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For standard entry styles, please see [[WP:In the news section on the Main Page/Style]].

==March 19==
=== Yves Leterme ===
[[Image:Yves Leterme campagne foto.jpg|right|100x100px|Yves Leterme]]
* Let's replace the picture of the building of the collapsed bank with a picture of the new boss in Belgium, Yves Leterme ''(right)''. --[[Special:Contributions/199.71.174.100|199.71.174.100]] ([[User talk:199.71.174.100|talk]]) 21:46, 19 March 2008 (UTC)


==March 18==
==March 18==

Revision as of 21:46, 19 March 2008

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Add any additional comments you may have below --and sign & date your entry 12:00, 1 April 2007 (UTC)

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March 19

Yves Leterme

Yves Leterme
Yves Leterme

March 18

Arthur C. Clarke

File:ArthurClarke-crop.jpg
Arthur C. Clarke
As it currently stands there has been no major updates to the article beyond verb tense changes and one sentence being added to mention his death. Plus this falls into the fun grey area surrounding deaths on ITN. Evil Monkey - Hello 22:55, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. Forgive me for being perhaps too presumptuous, but it seems we had a consensus that the deaths criteria are too strict. Therefore, I suggest we proceed as if the deaths criteria has changed and OK the inclusion of the 2001 author. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 00:11, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support as well. And if it's against the death criteria then the death criteria must be changed. GhePeU (talk) 00:37, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. I agree that this doesn't meet the old criteria, but it should still be on ITN.-gadfium 00:39, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose If you add something like this in, you might aswell add Anthony Minghella's death. Bith of them have made impacts worldwide.--Ãlways Ãhëad (talk) 01:13, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. Previous criteria were too strict, and given Clarke's role in the information age, this story is very relevant as well. Lovelac7 01:25, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support Clark had a singular impact on science fiction as a literary genre and an incomparable penetrative insights into the relationships between society and its technology. Orders of magnitude greater impact and notablity than Minghella. Madcoverboy (talk) 01:47, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support Macop1 (talk) 02:55, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support as he is far more well known than Minghella, and was an integral part of his field, with still-lasting influence. Random89 03:06, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No. Deaths by old age do not go on the Main Page, only deaths which are unexpected or otherwise notable. RyanGerbil10(Kick 'em in the Dishpan!) 03:09, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
NO Why the hell is this up here. I repeat, no Sir Edmund Hillary (first to scale Everest etc etc etc), no pretty much anyone else who dies naturally. This guy is no more notable than Hillary, and should not be up there. PageantUpdater talkcontribs 03:13, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Hillary's absence from the ITN newsfeed was controversial at the time, and a number of editors, myself included, think that his death should have been reported. Clarke's death is equally notable, and I support its inclusion, in spite of past precedent. Lovelac7 03:25, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support correct orthography. If he's going to be on the Main Page, can we at least spell his name correctly? It's Clarke, with an "E". Koraki (talk) 03:16, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I posted (and the spelling was corrected) and it was removed. I'm not going to get into an edit war, so I'll add another support, noting too that there was large support for Hillary, but we are still left with the same old guidelines... --Stephen 03:37, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Stupid rules. I liked that entry. Then it suddenly disappeared. :-( • Anakin (talk) 03:39, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Whether you liked the entry is irrelevant. It did not comply with the rules for ITN. PageantUpdater talkcontribs 03:51, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I count 9 supports and 2 opposes. I don't see why PageantUpdater has the final word on this given the overwhelming consensus from several editors with long-standing activity and familiarity with the ITN rules to promote this news item. Pageant, please see WP:IAR: "If a rule prevents you from improving or maintaining Wikipedia, ignore it." Put it back up. Madcoverboy (talk) 03:57, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I was merely stating my (low) opinion of Anakin's comment, and I fail to see how I have the "final say" as I am not an admin. PageantUpdater talkcontribs 04:19, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Adding an ITN entry for an article lacking a substantial update doesn't improve or maintain Wikipedia. —David Levy 19:23, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
There seem to be conflicting reports whether or not he died in a hospital or at home, so let's eschew the detail and just say he died in Colombo. Madcoverboy (talk) 04:01, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. While I didn't vote in the Sir Edmund Hillary discussion, I don't see how a policy prohibiting the inclusion of natural deaths makes sense, and I would have voted to include that death as well. However, I realize this may not be the place to discuss the policy anyway. There seems to be a consensus here, so where is the item? Or have we been overruled by an admin? Newsboy85 (talk) 05:13, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Admins don't get more of a say. There are a few admins supporting here (not myself however). Madcoverboy (talk) 05:20, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
So where is it? It seems to me that consensus was reached more than two hours ago. Newsboy85 (talk) 06:15, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Admins shouldn't get into WP:WHEEL#WARs. However, given the consensus here, I'd say that it's defensible to put it back up. Sorry to call them out explicitly (even though their revision histories are right there!) some regular ITN/C admins include BorgQueen, PFHLai, Aecis, Stephen, and Tone. Madcoverboy (talk) 06:37, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Comment It doesn't matter whether there is consensus to include him, the article on him still needs to be sufficiently updated for ITN Nil Einne (talk) 09:26, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oppose. He died of old age. If this goes up now, we should expect 20% of ITN items from now on to be obit pieces- certainly Minghella, a multi-Oscar winning director who actually did die suddenly and unexpectedly, should be up there if Clarke is. ITN is not a graveyard. Badgerpatrol (talk) 09:45, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support! He did so much for science fiction, predicted satellites, etc. DarkestMoonlight (talk) 12:12, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Strong oppose, that's what recent deaths is for. I fear a precedent will be created to include all dead guys with articles on Wikipedia, with arguments such as "he is equally famous to ______ and should be up there". Unless it's a death with political or social ramnifications (such as the Bhutto and the Iraq bishop assassinations), I'm against including them. - Mtmelendez (Talk) 13:32, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I think it's a hard to think of anyone who has had a similar literary, cultural, and technological impact in any one of those fields much less all of them. But I imagine that ITN purists would have probably opposed Dickens, Cary Grant, and Einstein too. Shame. Madcoverboy (talk) 14:39, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose There might be a consensus that ITN:Deaths should change: there is no consensus that is has changed, or even precisely how it should change. The distinction between expected and unexpected deaths is, I would venture, relevant, as a worthwhile line can be drawn between news (that which has happened which will have a future effect) and reportage(letting people know what has happened and is of general interest, but not consequence). The death of Anthony Minghella will affect some of the films that could expect to have been produced in the next few years: the death of ACC will not prevent him from writing further novels. Kevin McE (talk) 15:44, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The line between natural and unexpected deaths seems just as arbitrary to me as the line between Arthur C. Clarke and Anthony Minghella. It's just that the former is easier to enforce. That doesn't mean it's better. I will agree Minghella doesn't need to be in ITN. Does this mean there will need to be more discussion on deaths? Yes. Will it make ITN better? If it means the inclusion of people like Sir Edmund Hillary and Arthur C. Clarke, yes. Newsboy85 (talk) 16:21, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support. As above, if there needs to be more discussion and exceptions to a general "reasoning" for the death of an "important" person not being ITN-able simply because they didn't die unexpectedly, so be it. If the criteria as they currently stand were taken back a few thousand years to mean that the death of Plato was "non-newsworthy" there's something not quite right, IMHO.
In terms of big-picture newsworthiness, the death of ACC is considerably more important/newsworthy on a global level than David Paterson being promoted just because his boss resigned. Having tracked the popularity of news stories on the BBC various times today, this has been in the top 2-3 in /every/ part of the world and #1 in many/most of their zones; being #1 over the whole BBC news site for 9 hours.
aside: From the way it seems to me, there is possibly a "formatting" issue on the English Wikipedia's front page underlying this. Compare with the German Wikipedia where ACC's death is still "front-page news" because they have a separate small section for recent "important" deaths, regardless of how people have died. This would appear to me to be a better long-term compromise and free-up the ITN section for "non-deaths". Regards, David. Harami2000 (talk) 18:49, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It seems to me that this discussion is simply being ignored at this point. What, exactly, is the point of doing this if none of the admins are willing to add the item, no matter how much suppoort is expressed? Newsboy85 (talk) 19:12, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
What's the point of counting "support" votes from people who are ignoring the purpose of ITN? I'm not even referring to the controversial death criteria; I'm referring to the requirement that existing articles be substantially updated to reflect the reported event. (This one hasn't been.) —David Levy 19:23, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
"Substantially updated" is not a requirement, just "updated". What more is there to add when someone dies other than date, age, cause and location? --Stephen 20:24, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Reaction, impact, ramifications. Badgerpatrol (talk) 20:29, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'm leaning towards Oppose. Was he in a high rank at time of death? No. Was he a key figure in their field of expertise, and died unexpectedly or tragically? I don't think death of old age counts here. Does the death has a major international impact that affects current events? No. SpencerT♦C 20:58, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Anthony Minghella

