comics artists ever, artist (for over 50 years) and writer (for more than 20 years) of Asterix, known worldwide. Perhaps not quite at blurb level (though I wouldn't oppose one), but of the 10 most translated french language authors, he was the only one who still lived (see here). Fram (talk) 10:33, 24 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose not seeing any prose update and some referencing required. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 11:01, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Some prose update has been added since. Which parts need referencing? Fram (talk) 12:53, 24 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support. CNN, Hollywood Reporter, The Times, AP, The Guardian, Independent, BBC, DW, Variety, RT, Euronews. There should be enough content in there for a blurb. If not, definitely belongs in RD. 2001:BB6:4713:4858:8458:7FA8:68FF:52B7 (talk) 14:46, 24 March 2020 (UTC)

March 23

Portal:Current events/2020 March 23

March 23, 2020 (2020-03-23) (Monday) Armed conflicts and attacks Boko Haram insurgency March 2020 Chad and Nigeria massacres Boko Haram jihadists kill 92 soldiers at an army base in Chad. (RTÉ News and Current Affairs) Boko Haram kills 70 troops in an ambush in Borno, northeastern Nigeria. (Reuters) Islamist insurgency in Mozambique Islamist militants seize the port town of Mocímboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique after capturing the town's military base in an overnight attack. Residents say militants have blocked all exits in the town. The armed forces and police launch a counter-offensive. (BBC News) Syrian civil war The Syrian Air Defense Force says that it intercepted a drone near Khmeimim Air Base. (Reuters) Arts and culture Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cinema, COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China About 500 cinemas reopen in China. (Deadline Hollywood) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cinema, COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Italian actress and former beauty pageant winner Lucia Bosè dies aged 89 from pneumonia complicated by COVID-19. (Billboard) Business and economy Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland, Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom Fast food restaurant chain McDonald's closes all of its restaurants in the United Kingdom and Ireland citing the safety of its employees and customers amid the coronavirus pandemic. (The Guardian) Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States Senate votes down for a second time a stimulus relief package. (WDAF-TV) (CNBC) (The Washington Post) The Federal Reserve Bank announces the commitment to buy any amount of government-backed securities needed to keep interest rates down. Among other measures being developed to support the real economy, it will also establish a special purpose vehicle allowing it to buy investment-grade corporate bonds directly. (Reuters) Health and environment COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania Vanuatu puts the island of Aneityum under "temporary lockdown" after a cruise ship with a reportedly infected passenger on board visited the island. (Radio New Zealand) COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand New Zealand enters alert level 3 after the investigation into two assumed community-spread cases do not find any links to travel. All schools and public venues are closed. The country will enter alert level 4 on 26 March at midnight local time. (Stuff) COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji Fiji confirms its third case of COVID-19. (FBC News) COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Spain's Ministry of Health reports 4,000 new confirmed coronavirus cases, rising to 33,000 infected and 2,182 dead. (NBC News) The Spanish Army has found elderly people abandoned and dead inside retirement homes, according to Defence Minister Margarita Robles. A criminal investigation has been launched. (BBC News) COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom The British Army begins Operation Rescript, to assist the UK's efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. (The Independent) The United Kingdom is placed in lockdown. The new measures close all non-essential stores and ban gatherings of more than two people. (The Guardian) Downing Street says Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is the "designated survivor" to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson if he became "incapacitated" due to COVID-19. The clarification comes after the issue was raised by MP Peter Bone. (The Independent) The British government announces that ExCeL London will be turned into a 4000-bed hospital to open next week, staffed primarily by military medics. (The Guardian) COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The Dutch Health Ministry reports 545 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 34 more deaths, bringing the total number of cases to 4,749 and 213 deaths. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Malta Malta's government announces that citizens who test positive for COVID-19 and disobey self-isolation rules will be fined 10,000 euros. (Times of Malta) COVID-19 pandemic in Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades announces the order of a nationwide lockdown between 24 March and 13 April. (Bloomberg) COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Uzbekistan The government announces that a lockdown of Tashkent will begin on March 24. (The New York Times) COVID-19 pandemic in Myanmar Myanmar reports the country's first confirmed cases of COVID-19, the patients are a 36-year-old who had travelled back from the United States and a 26-year-old returning from the United Kingdom. Panic buying is reported in the country's largest city, Yangon. (CNA) COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates Dubai closes all restaurants, cafes and food locals for two weeks. (Alarabiya in English) COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Tunisia President Kais Saied orders the army to deploy in the streets to enforce a lockdown in response to the coronavirus. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa announces a 21-day nationwide lockdown effective from March 26, to contain the coronavirus, as the number of confirmed cases rises to 402. Soldiers will be deployed to help police enforce the lockdown. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces that Canada will spend $192M to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. (Global News) COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto Mayor of Toronto John Tory declares a state of emergency for the city of Toronto. (CFTO-DT) Premier Doug Ford announces that non-essential businesses in Ontario are to be shut down for at least two weeks. (National Post) COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec Premier François Legault announces that non-essential businesses in Quebec are to be shut down for three weeks. (National Post) COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaii Norwegian Jewel arrives at Honolulu after cutting its trip short due to COVID-19 and mechanical problems. No positive cases were confirmed among the passengers and crew members. (ABC News) COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker orders all businesses and organizations not providing essential services to close until April 7, effective at noon on Tuesday. Baker states that he is not issuing a stay-at-home order, saying it "doesn't make sense from a public health point of view", but has directed the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to issue a stay-at-home advisory, limiting public gatherings to 10 people or less. (WBUR-FM) COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issues a stay-at-home order for all Michiganders except for essential services. (Fox News) COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state) New York is expected to be the first state to test the treatment of coronavirus with blood from recovered patients. (NBC News) International relations COVID-19 pandemic in Italy Cuba sends doctors to Italy to fight the coronavirus. (Reuters) United Arab Emirates–United States relations The United States Marine Corps and the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces hold military exercises amid tensions with Iran. (ABC News) Law and crime COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana Eight people are arrested at a market in Ashaiman for violating restrictions while disinfection on the market began. (GhanaWeb) The Pacific Gas and Electric Company is expected to plead guilty to 84 counts of manslaughter in the Camp Fire. (NBC News) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prisons Rapper-turned-informant 6ix9ine requests an early prison release over fears of COVID-19. (The Daily Beast) Capital punishment in the United States, Capital punishment in Colorado Colorado abolishes the death penalty and commutes sentences of death row inmates. (The New York Times) Politics and elections 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries Bernie Sanders wins the Democrats Abroad primary. (The Hill) Science and technology The ancestor, Ikaria wariootia, of all animals with a bilateral body plan is discovered as a fossil in rocks of South Australia. (Geology Page) (The Guardian)

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March 22

Portal:Current events/2020 March 22

March 22, 2020 (2020-03-22) (Sunday) Arts and culture COVID-19 pandemic in Vatican City Pope Francis, in a call for a worldwide prayer, announces he will hold a special service to pray for the end of the coronavirus pandemic. (Reuters) Business and economy Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates Dubai-based airline Emirates announces that it will be suspending all passenger flights effective March 25 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but will continue to operate cargo flights for essential goods. (Associated Press) Economy of the United States, COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The U.S. Senate votes down a coronavirus relief stimulus bill. (CNBC) U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is expected to set up a second vote on a coronavirus relief stimulus bill for Monday. (The Hill) Disasters and accidents 2020 Zagreb earthquake A 5.3-magnitude earthquake hits Zagreb, Croatia. Seventeen people are injured; one passes away. The earthquake is Zagreb's largest since 1880. (RT) (BBC News) (Bloomberg News) Health and environment COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in India India observes a 14-hour nationwide self-imposed Janata Curfew amid the coronavirus pandemic. (The Economic Times) India suspends the entry of international flights due to the coronavirus. (NDTV) COVID-19 pandemic in the Palestinian territories The Palestinian National Authority confirms the first cases of COVID-19 in the Gaza Strip. Both patients are Palestinian men in their 30s who recently returned from Egypt. They are being held in quarantine in the border town of Rafah. (Haaretz) COVID-19 pandemic in Afghanistan Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health reports its first death from COVID-19, a 40-year-old man in Balkh Province. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Uzbekistan Uzbekistan orders companies in Tashkent to do remote working and makes protective masks as an effort to contain the coronavirus. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China, 2020 Hubei lockdowns China reports only one domestic case of COVID-19 but reports 45 imported cases. (CNN-News 18) The Civil Aviation Administration of China says that flights to Beijing will be diverted to 12 Chinese airports for screening amid the coronavirus pandemic. (China Daily) COVID-19 pandemic in Iraq Iraq issues a lockdown until March 28 in an effort to contain the coronavirus. (Al Arabiya) COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey's Ministry of Health reports that the country's COVID-19 death toll stands at 30, with a total of 1,236 confirmed cases. (Hürriyet Daily News) COVID-19 pandemic in Syria The government announces the war-torn country's first confirmed case of COVID-19. (Daily Sabah) COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Italy Italy raises its COVID-19 death toll to 5,476. (WION) COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez tells the Congress of Deputies the country will to extend its state of alarm, implemented due to the coronavirus, for an additional 15 days. (CNN) (El País) Spain's Ministry of Health reports 394 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest number of deaths in a single 24-hour period in the country to date. The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 28,572 with 1,720 deaths. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says "the worst is yet to come". (Reuters) Tenor Plácido Domingo announces he has tested positive for COVID-19. (Daily Mirror) COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic The Czech Republic reports the country's first death from COVID-19, a 95-year-old man from the capital city of Prague. (Radio Prague International) COVID-19 pandemic in Romania Romania reports the country's first death from COVID-19, a 67-year-old man from the town of Filiași. (Romania-Insider) COVID-19 pandemic in France French Health Minister Olivier Véran confirms the first death of a doctor treating COVID-19 patients. (France 24) COVID-19 pandemic in Greece Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis orders a nationwide lockdown starting March 23. (Greek Reporter) COVID-19 pandemic in Andorra Andorra reports its first death from COVID-19. (The New York Times) COVID-19 pandemic in Germany Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel self-isolates after being in contact with a doctor infected with COVID-19. (CNBC) COVID-19 pandemic in South America COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia Riots break out at several prisons in Colombia over COVID-19 fears. Residents report explosions and gunfire inside La Modelo prison in the capital Bogotá. Inmates release a statement demanding the government allow vulnerable prisoners to be granted house arrest. (Colombia Reports) Colombian Justice Minister Margarita Cabello Blanco says 23 prisoners are dead and 83 others are injured following an attempted "mass criminal escape" at La Modelo prison and other detention centers. Two guards are also in critical condition. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in New York Former film producer and convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein tests positive for COVID-19. He is put in isolation at the Wende Correctional Facility. (The Daily Beast) COVID-19 pandemic in Ohio, COVID-19 pandemic in Louisiana Louisiana declares a lockdown due to the coronavirus. (Reuters) Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issues a stay-at-home order. Grocery stores, pharmacies and manufacturing industries deemed "essential" will remain open. (Cleveland) COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland Ocean City, Maryland announces that their beaches will be closed to slow down the spread of coronavirus. (The Indianapolis Star) U.S. Senator from Kentucky Rand Paul tests positive for COVID-19. Mitt Romney and Mike Lee self-quarantine for 14-days despite not testing. (Politico) (The Hill) COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces the country is shutting down non-essential services effective midday Monday for pubs, clubs, gyms, cinemas and places of worship, while restaurants and cafes will have to switch to takeaway only. The number of cases in Australia has risen to 1,315. (BBC News) International relations Italy–Russia relations, COVID-19 pandemic in Italy The Russian military sends medical help and disinfection tools to Italy to battle the coronavirus. (Reuters) Politics and elections 2020 Guinean legislative election, 2020 Guinean constitutional referendum Despite violent protests, boycotts from the political opposition and fears about potential coronavirus infections, legislative elections are held in Guinea next to a controversial referendum. (Al Jazeera) Sports Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports COVID-19 pandemic in Australia The 2020 AFL season has been postponed to May 31 after South Australia and Western Australia close their borders to all non-essential travelers, and both New South Wales and Victoria engage a total lockdown. (News.com.au) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the 2020 Summer Olympics Fans attend the Olympic flame despite the coronavirus. (Republic TV) After ruling out cancelling the Olympics, the International Olympic Committee considers postponing the Olympics to 2021. They set a deadline to decide within the next four weeks. (USA Today) The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee announce that they will not be sending athletes to the Summer Games in 2020. (CBC News)