Academy Award winning film director Anthony Minghella dies at the age of 54. Yorkshiresky (talk) 13:46, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support. Macop1 (talk) 14:16, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Fails criterion 5. Yes, Minghella was a good director but he was not a "key figure" in his field. Mike R (talk) 14:26, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Comment - sorry but that's rubbish. He won an Academy Award, BAFTA and awards from the Directors Guild of America, as well as numerous other nominations. His peers seemed to think that he was "key figure" even if some critics didn't. If he's not a key figure in his field then it's difficult to see how any other director would fit the criteria. Yorkshiresky (talk) 14:36, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Spielberg, Scorcese, Coppola, Woody Allen....Clearly not in that league even remotely. I am ambiguous about this one. I would probably say no though, I think. Badgerpatrol (talk) 14:56, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose More appropriate for Recent Deaths. Madcoverboy (talk) 18:00, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose Who's Anthony Minghella? Never heard of him. SpencerT♦C 21:55, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose. It's sad, but I had never heard of him until today. Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I oppose. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 23:59, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I must admit I've never heard of him either. Lovelac7 01:35, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Strong oppose, for the reasons outlined in the Arthur Clarke candidate. - Mtmelendez (Talk) 13:33, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Tibet

Could the one-liner about Tibet be updated? There are relevant new developments (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7302021.stm) including the Dalai Lama's threat of resigning. 91.64.31.30 (talk) 10:05, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support It should be updated to reflect the international reactions and new casualty figures.--Ãlways Ãhëad 21:07, 18 March 2008 (UTC)
Any suggestions for what kind of revised wording we need? I'm not familiar with the issue. --Ryan Delaney talk 21:21, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The BBC article has more info. The Dalai Lama's reaction seems worth quoting, as well as the increased number of casualties and international criticism. 91.64.31.30 (talk) 21:52, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Could "on both sides" be added to the end of the article? --Joowwww (talk) 17:57, 19 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 17

The wreckages of HMAS Sydney and the HSK Kormoran are located 100 nautical miles off the Western Australian coast 66 years after they destroyed each other in a battle that killed more than 700 sailors. .....Todd#661 09:50, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support Viva43 (talk) 10:40, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support, although I think it should be changed from "wreckages" to "wrecks". - Mark 11:49, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support An important find in naval warfare history. It's a refreshing story from all the elections and deaths on ITN recently. - Mtmelendez (Talk) 12:10, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support This is the kind of news item that makes ITN great - even though it doesn't receive widespread media coverage it easily meets all the criteria and WP already has excellent articles on it. Madcoverboy (talk) 14:28, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Pile-on support, encyclopedic, relevant, notable, newsworthy, so ITN-worthy in every aspect of it. AecisBrievenbus 14:30, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. This is really important development. Utc-100 (talk) 14:31, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support Get it up there. Random89 16:14, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
 Done --Ryan Delaney talk 18:46, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Comment: Mutual destruction sounds like that the ships argeed to it, to me. Does it seem so to anyone else? SpencerT♦C 21:57, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 16

Bear Stearns

Bear Stearns
Bear Stearns headquarters, 383 Madison Avenue

In danger of collapse from the subprime mortgage crisis, Bear Stearns, the venerable Wall Street brokerage and investment bank, agrees to be purchased by purchased by JPMorgan Chase for $2 a share.

If you follow Wall Street, this is mind-blowing: A company that had been profitable since the 1920s losing 96% of its market value over a couple of days. The US Federal Reserve has gone against precedent and taken an active role in the bailout because it fears a domino effect if Bear Stearns falls. This is scary. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 00:15, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
"venerable" sounds POV. SpencerT♦C 01:05, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. I had no idea things got this bad in one day. Is the Federal Reserve involvement unusual? -Susanlesch (talk) 02:14, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Almost unheard of, but the Fed's intervention came on Friday, before the JPMorgan buyout. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 02:31, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The Put_option should be explained in the context of Thursday March 13, 2008 to Monday March 17, 2008. 100TWdoug (talk) 02:31, 17 March 2008 (UTC) Also, Bear Stearns: $1 billion from China Investment Corp. and Soverign wealth funds. 100TWdoug (talk) 04:21, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Generalizing from New York Times tonight to focus on the Fed. -Susanlesch (talk) 04:10, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
So much to say, so little room. How about: "The U.S. Federal Reserve takes unprecedented action to stem panic on Wall Street, including helping JPMorgan Chase buy out collapsing rival Bear Stearns." -- Mwalcoff (talk) 05:12, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I like this because it emphasizes how unusual the events are. Language that is too loaded with technical terms is indistinguishable to outsiders from business as usual. --Ryan Delaney talk 13:40, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Strong support I don't favor any particular wording. Needless to say, when 5th largest investment bank in America has its value depreciate 99% over a few weeks because of a run on the bank, the Fed takes unprecedented action to stop the fallout by removing any roadblocks for a rival to take it over - it's newsworthy encyclopedic information. Amazing turn events and likely a sign of things worse to come in both the American and world economy. There are some good articles on the related topics: subprime mortgage crisis, bank run, bail out (finance). Madcoverboy (talk) 14:25, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. This has been the leading headline in the global financial world for the past week. Utc-100 (talk) 14:33, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Of course. Potentially seismic. Badgerpatrol (talk) 15:02, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support any and all wordings. The fact that this isn't up yet is pretty silly. Schumer came out today and said the economy is as bad as before the Great Depression and repeatedly called Bush the next Herbert Hoover. The Fed insured the purchase, which is basically as significant as the nationalization of Northern Rock, which was up a few weeks ago. Any way you slice the pie this is the worst economic indicator since 9/11 or Black Monday in 1987. -- Grant.Alpaugh 16:23, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
 Done --Ryan Delaney talk 18:47, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Fitna

About four months ago, Dutch politician Geert Wilders announced that he was working on an anti-Islam film. This film, Fitna, will be released in the coming weeks. The film has already led to boycotts of Dutch products throughout the Arab world. The Organisation of the Islamic Conference has discussed the film at its recent summit in Dakar. In terms of response and effects, this is similar to the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy. If and when the film is released, I suggest putting it up on ITN. AecisBrievenbus 20:33, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

If the reactions to the film are remarkable enough to merit widespread news reports, then those responses might be worthy of inclusion. Promoting a deliberately provocative film upon its release is not the business of ITN. Kevin McE (talk) 21:40, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose: There are other films that could qualify in terms of its effects worldwide and this case is not unique. I also agree with Kevin, if there are widespread reactions than, and only then, it should be included.
Yeah. Depends what the reactions are. SpencerT♦C 01:06, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose Unless countries start filing formal grievances, withdrawing ambassadors, engaging in large-scale protests or boycotts, or explicitly encouraging/condoning violence, then it's just a lot of hot air. Seems like a tempest in a teapot with both some conservatives and "Islamophobes" and the more radical elements of Islamic movements and governments baiting each other to do something stupid. Madcoverboy (talk) 14:17, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 15

2008 Atlanta tornado outbreak

During the 2008 Atlanta tornado outbreak, thirteen total toronadoes are confirmed in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In the storm, an EF3 kills two in Alabama.

With the deaths and wide destruction, I believe this is notable. crassic![talk] 00:50, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support either way but maybe the wording can say the city of Atlanta. From what little I know that is unheard of inside the heat of a city. -Susanlesch (talk) 02:31, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Comment Yeah, I wasn't 100% certain on how the wording should read. My English has fallen off over the weekend. Ha. crassic![talk] 03:00, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose for the reason that is is nowhere near as bad as the Super Tuesday tornado outbreak (58 dead vs 2 dead), and second, there have been three outbreaks with more tornadoes this year. ---CWY2190TC 03:18, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

So one support and one oppose is consensus now? ---CWY2190TC 11:26, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I don't really think it was that notable. The media coverage was blown way out of proportion. SpencerT♦C 11:32, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
BIG NOTE After I originally posted this, the total moved up? It's up to 25 confirmed now. crassic![talk] 11:37, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose 25 tornadoes, not deaths. Freak weather accident incident that would have been not been noted or considered had it not struck the headquarters of a major news network. Madcoverboy (talk) 14:12, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Correct. 25 tornadoes in a day is not a big deal. We could have another day like that tomorrow and will have another 5-10 days this year with 25 or more tornadoes. ---CWY2190TC 15:54, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Márquez bout

How about some boxing news for a change? --Howard the Duck 09:50, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
If we put up the super-featherweight title, does that mean we will be putting up the new champions of the other sixteen weight classes? On that reason I oppose. ----CWY2190TC 17:30, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
If they were female, for a change of pace from men dominating the news. But good idea Howard the Duck. -Susanlesch (talk) 17:55, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose Boxing is such a difficult sport to have on ITN, because there are as CWY says far too many different classes, added to the fact there are three other major organizations that award titles, which means we're looking at about 70 different titles for the men alone. It's too much of a slippery slope to have just this one out of the blue. Thethinredline (talk) 23:49, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Replies: I don't think anyone really cares about the heavyweight division nowadays; the current talk of the town in boxing is Mayweather (did we put that?) and Pacquiao. As a proof that, the Yahoo homepage featured this on its main page. --Howard the Duck 02:21, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yahoo featured the iditarod on its page and it still hasn't gone up. I've seen nobody here mention the match, and I don't think the The Plain Dealer has even mentioned it. If we support just because its a different sport, than why didn't the Iditarod go up? SpencerT♦C 11:34, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
But was it on ESPN? Aside from the ongoing NCAA conference tourneys it was the main story yesterday. And this is certainly a lot more international than the Iditarod. And who cares about The Plain Dealer when far more important papers such as El Universal ([1]), USA Today {[2]}, Las Vegas Review-Journal ([3]), L'Équipe ([4]), and, *gasp* Anchorage Daily News, home of the Iditarod, ([5]) all mentioned it. And oh, The Plain Dealer did mention it anyway. --Howard the Duck 12:29, 17 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
This match was significant because the universally recognized championship was at stake, which is rarely contested and last changed hands in the 130 lb. division 21 years ago. east.718 at 17:43, March 17, 2008
So this was like the Soccer World Cup final 21 years in the making. 122.2.80.21 (talk) 04:25, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Hu Jintao's re-election as President of the People's Republic of China

  • Of course this role as Paramount leader is one of the most powerful and influential positions in world politics, so the importance of the event is not disputed. Concerns over the length of the news article 11th_National_People's_Congress led to objections to placing it on the main page. As a newcomer I don't mean to overturn convention at In the news, but I'd like to suggest that added visibility on the main page will likely cause the article to be improved, and Hu Jintao serves as a boldface link for the news event itself. --Ryan Delaney talk 02:31, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose until either 11th National People's Congress or Hu Jintao has been properly expanded to provide a reasonable amount of information regarding Hu Jintao's re-election (at which point I will support the item's inclusion). The main page is for readers, not editors. When a reader clicks on one of these links, he/she expects to find a substantial amount of additional information on the subject mentioned in the blurb. This is a worthy topic, but the listing is premature. —David Levy 02:41, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yes this should go up as Hu Jintao as the bold link - same goes for the other political leaders e.g. Dmitri Medvedev a fortnight back which didn't need a separate news article. Hermant patel (talk) 02:42, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
A separate article certainly isn't required, but the Hu Jintao article contains precisely two sentences about Hu Jintao's re-election (conveying nothing other than the fact that he was re-elected). —David Levy 02:45, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Albanian explosion disaster

Wait for more certain info. The death toll is not clear and 160 may be far too high. After the article is expanded and more certain, I support. --Tone 16:47, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Conditional support, provided the article is expanded. This is definitely a massive blast. AecisBrievenbus 16:49, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I agree that it would be wise to wait for more info to come through, but it's definitely significant enough to be on the Main Page if the casualties turn out to be high.--h i s s p a c e r e s e a r c h 16:56, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Article needs expansion first. SpencerT♦C 17:39, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Comment - BBC reports the death toll at 4 and injuries at 200. [6] --Joowwww (talk) 18:00, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Recalling thirteen people died in Georgia, USA earlier this year in a sugar refinery explosion (sorry I don't recall that they were on the main page). -Susanlesch (talk) 18:22, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Had an article been written on it, then I would certainly have supported it going on ITN (assuming the article itself met the standards) as a majorish disaster. So far as I know, there isn't an article on the sugar refinery explosion - you could start one. Blood Red Sandman (Talk) (Contribs) 18:55, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
All we have is a brief paragraph at Imperial Sugar. Blood Red Sandman (Talk) (Contribs) 18:57, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No, I am not available to write that. Sorry. -Susanlesch (talk) 19:31, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Maybe someone could write an article on the New York crane disaster? See here. Carcharoth (talk) 00:23, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Not sure NYC crane falling is worthy of its own article, I mean Albania explosion is borderline IMO. --Joowwww (talk) 00:53, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
But I bet you the NY crane disaster article ends up longer and better. Systematic bias and all that. Carcharoth (talk) 01:18, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 14