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2020 Zagreb earthquake

Article: 2020 Zagreb earthquake (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ Croatia experiences its largest earthquake since 1880. (Post)
News source(s): The Guardian, BBC ABC.net.au, Al Jazeera
Credits:

• Nominated by Indefensible (talk · give credit)
• Created by Tone (talk · give credit)
• Updated by IndexAccount (talk · give credit)

Nominator's comments: Largest earthquake to hit Croatia in 100+ years, widely reported on and tangentially related to the coronavirus. - Indefensible (talk) 04:40, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose No casualties, and sub 6.0 scale. Not significant in the larger scale (Consider there was a similar magnitude in Utah a few days ago but outside of a power outage, wasn't much news either)... --Masem (t) 04:45, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Not true that there were no casualties, also not sure if verified but at least one death was reported. UPI, Macau Business - Indefensible (talk) 05:02, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

There was an initial report of 1 dead but was later corrected. As I suspect this will not get a sufficient support to get to ITN, I already nominated it for DYK. --Tone 07:53, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

I would otherwise support ITN, however, since I am the one who started the article, I will not take any admin actions. --Tone 09:55, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

• I lean towards supporting. Significant damage and impact on the country. Judging significance from magnitude is, in my opinion, misleading, because damage depends on seismic readiness. Similar quakes have caused numerous deaths in India, and a slightly more powerful one in El Salvador caused thousands of casualties. Conversely, a 5.7 in Tokyo, the most-prepared capital, would be largely a yawner. I feel if an equivalent quake hit the capital of a more-populous country, such as D.C. or London, it would probably be posted. --47.146.63.87 (talk) 07:57, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support - Zagreb is a major European city and there was significant damage to the old city centre and many historic buildings such as churches and museums (e.g. [2][3][4]). The city's cathedral, which symbolises the city symbol as much as the Temple in aforementioned SLC, lost a spire (ref). There were also power and gas outages in parts of city, and other problems that go hand in hand with a major earthquake in a rarely affected region (ref), cf. Utah where the return period is 10 years (ref). Additionally, the strength still has to be ascertained for sure. Montenegro's seismological service estimates it at M_L 6.0 (ref). Apologies for some non-English refs, am in a bit of a hurry. Daß Wölf 09:24, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support - a day later, this is still on the front page of the BBC site, it's major news. – filelakeshoe (t / c) 🐱 10:26, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose. Certainly unusual for Zagreb, but we can't post every <6M earthquake that kills no-one. See List of earthquakes in 2020 for the large number of bigger earthquakes we didn't post just in the last three months. The article is well-suited for DYK though. Modest Genius ^talk 10:44, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

  A death has been confirmed. [5] Daß Wölf 20:34, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose per Modest Genius. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 12:02, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Weak oppose I'm not opposed to posting earthquakes that are minor if they cause major damage to historic sites, but it doesn't seem to be quite at that level. Blythwood (talk) 14:05, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose – Per Genius, Masem. Lacks broader significance. – Sca (talk) 14:07, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose - DYK is a better fit.-- P-K3 (talk) 15:32, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support Yes, it's a series of quakes with no deaths but if we marry together the rarity of the tremor in the area, the occurrence amidst the coronavirus pandemic and the damage it caused to many old buildings in the city, it's sensible to make an argument for. The main news in the Croatian media after this happened revolve around the fear of how letting people go out to prevent from potential aftershocks might impact pandemic's spread in the country. At the end, while the death toll is an important indicator for evaluating significance, it shouldn't rule out outright every similar story under unusual circumstances.--Kiril Simeonovski (talk) 16:21, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Same issue with the Utah quake - several historical buildings damanged [6] several aftershocks, concerns on the impact re COVID, but no deaths. I would agree there is a good chance of a major disaster that could strike somewhere in the world where there is a shelter-in-place or a massive medical response where the disaster would worsen the COVID spread or impact the medical response to the treatment, even if the disaster itself resulted in no deaths, but this one does not appear to be it - the articles suggest that everyone remained calm and after the initial shakes, stayed indoors as ordered. So I don't see that a story to post yet, especially if we're not posting the Utah quake story which was essentially of the same scope. --Masem (t) 16:37, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
    • I get your point and this is not far from what you consider postable. The Clinical Centre for Pulmonary Diseases at the University Hospital Centre was evacuated because of the building's high seismic risk. Unlike the Utah quake that you're referring to, this one shaked a national capital where people from the entire country and the surrounding area are frequently admitted to hospital these days. The apparent disruption of this process is a big deal and seems to be of a much larger scope compared to the impact it made on the response to the pandemic in Salt Lake City.--Kiril Simeonovski (talk) 18:12, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Weak support seems to be a damaging and disruptive earthquake in a national capital. WP:MINIMUMDEATHS is meaningless. Weak because the article is stubby. --LaserLegs (talk) 17:40, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support once the tag is fixed. Kingsif (talk) 20:48, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

(Closed) Canada withdraws from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

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Article: 2020 Summer Olympics (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ Canada withdraws from the Tokyo Olympics if the Olympics are not postponed to next year (Post)
News source(s): CBCAlerts
Credits:

• Nominated by Count Iblis (talk · give credit)

Article updated

 Count Iblis (talk) 04:28, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

• Comment. Australia has effectively done the same, I imagine a host of other countries are in the same boat without making formal announcements. Probably best to hold off until the inevitable postponement announcement. Ivar the Boneful (talk) 04:44, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose It will be if/when the critical mass of countries pull from the Olympics or the IOC announce they will postpone that we will post that story. Otherwise, this still all under the banner of COVID-19 events. The Olympics being postponed/cancelled would be "important" enough to be a blurb as its own compared to anything else that otherwise gets filed under COVID. --Masem (t) 04:47, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose since the withdrawal is COVID-19 driven and the COVID-19 banner is still in ITN. robertsky (talk) 07:22, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Wait for the inevitable cancellation/postponement. Modest Genius ^talk 10:45, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose more newsworthy to find something that hasn't been withdrawn or cancelled as a result of the virus. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 12:03, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose the above comments have it right. Blythwood (talk) 14:04, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose I would only consider the Olympics being called off altogether to be ITN worthy. P-K3 (talk) 15:30, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

RD: Lorenzo Sanz

Article: Lorenzo Sanz (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): BBC USA Today CBS Sports Le Monde) (La Repubblica) (The New York Times)
Credits:

• Nominated by Alsoriano97 (talk · give credit)

Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Former president of Real Madrid whose death had an international coverage. Alsoriano97 (talk) 11:47, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose inadequate referencing. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 12:14, 22 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose - Article is not ready yet, needs improvement before posting. - Indefensible (talk) 17:39, 22 March 2020 (UTC)

(Closed) Yokohama Northwest Route

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

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Article: Yokohama Northwest Route (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ The 7.1-kilometer-long (4.4 mi) Yokohama Northwest Route of the Shuto Expressway system opens in Yokohama after its planning was aided by local residents. (Post)
Alternative blurb: ​ The 7.1-kilometer-long (4.4 mi) Yokohama Northwest Route of the Shuto Expressway system opens in Yokohama.
News source(s):
Credits:

• Created and nominated by Mccunicano (talk · give credit)

 Mccunicano☕️ 03:16, 22 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose It seems like just a regular highway opening to me. Happens all the time. What makes it ITN worthy? --Rockin 03:24, 22 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose good-faith nom, but this is a very trivial highway opening. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 03:53, 22 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose I cannot see what make this special beyond a routine road opening at. --Masem (t) 05:22, 22 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support It comes with a four-kilometre long tunnel! InedibleHulk (talk) 08:48, 22 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose. Seems like a DYK item. 331dot (talk) 08:52, 22 March 2020 (UTC)
  • I'd usually put something like this there, but thought I'd offer up something a little less COVID-19 related to put something positive on the ITN section. Oh well, you never know til you try. Mccunicano☕️ 09:37, 22 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose – Lacks significance. (The TFA folks seem to like items about highways, tho.) – Sca (talk) 16:08, 22 March 2020 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

March 21

Portal:Current events/2020 March 21

March 21, 2020 (2020-03-21) (Saturday) Arts and culture COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Tennessee The Grand Ole Opry broadcasts from an empty venue for the first time since 1925. (ABC News) Business and economy Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Economy of China, COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China China resumes construction of its infrastructure to help ease the economic impact of COVID-19. (The Star) Health and environment COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 vaccine The World Health Organization says at least 20 vaccines for COVID-19 are in development around the world and that clinical trials are underway. (The Times of Israel) COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China China reports zero domestic cases of COVID-19 for a third consecutive day. (South China Morning Post) China sends masks and medical experts abroad to aid countries affected by COVID-19. (ABC News) COVID-19 pandemic in East Timor East Timor confirms its first case of COVID-19. (New Straits Times) COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan Taiwan reports 18 imported cases of COVID-19. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji Fiji confirms its second case of COVID-19. (FBC News) COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Mauritius Mauritius reports its first death from COVID-19. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Angola Angola reports its first confirmed cases of COVID-19, two male Angolan nationals who recently returned from Portugal. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda Uganda reports its first confirmed case of COVID-19. The patient is a 36-year-old Ugandan male who recently arrived in the country on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Dubai. (National Post) COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Italy Italy says an additional 793 people have died from COVID-19 in the country, bringing the death toll to 4,825. It is the highest number of deaths in a single 24-hour period in the country to date. (New York Post) COVID-19 pandemic in Finland Finland's National Institute for Health and Welfare reports the country's first death from COVID-19. (Yle) COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia (country) Georgia declares a nationwide state of emergency due to COVID-19, effective until April 21. (Civil Georgia) COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Spain's Ministry of Health reports an additional 324 COVID-19 deaths, the country's largest one-day increase. The country's death toll stands at 1,326, with 24,926 cases, the second highest in Europe. (The Independent) Spain announces it is closing hotels in the country for the sake of converting them into hospitals, as local medical facilities are being overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients. A military hospital will also be constructed in the capital Madrid. (Lailasnews) (Reuters) Lorenzo Sanz, the former president of Real Madrid CF, dies after testing positive for COVID-19. (Evening Standard) COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom The British government orders all pubs, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, gyms and other social hubs to close down to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. (Reuters) The United Kingdom's Department of Health and Social Care confirms 53 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the country's death toll to 233. All those who died had underlying health conditions and the oldest patient was 94-years-old, according to NHS England. (ITV News) COVID-19 pandemic in Albania Albania's government deploys troops to enforce a 40-hour nationwide curfew. Prime Minister Edi Rama says Albanians "will stay inside after 13:00", and that police and the armed forces "will use force against whoever breaks the law, including pensioners, and will use water canons and tear gas if need be." (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in France France reports 112 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the country's death toll to 562. There are 1,525 people in severe condition with the virus, half of which are people under the age of 60. (France 24) COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey's Ministry of the Interior imposes a curfew for people over the age of 65 and the chronically ill. (Daily Sabah) Turkey's Ministry of Health reports that the country's COVID-19 death toll stands at 21, with 947 confirmed cases. (Daily Sabah) COVID-19 pandemic in Cyprus Cyprus reports its first death from COVID-19. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in the United States Ketchikan, in Southeast Alaska, shelters in place after six people test positive for COVID-19 in the town of 8,000 residents. (KTUU-TV) COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Michigan says eight people have died from COVID-19. (MLive) COVID-19 pandemic in South America COVID-19 pandemic in Chile Chile's Ministry of Health reports its country's first COVID-19 death in an 83-year woman from Renca, Santiago. The country has more than 500 confirmed cases, the second-largest number in South America after Brazil. (Reuters) International relations North Korea–South Korea relations, North Korea and weapons of mass destruction Yonhap News Agency reports that North Korea has fired two projectiles from Pyongan Province into the Sea of Japan. (Reuters) (BBC News) North Korea–United States relations North Korea says that U.S. President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un to express his willingness to work with him on dealing with COVID-19. (Reuters) Politics and elections COVID-19 pandemic in Washington, D.C. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence test negative for COVID-19. (CNBC) Sports Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports Football player Wu Lei, a Chinese national based in Spain, tests positive for COVID-19. He says he is recovering from the virus. (Reuters)