Tibet Protests

These protests are definitely notable enough for ITN, I think they should definitely be mentioned, but is there an updated Wikipedia article about these protests? AecisBrievenbus 19:45, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yep, I was just about to suggest this myself: 2008 Tibetan protests. Hammer Raccoon (talk) 19:49, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
What should be made clear, both in the article and in the ITN blurb, is that these protests are not confined to Tibet/China. Protests have taken place in Nepal and India as well. AecisBrievenbus 19:52, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support in some form or another. Don't necessarily like this particular wording though. Random89 10:11, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. --BorgQueen (talk) 10:21, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. Hammer Raccoon's text looks fine. Also here is alternate wording, no way does it cover everything though. -Susanlesch (talk) 12:50, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • China confirms the deaths of 10 people and 100 are arrested in Lhasa, the Tibetian capital, during violent demonstrations by Buddhist monks and civilians who are protesting China's rule of Tibet and the hosting of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Which is too long, maybe: China confirms the deaths of 10 people and 100 are arrested in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, during protests by Buddhist monks and civilians.
This is fine - someone should put this up now. Hammer Raccoon (talk) 13:28, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support This one avoids the confusion, though it's not very informative. It needs to be up on the Main Page, the event has already important international repercussions. It's possible to modify the wording thereafter anyway. Cenarium (talk) 14:30, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support general idea- I thought there were also protests outside of Tibet, though. Like in Nepal 1, 2, Australia, India, Gansu Province of China. SpencerT♦C 15:00, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Wording isn't perfect though, I'm still trying to think of something. How about: "During protests by civilians and Buddhist monks in Lhasa, Tibet, at least ten people are killed." SpencerT♦C 17:43, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Maybe "At least 10 people are killed during Tibetan protests against the Chinese government." sounds better ? Cenarium (talk) 19:22, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Now they say 80 were killed, see Talk:Main Page. And also link Tibet Autonomous Region instead of Tibet. Also link Government of the People's Republic of China through government. SpencerT♦C 17:42, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Among reports of many times this, AP said earlier today that China itself confirmed sixteen deaths. -Susanlesch (talk) 01:18, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 13

Heathrow Terminal Five

Support Major addition to arguably the largest airport in the world. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 18:48, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose It's just an airport, and in the grand scheme of things, is barely news. --Joowwww (talk) 19:44, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Hesitant. First of all, I agree with Joowwww that this is not all that newsworthy from an ITN point of view. Secondly, this new terminal is nothing compared to the terminal that was opened at Beijing airport recently. That terminal alone is bigger than all of Heathrow. On a sidenote, Heathrow is not "arguably the largest airport in the world". Its very big, one of the biggest in the world, but not the biggest. AecisBrievenbus 19:49, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Well, I said arguably because it handles more international traffic then any other airport. It is the largest airport in Europe, as well. It is an international hub. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 21:35, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose. Its a terminal...at an airport. Thats it. ---CWY2190TC 21:27, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Neutral The article is in good shape and I'd say its sufficiently important and notable given the importance of Heathrow in international travel. Then again, we'd be opening ourselves to the criticism everytime we didn't promote another terminal openening (e.g., Beijing or JFK). However, I do remember some new train station in the UK getting promoted before, but I guess we've all become stingy with the promotions now. Madcoverboy (talk) 01:10, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Comment, my nomination was as much for it's architectural notability as it's importance as a transport hub, in that it's scale surpasses any other covered building in the UK. If it was just another terminal than I wouldn't have bothered. Yorkshiresky (talk) 11:08, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Iditarod

The article needs to be updated, but I think it could work. SpencerT♦C 23:43, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oppose Too much of a niche sport i think. Just because this might be the world championship/most prestigious race doesn't mean it should automatically deserve to be on ITN. Secondly i think its a travesty that we credit only the human when its the dogs that did all the work. Thethinredline (talk) 00:06, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support I agree it is a niche sport, but it is well-publicized and has international participation. The Iditarod article is likewise in very good shape—I think it's a great item to feature. In any case, humans in the Iditarod do more work than the "athletes" in NASCAR, F1, GT, and the like which are featured often enough.Madcoverboy (talk) 00:24, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It would be sensationalist, at best, to write a headline along the lines of: "The Alaskan malamute dogs of Lance Mackey win the 2008 Iditarod."--WaltCip (talk) 17:36, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support The Iditarod is a popular event, and of interest. It should go up. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 00:38, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Off-topic slightly, but I think you underestimate the amount of stress an F1 driver's body goes under during a race, not to mention things like fluid loss. Anywho, I'm completely ignorant about dog sledding, so neutral. Hammer Raccoon (talk) 14:15, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. A storied sporting event. Coverboy, there has never been a NASCAR story on ITN that I can remember. The only F1 story I remember what the McLarren scandal. ---CWY2190TC 01:52, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose Closely followed only in Alaska, as far as I know. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 03:08, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It is failry popular in Northern Canada and British Columbia, I think. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 04:09, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Actually I'm pretty sure we had the F1 champions both 2007 and 2006 (there was no way we were going to miss Schumacher retiring anyway), probably before that as well, and well we should have. This one, I dunno, I remain neutral Nil Einne (talk) 12:42, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose Surely this is not one of the ~6 most important headlines in the world right now. I know this event is well-known, but I doubt it is well-followed by the world and the Iditarod article says only about 50 mushers participate in the event. If this were something like the Olympics or World Cup I would support inclusion, but this race seems too "regional" with not enough notability. Dwr12 (talk) 07:56, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose. I have to agree with the above. Yes, the event is notable and popular. Notable and popular enough for a Wikipedia article, but not notable and popular enough for ITN, imo. Nil Einne is right about F1, btw. We've covered the world champions of 2006 (with a reference to Schumi's retirement) and 2007 (with a reference to Stepneygate). AecisBrievenbus 13:28, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Comment "Wide-spread coverage" is not a criteria for inclusion or exclusion. The current template includes news items almost a week old, items that never made it to any front page but are of definite encyclopedic interest (space and science stories), and still other items that appeared nowhere on the front page of your favorite newspaper (national elections in Malta). What then, exactly is "ITN notability and popularity"? While it's an imperfect science what we do here, don't make any appeals to non-existent criteria to justify a decision—judge the nomination on its merits and the ITN criteria, not in relation to previous precedent or informal rules.Madcoverboy (talk) 18:43, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose, also see the proposed guideline WP:ITNSPORTS Random89 16:15, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Comment: 83 teams finished the race, after 96 started [8]. There were teams from Finland, Germany, United States, Canada, Norway, Italy,Belgium, andSwitzerland.
Also, according to [9] "Mackey also would make history with a second Iditarod win. Last year he became the first musher to record back-to-back wins in the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race and the Iditarod. Mackey also won his fourth consecutive Yukon Quest last month and is trying to repeat last year's double win." SpencerT♦C 16:50, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I don't see this on either of the 3 news networks I watch. --Howard the Duck 17:07, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
ITN isn't a news network. Hammer Raccoon (talk) 19:41, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Duh. --Howard the Duck 03:27, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho