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(Posted) RD: Hellmut Stern

Article: Hellmut Stern (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): Tagesspiegel, RBB (with audio in German)
Credits:

• Created and nominated by Gerda Arendt (talk · give credit)

Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Violinist, born in Berlin, fleeing the Nazis to China, Israel, U.S., back to Berlin, principal violinist of the Berlin Philharmonic, and making the impossible possible: bring the orchestra (the former Reichssender) to Israel. - New article. Gerda Arendt (talk) 22:36, 22 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support - Article is short, but seems to meet the minimum requirements. - Indefensible (talk) 02:00, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

  I found a book source, added a bit, and more could be added if someone has time. What a life! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 08:54, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support – Known not only as a concert violinist, but also for educational talks about the Nazi era. – Sca (talk) 14:13, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Posted. Black Kite (talk) 17:11, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

(Closed) Janata Curfew

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

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Articles: Janata Curfew (talk · history · tag) and 2020 coronavirus pandemic in India (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ India observes a 14-hour long Janata Curfew (people's curfew) on 22 March 2020 to combat coronavirus pandemic in India (Post)
Credits:

• Nominated by Titodutta (talk · give credit)
• Created by Netha Hussain (talk · give credit)

 Titodutta (talk) 19:50, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

• Strong oppose Everywhere is issuing various stay-at-homes, this is nothing special to make ITN that's not covered by the banner. --Masem (t) 19:58, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

• Thanks for your comment User:Masem. It is a very large scale curfew tomorrow. Regards. --Titodutta (talk) 20:06, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose per Masem. This is what we have the banner for. - SchroCat (talk) 20:50, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose - It is redundant with the coronavirus banner as Masem wrote, even if India is a large country. 14 hours is also not very long or notable. - Indefensible (talk) 20:51, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• SNOW oppose California is sheltering in place indefinitely. That sure seems bigger than a one time curfew. – Muboshgu (talk) 20:58, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose If anything, this would be notable for how short the curfew is. This will probably be snowed out soon. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 21:15, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

Alright, thanks, yes, length is an issue as well, until it is fixed, withdrawn. --Titodutta (talk) 21:21, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

RD: P. K. Banerjee

Article: P. K. Banerjee (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): The Economic Times ESPN
Credits:

• Nominated by Pharaoh of the Wizards (talk · give credit)

Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Legendary Indian Football player. Pharaoh of the Wizards (talk) 09:04, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose early life and honours sections need referencing. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 09:20, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

Can you please take a look now.Pharaoh of the Wizards (talk) 13:20, 24 March 2020 (UTC)

(Closed pending article improvement) RD/Blurb: Kenny Rogers

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

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Article: Kenny Rogers (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination
Blurb:  American singer Kenny Rogers dies at the age of 81. (Post)
News source(s): Variety NBC News People.com
Credits:

• Nominated by Ianblair23 (talk · give credit)

Article updated
Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Legendary American country singer. – Ianblair23 (talk) 06:55, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose for now, given how much is unreferenced. - SchroCat (talk) 07:28, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Oppose blurb even if the article is perfect. - SchroCat (talk) 20:48, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose on quality for now and I bet someone's going to propose a blurb - I don't know if Wikipedians like country music as much as Star Wars and glam rock but there's a good bit of referencing issues right now. -- a lad insane (channel two) 07:52, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• The gambler he broke even. Can this referencing be sorted? ——SN54129 08:05, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose way off. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 09:21, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Wait Editors are still updating the article. Give it some time, a day or two, for the updates to stablise the article first? robertsky (talk) 10:44, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• No blurb. Come off it - nowhere near meeting blurb criteria. RD when article improved, of course. Ghmyrtle (talk) 10:54, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose on quality for now and also oppose blurb. This is a very long way off in terms of referencing unfortunately. And although he's a household name, I don't think it's the level at which we blurb. He's more of a Kirk Douglas than a Nelson Mandela...  — Amakuru (talk) 11:48, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose RD definitely not blurb-level here. He had an interesting trajectory that made him famous but wouldn't consider him top tier of country/western music. Too many sourcing problems for posting RD at this time. --Masem (t) 13:58, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose On quality. Lots of citations needed and unreferenced material. Iconic and important singer, who at least merits a RD. I fixed lots of the present citations, but the absence of citations on lots of material is glaring. This is another one of those perverse results (long article, lots of good info), but it is an article with a lot of holes. 7&6=thirteen (☎) 14:03, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose – A Blurb would be OTT under any circumstances. RD acceptable if myriad quality probs. were fixed in a timely manner. – Sca (talk) 14:32, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose -Blurb, Support - RD
• Oppose blurb, fails the Mandela-Thatcher standard. Not the top level of country music despite being a household name, nor a former US President/British PM. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 15:02, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose - Not ready yet, article needs improvement. Oppose blurb as well when the article is ready for posting, should only be a RD link. - Indefensible (talk) 20:57, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose - for now. Until every concern taken care of. Ping me when done and I will change my !vote.BabbaQ (talk) 23:15, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose blurb - Add to RD list only Mfernflower (talk) 01:31, 22 March 2020 (UTC)
• Stats FYI, Kenny Rogers got about 1.5M readers yesterday while the blurb for the Wonderchicken attracted just 13K. This demonstrates what's actually in the news and the extent of ITN's influence. Andrew🐉(talk) 17:03, 22 March 2020 (UTC)

  That, as always, is very interesting. But if the article is of insufficient quality, being an BLP and all, we shouldn't promote it on the main page. If you think "popular" pages should not be subject to the normal quality requirements of items featured on the main page, or exempt from BLP, that's a different discussion. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 17:21, 22 March 2020 (UTC)

  Furthermore, note that Kenny Rogers even beat the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic, which only got 1.2M yesterday. My position is that we should replace ITN with Topviews as that does a better job of showing people what's in the news. Andrew🐉(talk) 17:26, 22 March 2020 (UTC)

  Did you even read what TRM said? We can't put poor-quality BLPs on the main page.--WaltCip (talk) 17:32, 22 March 2020 (UTC)

  (ec) The Kenny Rogers article is rated as B-class and vital while its subject is dead, not living. ITN's top BLP is currently Edwin Catmull which is rated start class and not vital. Kenny Rogers has 58 cited sources while Catmull only has 38. So, we see that not only does ITN not report what's in the news it is also not a fit judge of quality. Andrew🐉(talk) 17:50, 22 March 2020 (UTC)

  Disagree with Andrew, Wikipedia is primarily an encyclopedia and not a fads tracker. If traffic is going to an article already then it does not need to be posted to get views, as you have shown. Conversely, posting articles that meet the quality threshold that people otherwise would not have noticed is providing education as an encyclopedia should. - Indefensible (talk) 17:45, 22 March 2020 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

RD: Claude Bennett

Article: Claude Bennett (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): OttawaMatters Ottawa Citizen Twitter - Brian Lilley Twitter - John Fraser Twitter - Lisa MacLeod
Credits:

• Nominated by Fulserish (talk · give credit)

Article updated
Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Bennett holds significance as the youngest person to become a member of Ontario's cabinet and was responsible for securing funding for the Rideau Centre and Ottawa Heart Institute among others in Ottawa. Not many news sources are available, although multiple politicians and journalists have commented, listed are a few of those in Twitter messages. Fulserish (talk) 01:40, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose Needs more sources Kees08 (Talk) 04:02, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose citations needed. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 09:22, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

March 20

Portal:Current events/2020 March 20

March 20, 2020 (2020-03-20) (Friday) Business and economy Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom Japanese car manufacturer Nissan suspends production indefinitely at its major Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK plant in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, over the coronavirus pandemic. (Evening Chronicle) The British government announces a stimulus plan to counter the socioeconomic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, which includes the government paying a portion of citizens' wages. (Bloomberg News) Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States moves Tax Day from April 15 to July 15 due to the spread of the coronavirus. (CNN) United Airlines announces it will cancel 95 percent of its international flights starting next month. (USA Today) Health and environment COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in South America COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina Argentina begins a mandatory national quarantine until March 31, restricting people to their homes to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. People will only be allowed to leave their homes to shop for basic goods, like food and medicine, according to President Alberto Fernández. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Paraguay The first death from COVID-19 is reported in Paraguay, a 69-year-old man who had been hospitalized in intensive care, while the total of those infected rises to 18. (The New York Times) COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Spain The death toll from COVID-19 in Spain exceeds 1,000 while the total number of those infected reaches 20,000. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom NHS England increases the United Kingdom's COVID-19 death toll to 184. The patients who died were aged between 50 and 99 and had underlying health conditions. (Sky News) (ITV News) COVID-19 pandemic in Poland Poland declares a 'state of epidemic' amid the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announces at a press conference late on Friday. Two-week suspension of schools, introduced earlier this month, would be extended until after the Easter holidays. The government announces that fines for anyone breaking coronavirus quarantine increase from the current PLN 5,000 up to PLN 30,000 (EUR 6,600, USD 7,050). (Politico Europe) COVID-19 pandemic in Iceland The first death from COVID-19 is confirmed in Iceland. (The Guardian) COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania Papua New Guinea reports its first confirmed case of COVID-19, a male patient from Spain currently being isolated in Lae. The country will also close its borders. (Papua New Guinea Today) (Radio New Zealand) COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei, COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China China reports zero domestic cases of COVID-19 for a second consecutive day. (The Hill) The World Health Organization says China reporting zero domestic cases of COVID-19 for two days in a row should "give the world hope." (SBS World News) COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan government imposes a nationwide curfew to contain COVID-19. Mosques across the nation are closed. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Israel Israel reports its first death from COVID-19, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor with pre-existing health conditions. (The Jerusalem Post) (The Times of Israel) COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education says the country's COVID-19 death toll stands at 1,433, and confirms 1,237 new cases, bringing the total number of cases to 19,644 and 1,433 deaths. (Anadolu Agency) COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines Disinfection begins in La Trinidad, the capital of the Philippines province Benguet, in an effort to contain the coronavirus. (Sun.Star) COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates announces its first two deaths from COVID-19. (The New York Times) Dubai Municipality begins an 11-day sterilization campaign in an effort to contain the coronavirus. (Gulf News) COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal In a special TV address, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announces the suspension of all international flights until 31 March and internal long-distance public bus routes, while orders the closure of all non-essential public and private office until 3 April. (Reuters) The Supreme Court stops all non-urgent legal proceedings at all levels across the country. The National Assembly also suspends its activity indefinitely. (The Himalayan Times) (My Republica) COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in Cuba In an effort to further prevent the spread of COVID-19, Cuba announces a ban on tourism and most air travel, starting Tuesday. This restriction does not apply to citizens and residents. (Miami Herald) COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Illinois Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker issues a statewide stay-at-home order for all Illinoisans except for essential errands such as grocery shopping or for medical services. (WMAQ-TV) COVID-19 pandemic in New York New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issues a statewide stay-at-home order for all New Yorkers except for essential errands such as grocery shopping or for medical services. (CNN) COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont issues a statewide stay-at-home order for all Connecticuters except for essential errands such as grocery shopping or for medical services. (United Press International) COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan A fourth death from COVID-19 is reported in Michigan, a man in his 50s with underlying health conditions in Oakland County. (MLive) COVID-19 pandemic in Arizona Arizona records its first death from COVID-19, a Maricopa County man in his 50s with underlying health conditions. (KPNX) The Donald Trump administration announces it will limit nonessential travel between the United States and Mexico. (CNN) The Washington Post reports that U.S. intelligence agencies repeatedly warned President Trump about the threats posed by COVID-19 in January and February, but administration officials say they "just couldn't get him to do anything about it." (The Washington Post) COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in Madagascar Madagascar confirms its first cases of COVID-19. (National Post) Law and crime Capital punishment in India India executes four men convicted of the 2012 Delhi gang rape. (Reuters) Cannabis in Ghana The parliament of Ghana votes to legalize the medical and industrial use of cannabis. (GhanaWeb) Sports Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports 2020 Summer Olympics International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach says that canceling the 2020 Summer Olympics due to the coronavirus pandemic "is not on the agenda," but says it is too early to make a decision. (The New York Times)

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(Posted) RD: Willigis Jäger

Article: Willigis Jäger (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): BR
Credits:

• Updated and nominated by Gerda Arendt (talk · give credit)