Mar Paulos Faraj Rahho
Mar Paulos Faraj Rahho
Support. The subject was in a high ranking office of power at the time of death and appears to have died tragically. His disappearance has been widely publicized, and the conflict in Iraq is about as notable as it gets. All in all, a significant development in a notable conflict. AecisBrievenbus 23:48, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 00:38, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Could you please explain why? AecisBrievenbus 00:42, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Well, for one, the article sucks. It would need alot more expanding to go up. Second, I could be wrong about this since religion is not my thing, but it does not look like he was in charge of his church. I'm pretty sure hundreds of people go missing every month in Iraq, but I see no reason to put this up, considering the only reason anyone knows about it was that he was an archbishop. I don't think it is important enough to anyone outside of the catholics, and even then... meh. Of course, I'm not a catholic, so I don't know. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 00:49, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I expanded the article and added a photo as well. He is in charge of up to 20,000 worshippers, so I think he was pretty notable. Chaldean (talk) 04:31, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support - See my comments above. Chaldean (talk) 04:31, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support as his death was unexpected, widely covered, and he was in a position of power at the time. Also, a link to the ongoing situation in Iraq is a good thing. Random89 06:15, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose, with respect, subject was a local leader and not one to single out here. -Susanlesch (talk) 15:43, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Why is this up? There is not a consensus to put this up. Mark, your opinions don't change that. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 18:47, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Even though I support he inclusion, I agree with you. 3-2 )or even 4-2 if you count the adding admin is hardly grounds for adding it to the template. Random89 19:07, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I agree, there clearly wasn't consensus for this. The Archbishop was an important figure for the Chaldean community, but many people are killed in Iraq and I'm not sure that is quite notable enough for the main page. More importantly, there was no sense here that it had been agreed that this story was notable enough, and it should not have been posted without that consensus. NoIdeaNick (talk) 19:08, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I put a blurb on Mark's talk page asking him to remove it and post his comments.
I apologise for not posting a comment here upon me adding it; I usually do. Half of the only oppose on it at the time was based on the quality of the article, which appeared to have subsequently been expanded and improved. The other half of the only oppose was based on an impression about the importance of the office of the man, which I felt was answered by Chaldean. The article hence satisfied the death criteria, and so I added it. Subsequent supports (below) have confirmed that this article satisfies the criteria. There's no point having a news section on the main page if by the time each blurb reaches it, the story is many days old due to waiting for a full consensus here. In this case, the arguments of the supporters were more persuasive to me than the argument of the single opposer. - Mark 01:23, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks for responding. While in this case I agree with you, and since apparently several of the objections were negated by articel updates, this was fine, but ideally a bit more consensus is better (get it right, not get it fast). Either way, I suppose some of us would like to see a note of that posted here. But being a bit hasty is sometimes better than not attracting an admin at all, so thanks. Random89 05:51, 16 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support as nominator. --Camptown (talk) 20:33, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. I struck my oppose because the archbishop's death was tragic and per Random89. But I don't think much of admins bopping in to make updates. Second time in a couple weeks where that action was out of sync with whatever consensus at the time was plain as day on this page. -Susanlesch (talk) 21:00, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oh dear, support was there at the time (must time for a wikibreak -- when I voted oppose I sure didn't see it). -Susanlesch (talk) 00:18, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

$1000 gold

Neutral Another notable commodity psychological threshold. Madcoverboy (talk) 18:40, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Neutral. It only hit it because the USD is going down the tube. Not really that notable. ---CWY2190TC 18:51, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Rather than being based on the USD, is this the highest price in Euros for the first time? SpencerT♦C 20:21, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'm not certain if it is, but it very well could be. However, this would not be a significant threshold as it would not be a round number like 1000 USD. Also, most gold trade internationally is conducted in USD. Weak Support. Random89 20:49, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose Gotta draw the line somewhere. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 21:04, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Weak oppose. Nice number and catchy headline in the U.S. but Bloomberg news says, "Gold's all-time inflation adjusted record is $2,284 on Jan. 21, 1980". -Susanlesch (talk) 22:35, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose Prices of things fluctuate all the time, so this doesn't seem particularly groundbreaking. Perhaps if this is the highest price gold has ever been at when adjusted for inflation, i will consider supporting this. Thethinredline (talk) 22:49, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose The real price is high, but not at record levels if I understand. The price of 1000 is only in US currency. Dwr12 (talk) 07:59, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Neutral I supported the oil barrel and Euro/US story. Not so sure about this one. It doesn't really seem that significant to me. Nil Einne (talk) 12:44, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose - Gold always increases in value.--WaltCip (talk) 13:16, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Early elections in Serbia

Boris Tadic
Boris Tadic
The election is widely seen as Serbia's most important since the fall of Slobodan Milosevic in 2000. --Camptown (talk) 11:39, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
See Wikipedia:In the news section on the Main Page/Candidates/February 2008#February 13 for a similar proposal which was rejected from Malaysia. I'll oppose for the same reasons. SpencerT♦C 20:20, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 00:38, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose. We already had a listing when the PM resigned. The call of an election follows naturally. We'll have another entry for the results. Do we really want three entries about the same (relatively obscure to most of the world) topic in a period of 2 months? Let's wait for the results of the election. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 03:11, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 12

Can someone help expanding this article...the election's in two days, and I hope we can have an ITN-worthy article so we can have a point about this. See [10]. SpencerT♦C 00:05, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support when the time comes, reports are people voted today. -Susanlesch (talk) 15:45, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Digital data

Corrections welcome. Surprised me that storage did not keep up. (source) -Susanlesch (talk) 20:17, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

IDC, a subsidiary of IDG, made the estimate. Updated the data and data storage articles. Good questions, thanks. I don't know if this item is worth pursuing. -Susanlesch (talk)
Oppose It is an interesting finding, but it's not clear what impact this has as either a news item or an encyclopedic item. I can't think of who this impacts beyond futurists ensconced in ivory towers pondering the technological singularity. What article would be used? Finally, it seems that the finding would invite all sorts of criticism regarding methodology or potential advertising as well. Madcoverboy (talk) 21:13, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Withdrawn. Withdrawing this suggestion, because I don't yet understand how digital data can exist without storage? -Susanlesch (talk) 23:04, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Boy I read this wrong, and to boot, there are some new sources. IDC's "universe" is "information that is either created, captured, or replicated in digital form". To answer my question, TV, radio, surveillance and other video and telephone call data is sometimes not saved. I think they do mean the sum of all data but will have to read their white paper to find out because I am confused by and skimming the press. (So not good for the main page and sorry for the noise.) -Susanlesch (talk) 04:34, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Age of the universe

Free image of spacetime

Big reduction in uncertainty. Narayanese (talk) 20:00, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Neutral I think it might be a tough sell to other editors given the preponderance of space-related items recently—however, it is of definite encyclopedic interest. I don't find it entirely appropriate from a newsworthy perspective, since it is the result of one study using one model only confirming the the age with increased certainty—although I'm not sure that a divergent finding (eg, the universe is 5 or 50 billion, something unexpected like that) wouldn't be immune from the criticism that it is "just one study." Madcoverboy (talk) 21:18, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. The age of the universe has always been one of the fundamental questions. And I have never cared for the "but we already have N space/US/sport/etc items". If it is a good item on its own then we should put it up. Thue | talk 21:59, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
As a matter of clarification, I agree with Thue: the existence of other items of a similar topic on the template should never factor into a decision. I was just anticipating a common complaint about "balance" - whatever that is. Madcoverboy (talk) 22:11, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. Beyond the above arguments, it is a good article that many readers/editors may not stumble across, so it is worthwhile to be featured. (Not that I'm trying to set a precedent with that) Random89 06:03, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Expand to