Article updated
Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Quite an interesting person between Catholic spirituality and Zen. I expanded from one line. There could be more, but not now. Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:20, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

• Posted (ps if you know German and can properly translate article titles, that is always appreciated on these articles) Kees08 (Talk) 15:34, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

2012 Delhi Gang rape

Article: 2012 Delhi gang rape (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ India executes four men convicted of the 2012 Delhi gang rape. (Post)
Alternative blurb: ​ Four men were hanged for their involvement related to 2012 Delhi gang rape.
News source(s): BBC, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, AP
Credits:

• Nominated by Abishe (talk · give credit)

Article updated

Nominator's comments: This was one of the worst criminal cases happened in India and I acknowledge the fact that this incident is overshadowed by the country's coronavirus pandemic. Abishe (talk) 06:33, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose criminal sentences, whether being given or carried out, are not considered ITN-worthy. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 06:46, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support important news in a significant case of international attention. I think an exception can be made in this case. buidhe 07:04, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support Logical conclusion to a criminal event. Support on worldwide coverage. The criminal event was posted in Wikipedia's ITN when it had occurred seven years ago. Regards, theTigerKing  10:59, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support — important news. Justice is finally delivered. ~~ CAPTAIN MEDUSA^talk 12:08, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support — Because it was covered by world media. Justice conclusion.BabbaQ (talk) 12:16, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose We posted their conviction in 2013. We don't typically post executions behind that. --Masem (t) 12:39, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose per Wolfson-Masem; also oppose "per justice", which is one bizarre argument. ——SN54129 12:46, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Regarding the "justice" arguments, we are not here to right great wrongs. While we may record the righting of great wrongs, this does not suffice to upend our precedent against posting on criminal cases after conviction/acquittal in the absence of any noteworthy issues (of which there weren't any here). – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 12:52, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose domestic crime story, uninspiring article. --LaserLegs (talk) 13:07, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support This case is at least as significant for India as the Harvey Weinstein case was in the US. Article appears to be in good shape. Beyond which we need some new and non-Covid-19 stories on the main page. This is a good candidate. -Ad Orientem (talk) 13:16, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
  • With all due respect, we posted the conviction of Weinstein and not his imprisonment, and we posted the sentencing of these people in 2013. Also, new and non-Covid-19 stories are not factors in the worth of a given blurb; coronavirus might have been a factor a couple of days ago, but isn't now that we have a couple of non-covid blurbs and a non-covid image, and that presumably all but a few future blurbs will be non-coronavirus with the banner up. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 13:30, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose I'd be okay with ignoring precedent on posting criminal punishment, but not ignoring the precedent on posting the same story twice. GreatCaesarsGhost 13:28, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support – Widely featured on RS sites. Highly significant in India, where many speak Eng. as a 2nd language. More noteworthy than the weak Asteriornis item, which has zero tangible impact on anyone. – Sca (talk) 14:59, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support Actual execution is more significant than conviction and this issue is highly featured in reliable sources. – Ammarpad (talk) 16:16, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support Notable enough. Puddleglum^2.0_{(How's my driving?)} 16:56, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment can someone please read and clean up this mess before it's rushed to the MP? The "Changes to the legal system" section has a whole section about a memorial held in London -- aka not changed to the legal system. Also has this grammar gem "From recordings made by a highway CCTV vehicle, a description of the bus, a white charter bus with a name written on it, was broadcast." among others. If we're going to paste irrelevancies on the main page at the very least lets not let the article be rubbish. --LaserLegs (talk) 17:01, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose per Masem and Wolfson. robertsky (talk) 18:02, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose as above Kingsif (talk) 21:34, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• It seems a bit strange that this is called the "2012 Delhi gang rape" case. Is the gang rape or the murder more significant? In a city the size of Delhi, this is probably not the only gang rape case that occurred in 2012; rather I would guess that it is noteworthy for its severity and outcome. However, the article is a Good Article. Since it is a noteworthy event in the news (although not locally for some editors), it may meet the requirements for posting. - Indefensible (talk) 22:37, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
  • No one is denying it was notable, just that we posted the point when the men were convicted back in 2013. They've obviously been trying to get appeals which have failed and only just now the sentence carried out, but ITN doesn't duplicate posting the conviction and completion of the sentence. --Masem (t) 22:50, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
    • Where in the posting requirements does it say that repeats are not allowed? If it is just by informal principle or tradition, I would argue that the coronavirus items violate that as well then. - Indefensible (talk) 23:02, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
      • Generally, we don't provide "updates" on stories, particularly when the status quo is maintained which is the case here. There is a bit of concern with those arguing "justice served" which is a bit...righting great wrongs type of thought. WP wants to stay neutral and we respect appropriate legal punishments derived from fair trials and there's no doubt there was such the case here, but again, that they were executed now doesn't change anything at this point. Status quo is the same. --Masem (t) 23:18, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
        • When we get to the Olympics this year, if they do not get cancelled, I would think there would be a blurb for when it begins and when it ends. Would that not be the case? It seems arguable either way on whether the status quo is maintained or not, just based on the scope and how the event is framed. Now I do not feel that strongly about this specific event, but one could consider the difference being that 4 individuals are now dead whereas they were alive before, and the blurb is a sort of RD entry with broader social implications. - Indefensible (talk) 23:26, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
          • The 4 sentences are not notable so calling the RD factor is not really appropriate. --Masem (t) 23:33, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose posting the same story twice. P-K3 (talk) 00:47, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose criminals are executed daily across the world for heinous crimes. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 09:23, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

• @The Rambling Man:, It is quite rare that four men at the same time are executed. Five men have been executed since 1995 [7]. ~~ CAPTAIN MEDUSA^talk 13:46, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose per P-K3 and per TRM.  — Amakuru (talk) 09:25, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose per GreatCaesarsGhost. Modest Genius ^talk 16:07, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

(Posted) Igor Matovič

Proposed image

Article: Igor Matovič (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ Igor Matovič is sworn in as Prime Minister of Slovakia. (Post)
Alternative blurb: ​ Igor Matovič becomes Prime Minister of Slovakia following elections in February.
News source(s): The Slovak Spectator, TASR, Yahoo News
Credits:

• Updated and nominated by Buidhe (talk · give credit)
• Created by Bastin (talk · give credit)

Nominator's comments: Please run on 21 March when he is sworn in. buidhe 06:09, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

• We generally do not post mere swearing-in/inauguration/coronation of a politician, as it is their choosing that usually considered to be notable(i.e. the election they won). 331dot (talk) 13:17, 20 March 2020 (UTC),

• Support As I don't believe we did post this when he was chosen. I could be wrong, please correct me if I am. Thanks, Puddleglum^2.0_{(How's my driving?)} 16:57, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support as first appearance on main page. ——SN54129 08:08, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment: What do you want, ITN or DYK, because you can't have both. Or do just wait what will get there first? --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:26, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Weak support – Pro forma as new head of govt. & first mention in ITN. Not very timely, tho. – Sca (talk) 14:40, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support - Could be improved further, but meets minimum requirements. - Indefensible (talk) 03:01, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Weak support. I would have preferred us to post 2020 Slovak parliamentary election when the results came in, but we didn't. The article is short but adequate. It might be a good idea to get a link to the election into the blurb anyway, adding altblurb. Modest Genius ^talk 10:48, 23 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment – If we're going to post this, it should be done today in order to be even minimally timely. – Sca (talk) 14:58, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

I don't see anything stopping it going up right now - no-one has opposed, the article is updated, and the quality is fine. I'll mark it ready, even though I !voted. Modest Genius ^talk 16:09, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

• Posting. --Tone 16:12, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

File:Igor Matovič.jpg

• PPC – Suggest switching from Edwin Catmull pic, which has been up there for several days, to this one of Matovič. →
  – Sca (talk) 17:26, 23 March 2020 (UTC)

March 19

Portal:Current events/2020 March 19

March 19, 2020 (2020-03-19) (Thursday) Arts and culture COVID-19 pandemic Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television Actor Daniel Dae Kim tests positive for COVID-19. (CNN) The wreckage of the USS Stickleback is discovered off the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. (Live Science) Business and economy Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 pandemic in the United States U.S. Senate Republicans unveil a $1 trillion economic stimulus package proposal to aid businesses and the American public during the coronavirus pandemic. (CNN) Health and environment COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 pandemic in Europe The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, tests positive for COVID-19. (Sky News) COVID-19 pandemic in Italy In Italy, the military is deployed to the city of Bergamo, Lombardy, the Italian city worst hit by COVID-19, to collect and transport the bodies of dead residents to crematoriums in other cities, as Bergamo’s authorities say their facilities can no longer process the large number of fatalities. The city's mayor Giorgio Gori says the true number of dead could be much higher than what's been reported. (Sky News) The number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Italy overtakes the number in China, as 3,405 are now confirmed dead due to the virus. (BBC News) Marcello Natali, a doctor from Italy known for exposing the country's chronic shortage of medical supplies, dies from the coronavirus. The Italian Federation of General Practitioners confirms his death. (New York Post) COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom Northern Ireland confirms its first death from COVID-19, an elderly man with an underlying medical condition who was being treated at a hospital in Greater Belfast. (BBC News) The COVID-19 death toll in the United Kingdom rises to 144. (ITV News) The British government introduces the Coronavirus Bill 2019–21, which would grant it extensive discretionary emergency powers in managing the coronavirus pandemic. (BBC News) The British government puts 20,000 British Army reservists on standby to help with the coronavirus pandemic. (Reuters) Transport for London announces the closure of 40 train stations, including London Waterloo station and the Hammersmith & City line. (The Guardian) COVID-19 pandemic in Monaco Albert II, Prince of Monaco, tests positive for COVID-19, becoming the world's first head of state to test positive for the virus. (Daily Mirror) COVID-19 pandemic in Spain Spain's Ministry of Health says the country’s COVID-19 death toll has risen to 767, with 169 more deaths and 3,431 new confirmed cases, for a total of 17,147 cases. (Gulf News) COVID-19 pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei, COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China China, in its daily National Health Commission report, lists no new domestic COVID-19 cases for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began in Wuhan. (The Economic Times) COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education reports 149 more COVID-19 deaths and an additional 1,046 cases, bringing the death toll in the country to 1,284 and its total number of cases to 18,407. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal Nepalese government orders the suspension of all classes and the postponement of all academic examinations. (My Republica) COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania COVID-19 pandemic in Australia Australia closes its borders to all non-Australian residents. (Reuters) Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says about A$100 billion will be injected into the Australian economy to support it during the coronavirus pandemic. (MSN) COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji Fiji reports its first confirmed case of COVID-19, a male patient in Lautoka. (The New Zealand Herald) COVID-19 pandemic in Russia Russia reports its first death from COVID-19. Moscow city authorities say the victim was a 79-year-old woman with underlying health conditions. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States surpasses 10,000, with 13,229 confirmed cases. The death toll stands at 195. (CNN) (The Wall Street Journal) The U.S. State Department warns American citizens not to travel abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic. (CNN) Sean Payton, the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, says he has tested positive for COVID-19. (New York Post) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education While educational facilities close across the United States due to the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Department of Education tells educators that online learning must comply with civil rights laws, including making sure learning tools are available to students. However, as not every student has access to the internet, many students will be unable to participate, prompting some public school systems to implement "enrichment" policies. Under these policies, coursework completed under online learning will not officially count towards advancing to the next academic term. (The Wall Street Journal) COVID-19 pandemic in California Six counties in the San Francisco Bay Area announce shelter in place orders for all residents due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (San Francisco Chronicle) Los Angeles County, California, announces a near-lockdown, urging residents to stay in their homes and to only go out in public for essential needs. (The San Diego Union-Tribune) California Governor Gavin Newsom issues a statewide stay-at-home order for all Californians except for essential errands such as grocery shopping or for medical services. (PBS NewsHour) COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Two more people die from COVID-19 in Michigan and the total number of cases in the state rises to 334. The two fatalities are identified as an 81-year-old and a woman in her 50s with underlying health conditions. (MLive) (MLive2) COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaii Hawaii says that it will not allow the passengers of two cruise ships heading for its coast to disembark upon arrival due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, despite both ships reporting zero cases of COVID-19. (ABC News) COVID-19 pandemic in New York New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says the city's COVID-19 death toll stands at 22, with 3,615 cases. (CNBC) COVID-19 pandemic in Florida Florida Senator Rick Scott urges those visiting the state for spring break to stay away from public beaches to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. (Sun-Sentinel) In an effort to prevent those visiting the state for spring break from gathering on beaches amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis institutes Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines preventing large crowds and says "the party’s over." However, he stops short of closing all public beaches in the state, despite calls for him to do so. (New York Post) COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf orders all non-life-sustaining businesses in the state to close physical locations to slow the spread of the coronavirus. (WGAL) The first COVID-19 death in Pennsylvania is reported, an adult from Northampton County. He was being treated at a hospital prior to his death. There were no specific details released on the patient or his health prior to contracting the virus. (WGAL) COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia (U.S. state) Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says he does not plan on ordering business to close or shutting down public events amid the coronavirus pandemic. (WJXT) COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico Mexico reports its first death from COVID-19, a 41-year-old diabetic man. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Haiti Haiti confirms its first two cases of COVID-19. (Voice of America) Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Haiti declares a state of emergency. All schools, universities, industrial parks and airports will be closed from midnight, while a nationwide curfew will be in force from 8pm to 5am. (Reuters) International relations Syria–United States relations U.S. President Donald Trump calls for the Syrian government to release journalist and veteran Marine Austin Tice, arguing the "U.S. has done a lot for Syria". (CBS News) Law and crime 2020 Congressional insider trading scandal According to an article published by the ProPublica, Senators Richard Burr of North Carolina, Kelly Loeffler of Georgia, Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, and Dianne Feinstein of California sold their stocks before the stock market crash. (Fox News) (CBS News) Politics and elections 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries U.S. Representative from Hawaii Tulsi Gabbard ends her presidential campaign in the 2020 presidential election and endorses former Vice President Joe Biden. (CNN) 2020 Vanuatuan general election Registered voters in Vanuatu head to the polls to elect members of parliament. (Radio New Zealand) Sports Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports The suspension of football games in England, including the Premier League and English Football League, is extended until at least April 30 due to the continued spread of the coronavirus. (BBC News) 2020 Summer Olympics torch relay Despite calls for the cancelation of the 2020 Summer Olympics due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Greece hands the Olympic flame over to Japan in a ceremony without spectators. (Kyodo News Plus) 2019–20 NBA season Three people employed by the Philadelphia 76ers test positive for COVID-19. (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

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RD: Stephen Schwartz (pathologist)

Article: Stephen Schwartz (pathologist) (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): MSN Seattle Times
Credits:

• Nominated by 2607:FEA8:1DDF:FEE1:B502:FA28:F231:1CEB (talk · give credit)

Article updated
Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Notable pathologist at the University of Washington. 2607:FEA8:1DDF:FEE1:B502:FA28:F231:1CEB (talk) 01:01, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

• Article is currently rated as a stub, which is not allowed per the WP:In the News#Article quality requirements. - Indefensible (talk) 01:16, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose Per Indefensible. Puddleglum^2.0_{(How's my driving?)} 16:58, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Article needs work, there seem to be some good sources but a few are Canada-locked? Kingsif (talk) 21:37, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment – Article seems quite thin. – Sca (talk) 14:43, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

(Closed) Italy coronavirus deaths top China's

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

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Article: 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Italy (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ The number of deaths from COVID-19 in Italy overtakes the number of deaths from the disease in China. (Post)
News source(s): BBC
Credits:

• Nominated by Kingsif (talk · give credit)

Article needs updating

Nominator's comments: Apologies for coronavirus blurb. Kingsif (talk) 17:22, 19 March 2020 (UTC) Kingsif (talk) 17:22, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose We have a banner for COVID stories. This is not the type of thing to add a blurb about. --Masem (t) 17:53, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose per Masem, statistical observations like this are concerning but not so important that they need a separate entry. —Nizolan ^{(talk · c.)} 18:35, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose good faith nom per Masem. Very sad news, but barring a miracle we are going to see a lot of similar stories soon. -Ad Orientem (talk) 19:23, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

One theory is that it's the belief in miracles that partly got them into this mess, with "holy" water, wafers and wine in churches being a major transmission method. HiLo48 (talk) 21:38, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

Glad you find it funny. —Nizolan ^{(talk · c.)} 22:30, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

I don't. I find it sad. HiLo48 (talk) 23:07, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose - redundant with coronavirus banner, but the same is also true for the current WHO pandemic announcement blurb in my opinion. - Indefensible (talk) 19:31, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

(Posted) RD: Peter Whittingham

Article: Peter Whittingham (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): The Independent
Credits:

• Nominated by Amakuru (talk · give credit)
• Created by Bobo192 (talk · give credit)
• Updated by Indefensible (talk · give credit) and Black Kite (talk · give credit)

Article updated
Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Professional footballer, most notably for Cardiff City. It was already nominated a few days ago and turned out he hadn't died, but it is now confirmed. Date of death not certain, most likely today or yesterday but was announced today.  — Amakuru (talk) 14:34, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support CN tags were fixed by Black Kite with previous nom. Hopefully we can find a source that gives a solid date, but it was definitely either the 18th or 19th, as per police statement yesterday. PotentPotables (talk) 15:14, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

Comment The reference says he died "Thursday" will Support as per above Joseywales1961 (talk) 15:20, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

@Joseywales1961: That's not totally clear - the sentence says "Cardiff City confirmed that the club legend succumbed to his injuries on Thursday in an emotional statement", which is ambiguous - the "on Thursday" could refer to the "confirmed" or to the "succumbed"... The Cardiff statement on Twitter didn't say either way. Cheers  — Amakuru (talk) 15:25, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

I've checked the BBC, WalesOnline, Cardiff's statement and none explicitly say when he died. I think c. 19 or "18 or 19 March" is the best we'll get for now. PotentPotables (talk) 15:27, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

I agree, the way I read those. They all suggest the death was overnight having been in critical condition since the accident. I would use "ca. 19 March 2019" only because, with GMT time zone, that's when the sources are reporting it. --Masem (t) 15:29, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

@Amakuru: struck through to support - I will continue looking for sources with a firm date Joseywales1961 (talk) 15:32, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

I doubt there are any sources yet, it looked like all were feeding off the Cardiff City announcement, and that didn't say exactly when. Will probably become clear in due course. It doesn't really affect the nom either way though, we know he died recently and it was announced today, so it is eligbible for RD.  — Amakuru (talk) 15:57, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

That ambiguous Independent article is once again being used to "confirm" the death as the 19th.-- P-K3 (talk) 15:59, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support good to go once the date of death issue is resolved. Joseph2302 (talk) 15:56, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support looks fine. If date of death is widely reported as 19, use that. Kingsif (talk) 17:17, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support Well referenced.-- P-K3 (talk) 17:30, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Posted Kees08 (Talk) 17:33, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

March 18

Portal:Current events/2020 March 18

March 18, 2020 (2020-03-18) (Wednesday) Arts and culture The Eurovision Song Contest 2020, which is due to be held in the Netherlands, is cancelled for the first time on the event's 64-year history due to the spread of COVID-19. (The Guardian) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion The Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople issues a worldwide suspension of all "divine services, events, and rites, with the exception of private prayer in churches that will remain open, until the end of March". (Ecupatria) Business and economy Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic List of events affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom The 2020 Glastonbury Festival, scheduled for June 24–28, is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. (BBC News) Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States U.S. President Donald Trump suspends all foreclosures and evictions, and invokes the Defense Production Act to address shortages of supplies needed for responding to the coronavirus outbreak in the country. (NPR) (KTIV) The U.S. Treasury Department says it will ask Congress for $500 billion in direct payouts for taxpayers in order to combat the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Under the current proposal, the payouts will consist of two tiered payments, with the amounts of each based on income level and family size. (NBC News) Unemployment in the United States could reach 20 percent if sufficient action is not taken in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warns. (The Guardian) The U.S. Senate approves the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, an emergency relief aid bill, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The bill will ensure that people who are employed in places with less than 500 employees will receive paid benefits while on leave. It also offers free testing for uninsured people and expands federal funding for medical coverage. (Essence) President Trump signs the Families First Coronavirus Response Act into law to provide economic relief to families affected by the coronavirus pandemic. (ABC News) Disasters and accidents 2020 Salt Lake City earthquake An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 hits Salt Lake City, Utah, with several aftershocks reported and tens of thousands of residents left without power. The earthquake is the largest in the state since the 1992 St. George earthquake. (CNN) Health and environment COVID-19 pandemic Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education More than 850 million students are not attending school due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to UNESCO. (Al Arabiya) COVID-19 pandemic in Africa COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia The Gambia reports its first confirmed case of COVID-19, a female patient in her 20s who recently returned from the United Kingdom. The patient is in isolation at a clinic in Fajara. (Anadolu Agency) COVID-19 pandemic in Burkina Faso Burkina Faso reports its first death from COVID-19, a 62-year-old diabetic woman. (Africanews) COVID-19 pandemic in Djibouti Djibouti reports its first confirmed case of COVID-19, a member of Spain's Special Operations Groups who arrived at Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport on March 14. (CGTN Africa) COVID-19 pandemic in Iran Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education says the country's COVID-19 death toll stands at 1,135 following 147 more deaths. The total number of cases rises to 17,361. (Reuters) COVID-19 pandemic in Europe COVID-19 pandemic in Italy In Italy, the coronavirus death toll rises to 2,978. A total of 35,713 people have the virus in the country. (Haaretz) COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom All schools in Scotland and Wales are to close, effective March 19, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. (Sky News) (BBC News) The COVID-19 death toll in the United Kingdom surpasses 100. (Manchester Evening News) The United Kingdom advises its citizens vacationing in Spain to return home due to the coronavirus pandemic. (The New York Times) The British government’s Department of Health and Social Care confirms an additional 676 cases of COVID-19 within 24 hours. (Anadolu Agency) COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, 2020 Spain coronavirus lockdown King Felipe VI of Spain addresses the nation in a special speech for the second time in his reign, and the sixth by a monarch in the democracy’s 40 years. Focusing on the coronavirus pandemic, he gives his appreciation for the work of health personnel and calls for a break in differences, stating that Spaniards can "defeat this crisis" through unification. (El País) COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declares a state of emergency, the first in the country in 45 years, due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Politico Europe) COVID-19 pandemic in North America The United States and Canada suspend nonessential travel between the two countries due to the coronavirus pandemic. (CBC News) (CNN) COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States reports its 150th death from COVID-19, with a total of at least 9,400 confirmed cases nationwide. (Yeni Şafak) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education In the United States, several K–12 school systems will keep their learning facilities physically closed for the remainder of the academic school year due to the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in 92,000 American schools across 39 states, and 42.1 million students and their families, transitioning to online learning, while some systems will not calculate grades at all. (Education Week) (CNN) COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Michigan reports its first death from COVID-19, as the state reaches 110 recorded cases. (WOOD-TV) COVID-19 pandemic in New York, COVID-19 pandemic in Washington COVID-19 cases in Washington exceed 1,000. (Fox News) The U.S. Navy will deploy a hospital ship to New York City to aid in the response to COVID-19. (Business Insider) A hospital ship will be deployed to the coast of Washington state by the U.S. Navy to assist in the response to COVID-19. (NPR) COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey Turkey reports its second death from COVID-19, a 61-year-old male patient, while the number of confirmed cases rises to 191. (Hürriyet Daily News) Law and crime The Abortion Legislation Bill 2019 passes its third reading in the New Zealand House of Representatives, legalising abortion in New Zealand. (Stuff) Politics and elections 2020 United States elections 2020 United States House of Representatives elections 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Illinois In a major upset in the 2020 U.S. House of Representatives elections in Illinois, Democrat Marie Newman defeats conservative Democrat Dan Lipinski in Illinois's 3rd congressional district. (The New York Times) 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders says he will assess his presidential campaign after losing three more states (Florida, Illinois, and Arizona) to former Vice President Joe Biden in the Democratic primaries of the 2020 presidential election. Biden has 1,181 delegates, while Sanders has 885. The minimum required to win the nomination is 1,991. (The Hill) (CNN) 2020 Republican Party presidential primaries, Bill Weld 2020 presidential campaign Former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld ends his presidential campaign for the Republican nomination in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. (The New York Times) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics COVID-19 pandemic in Kosovo Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti sacks Interior Minister Agim Veliu over disagreements regarding a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic. (Reuters) 2020 United States Senate election in Alabama Alabama postpones its Republican Party Senate primary to July 14 due to coronavirus concerns. (The Hill) The White House postpones a state visit from Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia due to the coronavirus pandemic. (The Seattle Times) U.S. Republican Representative Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida tests positive for COVID-19. (CNN) Science and technology 2020 in spaceflight SpaceX successfully launches and deploys 60 Starlink satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket. The Falcon 9 rocket, making a record fifth launch, misses the autonomous spaceport drone ship Of Course I Still Love You, crashing in the Atlantic Ocean. (Space) Sports Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports 2020 AFL season, COVID-19 pandemic in Australia The 2020 Australian Football League season opener between Richmond Football Club and Carlton Football Club will go on as planned despite the coronavirus outbreak. (BBC News) 2020 NFL season New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady leaves the team after 20 seasons and, pending contract stipulations, will sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (uSports)