--Stephen 08:31, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support. 4th space-related news in a week, this is getting popular :-) But this is fundamental research, so it is noteworthy. Just try to find some news from other topics for balance. --Tone 11:20, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, that's a better written version. Narayanese (talk) 22:30, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. -Susanlesch (talk) 22:41, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I probably wouldn't use the word "put", how about "estimate"? SpencerT♦C 23:43, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I don't know why the 2006 image (added above) agrees with this estimate. In any case, reworded to say "estimates" and simplified below. -Susanlesch (talk) 21:15, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose. I don't see this at Portal:Current events or any source, both of which would seem to be necessary for inclusion on the main page. -Susanlesch (talk) 21:26, 14 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
See Portal:Current events/Science and technology. Narayanese (talk) 04:43, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks! Striking that last oppose, and reinstating support. Now I see what you were saying, the plus or minus of certainty dropped by 80,000,000 years. -Susanlesch (talk) 05:33, 15 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Lazare Ponticelli

This man doesn't meet any of our criteria for deaths, but I'm bringing it up anyway: "Lazare Ponticelli, the last French veteran of World War I, dies, aged 110." AecisBrievenbus 18:20, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Strong support Certianly the last French veteran of the Great War is newsworthy. I don't know if we agreed on the last national veterans, or the final overall, but nevertheless, I support. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 18:29, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose, with respect, unless ITN generally posts the deaths of oldest persons in other areas of achievement. -Susanlesch (talk) 19:44, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
What is significant about Ponticelli is not that he was the oldest, but that he was the last surviving French WW1 soldier. AecisBrievenbus 20:16, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose It's not clear to me that he is notable for anything beyond living a long time. As a result, I think it's just a novelty news item. The proposed article is short and I think we've rejected better candidates before. Madcoverboy (talk) 21:24, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Was he the last surviving veteran or just the last surviving French veteran? Support on the former, oppose on the latter. Random89 06:05, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The last surviving (who is still surviving AFAIK) American WWI vet had a photo op with Bush last week, so he's the last French vet, but not the last vet. Either way, oppose, respectfully. -- Grant.Alpaugh 08:03, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The are 20 remaining surviving veterans of World War I. --Stephen 08:20, 13 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Eliot Spitzer

This has been discussed on Template talk:In the news, but I want to bring it here for wider discussion. Iff Eliot Spitzer, governor of the state of New York were to resign, should we post it on ITN or not? I think we should, given that this is an important position in an important state, is widely considered to have some effect on the presidential campaign, and has been widely publicized. Having said that, obviously Spitzer's personal life should obviously be respected. AecisBrievenbus 12:37, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think so... it's not that international. It will still be business as usual for New York if he were to resign, it's not as if the whole state were to crumble. --Howard the Duck 13:56, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
That can be said for every resignation. The United States survived Nixon's resignation, but I'm sure we would have mentioned it on ITN if Wikipedia had existed back then. (Note: I'm obviously not comparing Spitzer's possible resignation to Nixon's resignation). AecisBrievenbus 14:00, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. I think it should go up, but mostly in the context of there being a blind, black governor (both notable) after Spitzer. Also, no mention of the Presidential election should be made. Also, the governor of New York in general oversees one of the largest cities and one of the main financial centers in the world, but Spitzer specifically made news prosecuting (some would say persecuting) several notable business leaders. The governor of New York ≠ the governor or Maine. -- Grant.Alpaugh 14:04, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Actually in parliamentary governments, technically no one will be in charge if a government falls (that's why they'd always call an election immediately); in presidential-type of governments, there's always a spare tire (the "vice/lieutenant-president/governor/mayor") to replace the person that resigned. A good comparison would've been Gray Davis' recall election some years ago, it had significant international coverage maybe due to the reason that issue was a political rather than a "personal" one. --Howard the Duck 14:10, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose - The governor in question is not a Republican; thus, no ITN notability.--WaltCip (talk) 14:12, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
First, you're comment is so POV I don't know what to say, and second, let's remember that if New York was a country it would have a larger population, economy, and government than all but a handful of countries in Europe. New York is part of the Tri-State Area that would be larger than the Benelux region. -- Grant.Alpaugh 14:20, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I do think a government falling in Belgium would be more widely reported than a governor resigning in New York or any state in the U.S., no matter what the political party (Dunno about Luxembourg though). If he was assassinated I would've reconsidered. --Howard the Duck 14:23, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Something like:

The wording could probably improve, but I think that should be the skeleton of it. -- Grant.Alpaugh 14:10, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support Looks good to me on all counts—notable case, prominent and notable office, prominent and notable person, wide coverage, good articles, notable successor. I'm always hesitant to use an "impact" metric, but his resignation likely affects more people in gross and in impact than many national elections covered here. Certainly if the PM or Premier of a country with similar GDP, population, or size were to resign it would be covered. Madcoverboy (talk) 15:02, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Plus it would help clear off all this election/space bias some editors bemoan—yay churn! :) Madcoverboy (talk) 15:16, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. I think this is worthy of being on here, however my only issue is that we did not put the resignation of the Serbian PM up a few days ago. Wow, I missed that one...Random89 15:19, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support. I understand the concerns that this isn't an international story, since it involves the governor of a subnational entity. However, it is the leading story at the international version of http://news.bbc.co.uk/ and even one of the top stories on the UK version. It is the top story at http://www.elmundo.es/ and http://www.elpais.com/ which are major Spanish papers. The Globe and Mail in Canada has it as the top story [11]. In France, Le Monde has it as the top story [12]. It is the second story at Der Spiegel [13]. The particular facts of this case, combined with the fact that New York State contains New York City, which is a major global financial center and one of the world's largest and most important cities, help make a strong case for inclusion. NoIdeaNick (talk) 18:06, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support per NoIdeaNick. -Susanlesch (talk) 18:26, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 18:29, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
That entry is way too long. You need to cut it down. The replacement part doesn't matter, that is only of interest and not actual important international news. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 18:39, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Shorten. I agree with Plasma Twa 2: I can see the argument for putting Spitzer's resignation up (though I fear this will create a precedent), but the blurb is way too long. All the international newspapers listed by NoIdeaNick focus on Spitzer and barely mention Paterson. Pruneautalk 19:24, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Shorten. Not sure if accusation is the right word but here is a try at a shorter version. -Susanlesch (talk) 19:46, 12 March 2008 (UTC). Amended to say reports rather than accusations or charges. -Susanlesch (talk) 22:11, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Sounds good. I'm not sure if we should switch "reports" with "allegations." I don't think so, though. SpencerT♦C 22:42, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 11