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(Posted) RD: Sir John Tooley

Article: John Tooley (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): Telegraphy obituary Telegraph death announcement
Credits:

• Nominated by Ad Orientem (talk · give credit)

Article updated
Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Longtime director of the Royal Opera House. Article appears to be in decent shape. Ad Orientem (talk) 03:46, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support - @Ad Orientem: a proper source for his death now exists,[8] so I've reopened this. Decent sourcing, so it looks good to go to me. Cheers  — Amakuru (talk) 09:50, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Posted Kees08 (Talk) 15:50, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

(Posted) RD: Catherine Hamlin

Article: Catherine Hamlin (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): BBC
Credits:

• Nominated by Indefensible (talk · give credit)
• Created by Nevster (talk · give credit)
• Updated by Ww2censor (talk · give credit), Rms125a@hotmail.com (talk · give credit) and Whiteghost.ink (talk · give credit)

Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Medical doctor, founded a nonprofit hospital in Ethiopia. - Indefensible (talk) 22:33, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support. No issues that I can see. Marking as ready.  — Amakuru (talk) 09:51, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
• Posted (tho the death should be in the prose and not the intro) Kees08 (Talk) 15:59, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

Abel prize

Article: Abel Prize (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ The Abel Prize in mathematics is awarded to Hillel Furstenberg (pictured) and Grigory Margulis. (Post)
Alternative blurb: ​ The Abel Prize in mathematics is awarded to Hillel Furstenberg (pictured) and Grigory Margulis.
News source(s): NY times
Article updated
The nominated event is listed on WP:ITN/R, so each occurrence is presumed to be important enough to post. Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article and update meet WP:ITNCRIT, not the significance.

 Fdfexoex (talk) 14:02, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

• Comment Per past discussions, we realllly would like the winners to be the target article. I know they're not in great shape, but these are the people we should be featuring. --Masem (t) 14:09, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Yeah, we can't bold-link to an entry in a table. If there's no article about the thing they won it for, the two biographies will need to be brought up to scratch. Unfortunately they're a long way from being postable right now, and probably require the attention of an expert mathematician to sort out. Modest Genius ^talk 16:30, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• While we have a couple of images of Margulis, they aren't great in quality compared to what we have of Furstenberg. (no good tight head shot). --Masem (t) 16:45, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose for now unfortunately both peoples' articles are shoddy at the moment. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 21:12, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

(Posted) Asteriornis maastrichtensis

Article: Asteriornis (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ Paleontologists identify the fossilized skull of Asteriornis maastrichtensis, the oldest evidence of modern birds, dating to the Mesozoic era. (Post)
News source(s): Nature article, BBC, The Guardian, CNN
Credits:

• Nominated by Masem (talk · give credit)
• Created by Fanboyphilosopher (talk · give credit)

Article needs updating

Nominator's comments: Obviously too short to post now (I will try to expand if no one else does), and yes, just had another paleo. story up, but again, it is widely covered ITN, it is the type of thing we'd usually cover and it's not COVID related. Also please see discussion below related the previous case of the "smallest dinosaur" though I'm not seeing the same doubts here: they've identified the core elements that a bird skull would have (it was found nearly whole), and have carbon-dated it. So it's not like more wild guesing. Masem (t) 01:56, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose We've had another similar article on here quite recently. Now that the COVID map is no longer the picture and we've had two blurbs unrelated to the pandemic (and presumably all future blurbs barring something like an Olympics cancellation now that the banner's up), "non-coronavirus" is not a reason to post. While I won't strongly object if consensus develops to post this, I still think it's much too early to post another paleontology blurb (and I say that as someone with a background in evolutionary biology). – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 02:39, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Upon further thought I'll likely support this if we pull the earlier blurb, as this seems less scientifically controversial and more significant. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 02:43, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
  • I am further aware that having topically-similar blurbs at the same time or close together isn't completely unprecedented, mainly happening with stuff like the Nobel prizes. Unlike those instances, however, these aren't deliberately scheduled together. I also know that pulling a blurb for the sake of a better one doesn't have much if any precedent, so I'm essentially relying on IAR there. I still weakly oppose given the scheduling, but I might reiterate that I won't strongly object if this gets consensus. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 03:00, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
    • I can expand this article, it's the oldest undisputed modern-style bird and therefore more scientifically and popularly interesting than a controversial skull in amber.Fanboyphilosopher (talk) 02:52, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
  • I did try to figure out if this was some special issue of Nature to happen to warrant to rather similar stories but it seems like these are just coinicidentally two similar stories that were publishers at near similar times. If it were the case this were a special issue, I would agree with focusing on the story with the lease scientific doubt (this one), but that doesn't seem to be the case. --Masem (t) 03:53, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support now that the smallest dinosaur blurb has been pulled. It is adequately referenced and ready for the main page now. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 21:09, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support as a replacement for the Oculudentavis blurb. I've made some substantial expansions, it should be as decent as Oculudentavis as an article. As a news item, it is much better, since the blurb about Oculudentavis being the smallest known dinosaur would be completely misleading if it turned out to be a lizard. From my perspective on the paleontology community's criticisms, that may very well be the case.Fanboyphilosopher (talk) 04:22, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Currently the article is supported by a single reference, its Nature paper. Are there any other refs that can be added to support it? While Nature is a respectable source, the other current paleo article also had at least one Nature ref, plus others in addition. From a referencing perspective, the other article seems better supported. - Indefensible (talk) 04:32, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
  • There is this, a second article by a different author in the same volume of Nature explaining at a slightly higher level the significance of this discovery (eg placing the start of the modern bird development earlier than previously known). And then using the top level news sources like NYtimes gives some outside quotes from others that also qualify the result (eg the NYTimes says "The Wonderchicken, Dr. Worthy said, “appears to fill that gap.”"). Add articles to flush out what was known before about birds , and what this discovery changes, and you'll have about 6-8 sources I think, 4-6 of those as scientific journals. --Masem (t) 04:41, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
    • I'll get right to it.Fanboyphilosopher (talk) 04:46, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
      • I have cited eight more papers to elaborate on some of the info brought up within the article. Although the content of the NYT article looks good from what little I've seen of it, I don't have an account with them so I was unsure whether it was worth citing. Fanboyphilosopher (talk) 14:11, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
        • Excellent work @Fanboyphilosopher:, I just added a couple things from the NYTimes bit (only to point out the wonderchicken bit for the most part). This should be ready for ITN review. --Masem (t) 14:18, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support. A much better replacement for Oculudentavis. The article looks to be in good shape as well (although some discussion of the Valkenburg Member's palaeoecology would be a good addition). Lythronaxargestes (talk | contribs) 17:16, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support - Article looks well-referenced now, good work Fanboyphilosopher. Suggest Wiki linking paleontology again as it is a Good Article. - Indefensible (talk) 18:20, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Post-posting comment – Arcane and not really in the news. Zero tangible impact on anyone. – Sca (talk) 15:03, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

(Posted) RD: Alfred Worden

Article: Alfred Worden (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): Florida Today
Credits:

• Nominated by Indefensible (talk · give credit)
• Created by Theon~enwiki (talk · give credit)
• Updated by Kees08 (talk · give credit), Randy Kryn (talk · give credit) and Hawkeye7 (talk · give credit)

Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Apollo 15 astronaut. A few cn tags, but items can be addressed or removed as needed. - Indefensible (talk) 22:06, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support I've removed all but last of the "citation required" tags. If necessary, we can comment out this line. Article is a poor tribute to a brave man. A pity Wehwalt never got a round tuit. Hawkeye7 (discuss) 23:19, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

Support Agree with above.--Wehwalt (talk) 23:48, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support, we'll have 11 more of these to go. Should probably be a blurb though, only 24 people have been on or orbited the Moon. Randy Kryn (talk) 00:11, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Not sure a blurb is warranted despite the notability. Maybe at the unfortunate event of the last Apollo astronaut's death? - Indefensible (talk) 01:32, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
    • At least the four remaining Moon walkers would deserve a blurb (hopefully many years away) and as many of the others as possible. Thanks for the nomination. Randy Kryn (talk) 03:15, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Posted Stephen 03:37, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

(Closed) Eurovision Song Contest cancelled

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

---

Article: Eurovision Song Contest 2020 (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ The EBU cancels the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time ever because of the coronavirus outbreak. (Post)
News source(s): [9],[10], [11]
Credits:

• Nominated by BabbaQ (talk · give credit)

Nominator's comments: Historic decision, breaking a chain of 64 broadcast Eurovision in a row. World most viewed televised music contest. --BabbaQ (talk) 15:33, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose To be honest, everything is going to get cancelled soon. Also, List of major events affected by the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic is linked from the "Impact" link in the COVID19 box. Black Kite (talk) 15:40, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose As I've noted below, probably the only major event that would get into ITN if cancelled or postponed at this point would be the Olympics. --Masem (t) 15:48, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose per Black Kite. Mark E. Smith must be loving it. Leave the Capitol! ——SN54129 15:49, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Weak oppose As sad as this is, the 50th anniversary Glastonbury Festival also got cancelled today, which seems perhaps more noteworthy based on that. And, yes, wait for the Olympics. I feel this would be an obvious one to post in any other situation, but now... everything being cancelled is the norm, only the most globally significant gets posted -

Unless we argue that anything that would be ITN/R but is cancelled should get a blurb anyway... Kingsif (talk) 17:36, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose more newsworthy to post the events are still going ahead. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 17:56, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose for reasons above. Even if the Olympics is cancelled I would still oppose. Juxlos (talk) 19:03, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support The event is ITN/R, where do the guidelines say that it's only ITN/R if it takes place? Article is pretty good too. --LaserLegs (talk) 21:27, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose At the moment every event should be assumed cancelled until they say otherwise. This is just one cancellation among many. However, maybe "cancellations" could be added to the banner?  Nixinova   T   C   21:31, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

(Posted) Turing Award

Articles: Edwin Catmull (talk · history · tag) and Pat Hanrahan (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ Edwin Catmull (pictured) and Pat Hanrahan are awarded the Turing Award for their pioneering work on computer-generated imagery. (Post)
News source(s): NYTimes
Credits:

• Nominated by Masem (talk · give credit)

Article updated
One or both nominated events are listed on WP:ITN/R, so each occurrence is presumed to be important enough to post. Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article and update meet WP:ITNCRIT, not the significance.