Admiral William Fallon

The commander of United States forces in the Middle East, Admiral William J. Fallon, resigns his command following criticism of American policy regarding Iran. siarach (talk) 19:58, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support because it has nothing to do with space or elections :). -- Mwalcoff (talk) 00:50, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose From my reading of it, his resignation was not demanded by the Bush administration nor was it offered in protest so his resignation amounts to the proverbial changing of deck chairs on the Titanic that is the Iraqi fiasco. Even though this officer's command was prominent, changes of command happen all the time and I don't think ITN should be in the business of reporting every change in the composition of the JCOS. Plus we wouldn't want to ruffle the feathers of all the American/Euro bias crowd who would want the Maltese military covered too. (Sorry to pick on Malta, I actually got to learn a lot about the country with the two recent nominations actually) Madcoverboy (talk) 01:11, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 02:21, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose not really notable, and per Madcoverboy. SpencerT♦C 22:43, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

STS-123

Can this photo be cropped for use on the main page? --199.71.174.100 (talk) 18:11, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

STS-123, carrying the first Japanese element and Canada's Dextre, is launched on an assembly mission to the International Space Station. Hektor (talk) 06:19, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I know I said earlier that the amount of space items doesn't amtter, but this one I don't know. This is different from the rigns and the ISS, since this is another ISS item. Is there a way we could somehow combine the three? I think this shoudl be on the main page, but with the other item up there I'm not sure how many people want there to be 3 space items, with 2 being very similar. Mild Support --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 06:23, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Full support - this is a very important mission from an international point of view, as it is the first time that all partner nations have a permanent presence aboard the station, with the first part of the Japanese lab launching. Colds7ream (talk) 07:54, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I know its not usually done, but we could bump the ESA ISS story and then add this at the top. Just an idea... Random89 08:07, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
What about adding this item when it connects to ISS and drop Jules Verne then? --Tone 08:34, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No matter - its there already! :-) Colds7ream (talk) 08:46, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I put it up, after trying unsuccessfully to succinctly combine the two, but revert me if you think it's too much. Then again, people tend not to complain about multiple election results... We can only post what is suggested here. Maybe there are some other ITNs that can be proposed to mix things up? --Stephen 08:49, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I think we're giving undue weight to spaace-related articles in ITN right now. I support, but I think something needs to go down, perhaps the Jules Verne. SpencerT♦C 11:08, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support Bump the Jules Verne off and replace it with this. Madcoverboy (talk) 11:19, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support - works for me, considering Jules Verne is going to be hanging around 'till April before it docks... Colds7ream (talk) 11:29, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support as per the two above- and it's spelled "space" not "spaace"

-[[dark.]][[arias.]] (talk) 14:01, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry, I was typing too fast. SpencerT♦C 20:26, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

New Grand Master of the Knights of Malta elected

Matthew Festing is elected 79th Grand Master of the Knights of Malta. --Hemlock Martinis (talk) 19:14, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not sure. It's not that notable, but it is the election of the leader of a sovereign entity so an argument could be made based on our precedent for ITN... Random89 19:25, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Merge with existing entry on Maltese elections. Madcoverboy (talk) 20:20, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Hey, this is totally a different entity! Check the article. I support the inclusion. --Tone 20:22, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I think we'd confuse readers with explaining how there's two leaders of Malta, until they read both articles. I don't think two points regarding Malta would be good, especially if the ITN looked liked this: Space, Space, Space, Malta, Malta, other... It just seems crowded with a lot of the "same" information. SpencerT♦C 22:23, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The Knights of Malta are separate from the Maltese government. There aren't "two leaders of Malta". --Hemlock Martinis (talk) 22:35, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I know, but to others, it might seem so. SpencerT♦C 22:44, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oppose. The SMOM is not a country and is really no different than any other large religious order. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 00:49, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Actually it is. I'm not necessarily arguing for including it, but choosing the leader of the Knights of Malta is more akin to choosing a new Pope than say, a new leader of the baptist church. Random89 04:15, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The SMOM is a Catholic body, so it's under the pope. It's more like a new head of the Jesuits or Dominicans. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 04:43, 12 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 9

Maltese general election, 2008

Lawrence Gonzi
Lawrence Gonzi

The incumbent Nationalist party, under Lawrence Gonzi wins a narrow victory with 1,580 votes in the elections, thus gaining its third consecutive term. The main opposition party, the Malta Labour Party has confirmed the results.

Also refer to note on March 8th, and to article Maltese general election, 2008. ~ Reuv (talk) 07:01, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi's Nationalist Party narrowly wins the general elections. Pruneautalk 15:27, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I think that's too many links in a row. Something along the lines of "The Nationalist Party of Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi narrowly wins the general election in Malta." would read a bit better imo. AecisBrievenbus 15:30, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
How about: "The incumbent Nationalist Party led by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi narrowly wins the general elections in Malta." Reuv (talk) 18:39, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The fact that it's the party of the Prime Minister indicates that it's incumbent, so using that term seems a bit redundant. AecisBrievenbus 18:43, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
There is a concern on Talk:Main Page that using narrowly is too, allow me to say peacocky. I agree...it is pretty vague. Can we include the exact statistics? SpencerT♦C 01:13, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
That image is marked as being GFDL, but is uploaded by a redlinked user and looks to be an official photograph of office. That suggests to me that it is a copyvio, and that the uploader does not have the rights to relicense the image. - Mark 01:48, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Spanish general election, 2008

This development should be mentioned on the main page: the governing PSOE led by current Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has declared victory on March 9, and the opposition People's Party has conceded defeat.[2] I have already added it to Spanish general election, 2008.

There is a image about the results: image:9-M provincial.png
Support. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 03:55, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Support with different picture. I suggest a picture of the prime minister for two reasons. First, pictures of people grab people's attention better, since human beings have a natural attraction to faces. Moreover, the electoral map of Spain's provinces may confuse many people, since the conservative PP is colored red blue and the liberal PSOE is colored blue red. I realize that's the way they do it in Spain, and like many other things (metric system), America goes counter to the rest of the world, but to avoid ambiguity either way, I suggest we keep the map of the main page. Lovelac7 04:40, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Whats different? Republican Party (conservative) is red, Democratic Party (liberal) is blue in the US. ---CWY2190TC 04:57, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oops. I got mixed up in my above comment, which only goes to prove my point that the red/blue distinction is two confusion to use on the main page. Lovelac7 05:24, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah, most places red is the color of liberalism (like with communism) and blue is the color of conservativism. -- Grant.Alpaugh 06:32, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Speedy support. The inclusion of this item shouldn't even be up for debate, just the wording. -- Grant.Alpaugh 07:39, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Posted, and for the record, we don't post map thumbnails on the mainpage - too much detail in too little area. --Stephen 08:40, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Zapatero
Zapatero
About the image, instead that grey one, maybe this is more suited to the socialist's victory: Image:PsoeZapatero.jpg Serg!oo (talk) 13:42, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I think you can see him better on this one: Image:Zapatero_cornella_cropped.jpg. Pruneautalk 15:38, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The text is seriously flawed. Zapatero was elected only as representative of his constituency: his party have a plurality, but not an absolute majority, and it is crystal balling (albeit confident) to say that his party will be able to form a government. In the Spanish General Election, the Socialist Workers' Party win an increased share of the vote and a plurality, but no absolute majorit perhaps?