Nominator's comments: I will be updating about the Turing in both articles immediately after this. Catmull's needs a bit more sourcing. Masem (t) 13:38, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support - looks like both articles are in decent shape. --LukeSurl ^{t c} 14:32, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Catmull's is undersourced, but it should not be that hard. --Masem (t) 15:14, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support, nice nomination, important topic. Randy Kryn (talk) 14:39, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Edwin Catmull's article in particular needs improvement as noted above before posting. - Indefensible (talk) 16:00, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support in principle, especially with the image, but Catmull's article has many CN tags. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 16:39, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support Looks good to me! Puddleglum^2.0_{(How's my driving?)} 23:25, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment in case it's not clear, Catmull's article needs much better referencing. Stephen 23:34, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Update Catmull's article no longer has any CN tags. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 01:19, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support - Looks good now, still missing a ref or two but meets requirements for posting. - Indefensible (talk) 01:28, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Posted good work, thank you. Stephen 01:36, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Thanks! – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 03:00, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Has the image been switched to Hanrahan? Catmull has had a couple days now, for the architecture prize I believe both winners had their image shown on different days. - Indefensible (talk) 17:34, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

(Pulled) Smallest known dinosaur discovered

Article: Oculudentavis (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ Scientists discover the amber-preserved skull of the smallest known dinosaur Oculudentavis, comparable in size to the bee hummingbird. (Post)
Alternative blurb: ​ Paleontologists discover Oculudentavis, the smallest non-avian dinosaur known thus far.
Alternative blurb II: ​ Paleontologists discover Oculudentavis, the smallest dinosaur of the Mesozoic.
Alternative blurb III: ​ Scientists discover Oculudentavis, the smallest known dinosaur of the Mesozoic era.
News source(s): NBC News, Nature paper
Credits:

• Nominated by Masem (talk · give credit)
• Updated by Tisquesusa (talk · give credit)

Article updated

Nominator's comments: Both something that would get into ITN on some days, but also a need to fill blurbs due to the news otherwise being dominated by covid-19 stuff. (eg avoiding just news for news sake to be added). Article is in good shape. Masem (t) 04:33, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support Satis, and while not a reason for posting in of itself it's nice to have something not coronavirus-related. 05:06, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Bee hummingbird is not quite up to the frontpage standard in my opinion, can that phrase be dropped from the blurb? - Indefensible (talk) 05:08, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
  • None bolded links are not required to be up to main page standards. --Masem (t) 05:09, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Added an altblurb to this effect; even if it is not required, paleontology is a good article and dinosaur is a featured article, so this would be preferable I think. - Indefensible (talk) 05:14, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Keeping Bee hummingbird, linked, seems very important and encyclopedic because it is the smallest known living dinosaur. This also calls the "headline" into question, as the bee hummingbird, being a dinosaur, is equally the smallest known dinosaur. Randy Kryn (talk) 13:25, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment The suggested blurbs are dubious. Birds are dinosaurs and, moreover, this one was an avialan dinosaur. That said, the bee hummingbird is taxonomically the smallest dinosaur and it's unclear if this was definitely smaller. Additionally, the paper published in Nature points out that it represents the smallest dinosaur of the Mesozoic era, while NBC News have apparently generalised the context of the discovery in their news.--Kiril Simeonovski (talk) 07:48, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

  Re birds are dinosaurs, taxonomically that might be the case but in common parlance "dinosaur" is usually a paraphyletic group that excludes Aves, much like the Fish and Monkey categories tend to exclude humans from their definitions. If you can find a way to phrase this to make it unambiguous, please go ahead, but I don't think it should stop the nom.  — Amakuru (talk) 09:23, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

  @Amakuru: Wikipedia is an encyclopedia and it should always deal with complete scientific accuracy as such, so arguments revolving around "common parlance" are not welcome here (Monkeys and humans have very recent common ancestor but belong to distinct subfamilies of the primates order. Humans are apes and have never been excluded from that subfamily.). The common notion of dinosaurs as extinct species of gigantic lizards as presented in many illustrated books and animated films has proven to be false and Wikipedia is the right place to break this misconception. I've suggested another blurb that clarifies it was the smallest dinosaur species of the Mesozoic era as indicated in the paper.--Kiril Simeonovski (talk) 10:07, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

  I'm well aware of the scientific situation, but your point "Wikipedia is an encyclopedia" is exactly why we don't publish things in the same way as a scientific paper would. Using commonly recognised names rather than overly technical ones is enshrined in our policy. And let's be honest, even scientists don't regard humans as fish, and wouldn't find it useful to do so. Referring to the "mesozoic" is unnecessary detail, and dilutes the significance of this find. Using the standard term "non-avian dinosaurs" or similar might work though. Thanks  — Amakuru (talk) 10:20, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

  Birds, being dinosaurs, include the smallest known, the bee hummingbird. Saying that this new dinosaur skull is the smallest known should include clarification that the bee hummingbird is equally small. Randy Kryn (talk) 13:30, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

  As someone with a background in evolutionary biology, I have to agree with Amakuru that Wikipedia, being a general-purpose encyclopedia, is targeted towards a general audience and as such should stick to the common understanding of "dinosaur" excluding birds, especially on the Main Page. The comparison to a bee hummingbird can remain in the blurb, but should not be referred to as a dinosaur. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 16:34, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support - not corona related, thanks. I personally think this article is ITN ready. BabbaQ (talk) 09:15, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support, I think alt 1 is the best of the blurbs but I'm not opposed to any of them. Thryduulf (talk) 10:22, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Obvious support -- Very happy to see this. I was ready to nominate this myself when news first broke but gave up halfway through filling the form, because [excuses]. I have added a slightly adjusted version of Alt II as Alt III (Too many wikilinks and missing "known", IMO). I would also prefer "Mesozoic dinosaur" to "dinosaur of the Mesozoic era" if it's okay to have two consecutive wikilinks. Finally, I do agree we need to be precise with the blurb even at the risk of losing other desirable attributes. Usedtobecool ☎️ 10:26, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Stale I recall reading about this several days ago and indeed both sources given are dated the 11th. At the very least this should be re-filed under the correct date where it is about to fall off the tracker. 3142 (talk) 11:14, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

It is newer than any of the other blurbs currently in the board. We need something to fill space. --Masem (t) 13:09, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Add to the blurb "...bee hummingbird, the smallest known living dinosaur." for accuracy and informational data. Randy Kryn (talk) 13:32, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

I would oppose that: I have no interest in debating the merits of that point other that to say you will have a hard time convincing most that a bird is a dinosaur. Regardless, an ITN blurb is not the place to start grinding that particular axe. 3142 (talk) 14:06, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

? There is no debate, birds are dinosaurs and are accurately called dinosaurs on Wikipedia. The blurb is essentially inaccurate in not pointing that out. Randy Kryn (talk) 14:15, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

The alternatives mentioning the Mesozoic would be preferable in this case, as it's factually accurate without needing to confuse people with true but not widely known taxonomy. Gʀᴀᴘᴘʟᴇ ^ˣ 14:24, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support Nice piece of news, article good to go. Kingsif (talk) 14:48, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Support - Interesting item to add. Rlendog (talk) 15:05, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose – Rather minor and arcane for ITN. That it's "not coronavirus-related" (per John Wolfson) should not be a factor. – Sca (talk) 15:09, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

In these unique times, I think it may very well be from now on.--WaltCip (talk) 18:25, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Posted using alt1 which seems to be the least argued against blurb. Black Kite (talk) 19:06, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Black Kite, the present use is inaccurate, which is why nobody argued against it. The smallest known dinosaur is the Bee hummingbird. Saying this new discovery is the smallest known dinosaur is encyclopedically not correct. Please add that it "and the bee hummingbird, are the smallest known dinosaurs" or some such language, but what we have up there now is not only inadequate but misleading. Thanks. Randy Kryn (talk) 21:58, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
    • Propose changing the blurb to state "the smallest known prehistoric dinosaur." - Indefensible (talk) 22:11, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
      • The best thing to do would be to say "non-avian dinosaur" if we absolutely must make such a modification; it is correct and the least awkward of the options. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 22:46, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Weak pull. It’s not even clear from the article whether this discovery is a dinosaur, a lizard, or a bird. The blurb is unequivocal that it’s a dinosaur. 2607:FEA8:1DDF:FEE1:B9B7:3132:6C2D:910 (talk) 20:09, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Implicitly we recognize its a theory by those that wrote the paper, its not an absolute and will never be able to be proven but we are relying on the fact it was published in Nature a top-level peer-review journal that the conclusion that it likely was in the dinosaur group to be a reasonably accepted theory. --Masem (t) 20:17, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

As an editor from the dinosaur project, I have no strong objections to this wording (since it is, after all, the reported conclusion of the paper, and the controversy cannot be summarized in one sentence). However, I disagree with your reasoning, Masem. To quote palaeontologist Mike Taylor, "the venue of its publication tells us nothing useful about the quality of a paper". One only needs to look to Andrew Wakefield's Lancet paper for a clear example. Even in the domain of palaeontology, the majority of text written for Nature and Science articles gets dumped into the online supplementary information, which is reviewed much less rigorously. Lythronaxargestes (talk | contribs) 00:42, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose. I created the article and I have to say that the identification of the skull as avialan (bird) is very questionable. Many paleontologists have argued for an interpretation of the skull as a lizard both informally and formally, in the case of researchers at the IVPP in Beijing. The academic integrity of the primary author is also under scrutiny. We should not advertise a work as controversial as this on the front page. Fanboyphilosopher (talk) 02:39, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose Misleading blurb. Pavlor (talk) 07:27, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Pulled with regret as there seems to be agreement that the blurb is misleading. Please discuss if it can be reposted with a different blurb — Martin (MSGJ · talk) 08:55, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Comment Please note that there is now a preprint (not yet peer-reviewed) of a scientific paper formally rejecting an avian identity for Oculudentavis: [12] Lythronaxargestes (talk | contribs) 17:18, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

(Closed) 2020 stock market crash

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

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Article: 2020 stock market crash (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ At least one benchmark stock market index in each of the G7 and in 14 of the G20 have fallen into bear markets as part a global stock market crash that began on 20 February 2020. (Post)
News source(s): Asia-Pacific3-16-2020 Europe3-16-2020 U.S.
Credits:

• Nominated by CommonKnowledgeCreator (talk · give credit)
• Created by Foxterria (talk · give credit)
• Updated by User:CommonKnowledgeCreator (talk · give credit)

Article updated

Nominator's comments: Significant ongoing global stock market crash related to COVID-19 pandemic. CommonKnowledgeCreator (talk) 02:20, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Previously I would have supported this, but now it is indirectly covered by the "Impact" link in the coronavirus box I think. There are also 2 Closed nominations visible below related to this same article. - Indefensible (talk) 02:32, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

(Closed) Euro Cup and Copa America has been postponed

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

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Article: UEFA Euro 2020 (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ The UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2020 Copa America football tournaments have been postponed until summer of 2021 amid COVID-19 fears. (Post)
News source(s): Euro 2020 postponed for a year by Uefa because of coronavirus crisis

Nominator's comments: It's official: The Euro 2020 and the Copa America have officially been postponed until summer of 2021. 2607:FB90:5E9E:19AE:7DFF:684C:DC10:E7FC (talk) 03:11, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose The NBA postponement failed and this appears roughly equivalent. In any event we have the coronavirus banner and this doesn't appear to warrant its own blurb. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 03:54, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose The only sporting event at this point that would be news if postponed would be the Olympics as the top event across multiple sports and countries representing the scale of the issue. --Masem (t) 04:06, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose + a couple of comments Too narrow a perspective, in commenting on just one sport. But at least, unlike the NBA, this is international competition. And to the OP, "summer" is a bad descriptor of a calendar time. Several of the Copa America teams come from places in the southern hemisphere, where summer runs from December to March. I doubt that's what you meant. HiLo48 (talk) 04:10, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose probably more newsworthy to find an international tournament that hasn't been affected by Covid-19. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 08:02, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

March 17

Portal:Current events/2020 March 17

March 17, 2020 (2020-03-17) (Tuesday) Business and economy Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic The Italian government announces it will take over the flag carrier Alitalia as part of its emergency response to the coronavirus pandemic. (Italy Local) British textile design company Laura Ashley plc collapses into administration, saying the coronavirus has had a "significant impact on trading". (iNews) British multinational electrical and telecommunications retailer Dixons Carphone says it is closing all standalone Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK, with the loss of 2,900 jobs, as part of a company restructuring. The closures are not believed to be related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (Reuters) Health and environment COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19 vaccine Pfizer signs a deal with BioNTech to help develop a vaccine. (US News) China gives go-ahead for human trials for a potential vaccine. (Reuters) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Asia COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China Wuhan, where the coronavirus originated, will require returnees to be quarantined for 14 days. (National Post) China reports only one domestic case of COVID-19, but found 20 cases that were imported abroad. (The Jakarta Post) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Japan The President of the Japan Football Association and deputy Olympic Committee chief Kozo Tashima tests positive for COVID-19. Japan insists the 2020 Summer Olympics will still go ahead as planned. (Business Recorder) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Australia A 37-year-old Woolworths employee is stabbed by a 25-year-old man in Rosebud, Victoria. The crime is believed to be related to mass panic buying across Australian supermarkets that has seen cases of violence between shoppers and staff members. (News.com.au) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Malaysia Malaysia reports its first two deaths from COVID-19 as the total number of confirmed cases in the country rises to 673. The victims of the virus were a 60-year-old from Kuching and a 34-year-old from Johor. (The Straits Times) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Iran Iran temporarily frees 85,000 prisoners, including political ones and British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, amid the coronavirus outbreak in the country. A judiciary spokesman says all of those freed were serving less than five years in prison, while all other prisoners serving heavier sentences remain in jail. (Reuters) Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education reports 1,178 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 135 more deaths, bringing the total to 16,169 cases and 988 deaths. (New Indian Express) Sharif University publishes a study about the number of possible casualties, warning that it could reach millions of deaths if a full quarantine is not imposed. (AP news) Iran bans the traditional Persian fire festival Chaharshanbe Suri. (Outlook India) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Europe The European Union closes its external border for first time in its history. (CNN) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Italy Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announces a 10 million euros donation to Lombardy to arrange a temporary 400-bed hospital at Milan trade fair. (ANSA) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Spain Spain's Ministry of Health reports 2,000 more confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 182 more deaths, raising the total to 11,178 cases and 491 deaths. The Balearic Islands regional government asks tourists to return home and closes airports and ports. (BBC News) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina declares a state of emergency over COVID-19. The Bosnian military is directed to set up tent quarantines on the border with Republika Srpska, which itself has declared a state of emergency. (Reuters) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Montenegro Montenegro reports its first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in two female patients who had recently returned from abroad. (U.S. News) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Monaco For first time in his reign, Albert II addresses to the Nation in a serious speech reporting on the strengthening of quarantine measures. (Monaco-Matin) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Brazil Brazil records their first death from COVID-19 in São Paulo state. (Nasdaq) Hundreds of inmates escape from a prison in Mongaguá after rioting over new coronavirus restrictions. Riots and escapes are also reported at prisons in Mirandópolis, Porto Feliz and Tremembé with as many as 1,000 prisoners on the loose; at least 174 have been recaptured by police. (Metro) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States The U.S. reports its 105th death from COVID-19 (54 of them in Washington state) with a total of at least 5,748 confirmed cases nationwide. (CNN) As of today, 91,000 American K–12 schools are closed in 39 states, affecting 41.6 million students and their families. (Education Week) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in South Carolina After 47 cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in the state, outgoing Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney goes under self-quarantine in South Carolina. (CBS News) (South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Michigan Michigan reports 11 more confirmed cases of COVID-19 than yesterday, for a total of 65. (WZZM) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Alabama Alabama reports a total of 39 cases of COVID-19 and announces the prohibition of gatherings of 25 people or more in six counties. (WSFA) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New York (state) New York confirms its 12th death from COVID-19, and 1,374 cases total, 432 more than yesterday. (The New York Times) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in West Virginia West Virginia confirms its first case of COVID-19, becoming the last U.S. state to do so. Governor Jim Justice ordered restaurant dining rooms, bars, and casinos to close for two weeks. (CBS) (WSAZ) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Arizona Several cities in Arizona declare states of emergency amidst the crisis, with Phoenix and Tucson closing all bars and switching restaurants to take-out only until further notice. (ABC15) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Delaware Delaware confirms eight new presumptive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total of such cases to 16. (WBOC) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Illinois The air traffic control tower at Midway International Airport in Chicago closes after several technicians employed there tested positive for COVID-19. Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center will control the airport and its airspace until cleaning is completed. (CNBC) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Canada 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Ontario Ontario Premier Doug Ford announces a state of emergency, closing restaurants, day cares, and all schools. (Global News) 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Turkey Turkey reports its first death from COVID-19, while the number of confirmed cases increases to 98. (Daily Sabah) International relations Accession of North Macedonia to NATO The Senate of Spain ratifies North Macedonia's accession protocol for NATO, becoming the last of NATO's 30 members to do so. The move formally paves the way for North Macedonia to join the military alliance. (Daily Sabah) Law and crime Hashem Abedi, the brother of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Ramadan Abedi, is found guilty of 22 murders. (ABC News) Politics and elections 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, 2020 Republican Party presidential primaries Voters in Arizona, Florida, and Illinois go to the polls in their primary elections. (Business Insider) (CNN) Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden wins all three states, increasing his delegate count to 1,180, while U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders now has 885. The minimum required to win the nomination is 1,991. (Business Insider) (CNN) Incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump wins enough delegates to clinch the Republican nomination. (PBS) Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on politics Maryland postpones its primary from April 28 to June 2, becoming the fifth state to do so. (CBS News) Ohio was scheduled to vote today, but the election was postponed until June 2 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The delay capped hours of confusion in which the election was called off by the state's governor, Mike DeWine, only for a judge to then rule that he did not have the authority to do so. The state's health director, Amy Acton, then called off the election on the grounds of a health emergency. (Columbus Dispatch) (Cleveland Plain Dealer) Politics of Belgium Sophie Wilmès is sworn in as Prime Minister of Belgium. Seven opposition parties have pledged to support the minority government—in its previous composition—with plenary power for three to six months to handle the coronavirus pandemic in Belgium. (Het Laatste Nieuws) (La Dernière Heure) Sports Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports UEFA postpones the Euro 2020 association football tournament until summer 2021 in response to the coronavirus pandemic in Europe. (Sky Sports) CONMEBOL postpones the Copa America 2020 association football tournament until 2021 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. (Globo Esporte) The 2020 French Open tennis tournament is postponed until late September. (The New York Times) 2019–20 NBA season Brooklyn Nets player Kevin Durant and three of his teammates test positive for COVID-19. (CNN) 2020 NFL season Longtime New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady announces he will not re-sign with the team, and will instead select free agency. (National Football League)

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Sophie Wilmès

Proposed image

Articles: Sophie Wilmès (talk · history · tag) and Belgium (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ Belgium forms a government led by caretaker prime minister Sophie Wilmès (pictured), the country's first female head of government. (Post)
News source(s): The Guardian
Credits:

• Nominated by Indefensible (talk · give credit)
• Created by Pyrusca (talk · give credit)
• Updated by Ivar the Boneful (talk · give credit)

Nominator's comments: Notable change of government leadership. Article is a bit short, but may be good enough for posting as-is. - Indefensible (talk) 01:59, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

• The day after that she was sworn in. is uncited but otherwise I support. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 02:11, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

She's been prime minister for nearly half a year...? Ivar the Boneful (talk) 02:52, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

You are right, I think the difference is that she was only a caretaker previously but now is not just a caretaker. Might still be notable enough to post, would probably need to update the blurb. - Indefensible (talk) 03:47, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

Updated the blurb per the above. - Indefensible (talk) 04:57, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

(Posted) RD: Betty Williams

Article: Betty Williams (peace activist) (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): BBC
Credits:

• Nominated by Indefensible (talk · give credit)
• Created by Ed Poor (talk · give credit)
• Updated by Ghmyrtle (talk · give credit) and TDKR Chicago 101 (talk · give credit)

Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: 1976 Nobel Peace Prize winner. Article currently has an orange banner and could use light cleanup / a couple more refs, but is close to post-worthy I think. Nominating for visibility to improve & post. - Indefensible (talk) 04:16, 19 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose per nom Kees08 (Talk) 17:37, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Article updated, left a single cn tag but should meet the requirements now. Kees08 (Talk), please review again. - Indefensible (talk) 00:55, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Posted though one citation needed tag was added, if any of @Indefensible, Ghmyrtle, and TDKR Chicago 101: are able to take a look. Additionally, the Bush comment comes out of nowhere and should probably be expanded or deleted per WP:UNDUE and WP:BLP policies. Also not sure if the Declaration of the Peace People text would be considered a copyvio; my instinct says yes but perhaps there is an exception I am not thinking of. If it is give me a ping on the talk and I can revdel as needed. Kees08 (Talk) 19:55, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

Early human mammoth bone structure

Article: Kostyonki-Borshchyovo archaeological complex (talk · history · tag)
Blurb: ​ Archaeologists discover evidence of one of the largest structures made by early humans ca. 40,000 years ago from the bones of about 60 woolly mammoths at the Kostyonki-Borshchyovo archaeological complex. (Post)
News source(s): NYTimes, Antiquity (peer reviewed paper)
Credits:

• Nominated by Masem (talk · give credit)

Article needs updating

Nominator's comments: This could be expaned upon more in the target article, but it is definitely is in the news with the journal publication. Masem (t) 15:56, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Comment The History section is currently orange-tagged. Brandmeister^talk 19:33, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose, this has been known about for years. In fact, they've had time to build a museum on top of it. Also, since nobody knows why the structure was made, it is hard to see how it has any "impact" on the field of archeology or anything else. It is in the news only because it turns out to be older then they thought before. Abductive (reasoning) 00:22, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose rather trivial and not as important as the oldest modern bird. – John M Wolfson (talk • contribs) 01:54, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

(Posted) RD: Thai Thanh

Article: Thai Thanh (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): Tuoi Tre
Credits:

• Updated and nominated by Bumbubookworm (talk · give credit)
• Created by In ictu oculi (talk · give credit)

Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: 20th century Vietnamese singer. One of the foremost singers of the 'New Music' period (WWII onwards). I am expanding it further Bumbubookworm (talk) 03:17, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

• Support looks alright. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 08:04, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Posted to RD  — Amakuru (talk) 09:19, 18 March 2020 (UTC)

RD: Eduard Limonov

Article: Eduard Limonov (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): Reuters,New York Times, RFE/RL, RT
Credits:

• Nominated by VanHelsing.16 (talk · give credit)
• Created by Isomorphic (talk · give credit)
• Updated by SankyaF1 (talk · give credit)

Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Prominent Russian writer and controversary politician. VanHelsing.16 (talk) 20:40, 17 March 2020 (UTC)

• Oppose needs plenty more referencing. The Rambling Man (Staying alive since 2005!) 08:03, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
  • I've added a number of references and removed some unsourced statements. The article still leaves much to be desired, but I believe it is satisfactory VanHelsing.16 (talk) 12:23, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
• Controversial but notable person. Support. TarzanASG (talk) 08:55, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
  • For example Kommersant says: "Obituaries are supposed to tell about the biography of the deceased — but the life of Eduard Limonov is already known to every Russian person". [13] TarzanASG (talk) 09:02, 20 March 2020 (UTC)
• Oppose Literary work needs citations, and the 'ographies. Also BLP information needs cited in Jail and protest activities, 2001–2013. Could be others, that is a lot of work. Kees08 (Talk) 19:58, 20 March 2020 (UTC)

(Closed) RD: Peter Whittingham

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

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Article: Peter Whittingham (talk · history · tag)
Recent deaths nomination (Post)
News source(s): EuroWeekly News
Credits:

• Nominated by Indefensible (talk · give credit)
• Created by Bobo192 (talk · give credit)
• Updated by Inter&anthro (talk · give credit)

Recent deaths of any person, animal or organism with a Wikipedia article are always presumed to be important enough to post (see this RFC and further discussion). Comments should focus on whether the quality of the article meets WP:ITNRD.

Nominator's comments: Professional athlete from the UK. Article has a few cn tags which should be easily resolved, but otherwise looks well-referenced. - Indefensible (talk) 19:59, 17 March 2020 (UTC)

Wait. There is no confirmation of this on BBC Sport's Cardiff City page, on Cardiff City's website or social media, or any local press. Just a minor English-diaspora newspaper in Spain citing tweets. This is completely unacceptable, and if I had a confirmed account I'd revert the news of his "death". 2A00:23C5:E187:5F00:A121:F6B1:502B:6CB1 (talk) 20:14, 17 March 2020 (UTC)

Until there's any news here, don't believe it [14] 2A00:23C5:E187:5F00:A121:F6B1:502B:6CB1 (talk) 20:16, 17 March 2020 (UTC)

This seems like the right direction, did not realize there was an issue with the source. Thank you for pointing out the issue. Recommend registering for a Wiki account regardless. - Indefensible (talk) 20:27, 17 March 2020 (UTC)

• Wait I haven't reverted this yet because I believe EWN to be a reasonably reliable source (and for other reasons). If true, then Support (I've fixed all the CN tags in the article). Black Kite (talk) 20:29, 17 March 2020 (UTC)
  • Thanks for addressing the cn tags Black Kite. The article should be good to go quality-wise if there is confirmation I think, although hopefully the subject will be able to say that the news is greatly exaggerated. - Indefensible (talk) 20:33, 17 March 2020 (UTC)

• Hm. The Wales Online story has disappeared. I am guessing that this is sadly true but is waiting for family to be informed before being released, but for the time being I have reverted (and semi-protected) the article. Black Kite (talk) 20:35, 17 March 2020 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

References

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