Support once text is agreed upon. SpencerT♦C 01:19, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

We should probably really change the wording. Like: Zapatero's party PSOE wints the elections. --Tone 20:27, 11 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Jules-Verne

ATV Jules Verne
ATV Jules Verne

Support. How about, "The European Space Agency sends the Jules-Verne resupply spacecraft to the International Space Station." -Susanlesch (talk) 08:08, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Note: the Verne now has its own article (Jules Verne ATV), if that could be wikied in the entry. Radagast (talk) 16:58, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'd like it if the blurb mentioned that this is the first flight for a spacecraft of this type somehow. --Herald Alberich (talk) 18:20, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I have bolded the link to the Jules Verne, now that it has its own article. It is the subject of the blurb, and bolding it is much more intuitive than bolding resupply spacecraft. AecisBrievenbus 19:54, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Rings of Rhea

File:Rhean rings PIA10246.jpg
Free NASA/JPL/JHUAPL image
Great science news, I am sure we can have two space-related items ITN. Support. --Tone 20:36, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support if the wording changes to say this is probably rings. They don't know yet for sure. -Susanlesch (talk) 20:41, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Strong Support The amount of space news on the itn is irelevant. This is a newsworthy and encyclopedic discovery, and it deserves to be on the main page. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 21:07, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Also support. Hammer Raccoon (talk) 21:29, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I suggest changing the picture from the flag to the rings image. I know its just an artist's conception, but it is as informative and far more aesthetically pleasing than the Malaysian flag. Random89 (talk) 00:20, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I support the picture chance. The rings are much more nice. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 00:57, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 8

Vojislav Koštunica

This was suggested by User:ARC Gritt on the talk page. I have no opinion as nominator until further infomation is given. If he stepped down due to the whole Kosovo problem, then I support it, but if it was for any other reason I don't know... --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 18:26, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
[14] The move follows his failure to get his cabinet to reject closer ties with the European Union in the wake of Kosovo's declaration of independence. Didn't realise there was a nomination page here, thanks for sorting it out for me Plasma Twa 2. - ARC GrittTALK 18:53, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Vojislav Kostunica
Vojislav Kostunica
This is really important news and should be posted without too much hesitation. --Camptown (talk) 19:14, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
That wording sounds a bit biased to me, how about "Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica (pictured) resigns following disagreements with his cabinet over the EU and Kosovo. - ARC GrittTALK 19:24, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It is not that biased! The "loss of Kosovo" is basically what it's all about. --Camptown (talk) 19:27, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Adding the neutral version. --Tone 20:34, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Can the page with the bolded link get more updating than just one sentence, and the {{POV}} problems sorted out before it shows up on MainPage, please? --PFHLai (talk) 20:53, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Right, I noticed the update was indeed really short. Thanks for removing. About POV, he actually said that the problem was a disagreement over Eu and Kosovo. --Tone 20:56, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
You're welcome, Tone. I meant the POV tag on the Vojislav Koštunica page since February. I'm not sure what that was about.
Anyone who wants this story on MainPage may consider updating also Kosovo status process, Constitutional status of Kosovo or 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence#Serbian reaction. A decent paragraph or so, + references, would do. --PFHLai (talk) 21:25, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support If elections are covered, so should the dissolution of governments. Too bad we can't do the same in America. Madcoverboy (talk) 05:47, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Does the fall of the Serbian government generate a lot of interest outside of the Balkans? -- Mwalcoff (talk) 04:48, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

A change of government is ITN-notable by default, like elections. (But aren't we waiting for the results of the elections instead? I knew we did that a while back...) --Howard the Duck 05:53, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
That's what I meant. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 03:54, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Waterboarding

This has to be on the main page. (See Google News for reference on how widespread this news is) --Bender235 (talk) 17:58, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Please don't tell us if it needs to be on the main page or not. We wil decide in a diplomatic fashion. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 18:16, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. Milestone in the history of human rights (or lack thereof). Lovelac7 22:40, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, sadly it is. --Bender235 (talk) 09:56, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'll support. Obviously I'm not surprised he vetoed it though. ---CWY2190TC 23:57, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose there is one sentence about Bush vetoing it in the waterboard article. There does not appear to be a article on the bill itself. This does not deserve to be on the main page. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 00:26, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Comment: Plasma Twa 2 is correct that there appears to be little in Wikipedia about the anti-torture legislation itself. If that changes, I would support. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 01:06, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Waterboarding is supposed to be the main article in this comment. --Bender235 (talk) 10:47, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose In terms of face notability, I don't know that this would even make it into the top 10 failings of this administration. It's mostly a political stunt attempting to paint the President into a corner, not the watershed moment in the history of human rights some would make it out to be. The appropriate articles haven't been thoroughly updated either, as mentioned before. Madcoverboy (talk) 05:51, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose This shouldn't even make it to the drawing board.--WaltCip (talk) 00:24, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Didn't know we had so many Bush believers in here. Actually this is a historic milestone in human rights history. For the first time, a western democracy allows torture and admits they're already using it. Of course this is notable. Google News had it as #1 story. You guys are absurd. --Bender235 (talk) 10:47, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Please assume good faith. And, to clarify, the United States is a republic, not a democracy. Furthermore, my opinion on Bush is irrelevant to my decision.--WaltCip (talk) 12:21, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The thing is that there is no article that has been sufficiently updated, as the guideline says. If there was an article with a more exhaustive coverage than one sentence in the waterboarding article... Maybe vetoes issued by Bush? --Tone 10:52, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Malta

There are general elections on Malta today, with two parties going neck-and-neck, the Nationalist Party of incumbent Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and the Labour Party of Alfred Sant. See also Maltese general election, 2008. I propose that these elections are added to ITN when the results are known. AecisBrievenbus 12:41, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support. --Tone 13:02, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Just for the record, something like a national general election doesn't need to be cleared ahead of time. Simply write a blurb when the results are known. -- Grant.Alpaugh 13:46, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Please see WP:ITN/S for general style for elections. Madcoverboy (talk) 16:10, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Conditional Support. The ministub needs considerably more content than it has now before it gets on ITN. --PFHLai (talk) 16:01, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Malaysia

There are general elections in Malaysia as well today. Three blocs are taking part: Barisan Nasional, Democratic Action Party and Barisan Alternatif. See also Malaysian general election, 2008. As with Malta, I propose adding this election to ITN when the results are known. AecisBrievenbus 12:41, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support. --Tone 13:02, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Conditional Support. Gotta wait till after the (official) results are in the article. --PFHLai (talk) 16:03, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Perhaps written as : "The ruling Barisan Nasional retains control of the government in the Malaysia general elections, but suffers its largest losses of assembly seats in forty years." AP - Mailer Diablo 19:08, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
How about: "The ruling Barisan Nasional party maintains a majority in the government after the Malaysia general elections, but suffers its largest loss of parliment(ary) seats in forty years." SpencerT♦C 20:40, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
How about:
Please update the article first. Thanks. --PFHLai (talk) 21:07, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
That sounds good...but I think we should say how many seats it lost. I still can't think of a way to add it in...I've been toying with it, so...I think it's good. Maybe we should say that Barisan Nasional is a political party, I don't know. SpencerT♦C 22:42, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support once the wording is determined. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 04:50, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support. How about: "The Barisan Nasional coalition maintains its simple majority but loses parlimentary majority and control of five states in Malaysia's general election." I read 136, 137 and 139 somewhere, making it hard to mention "winning" 13? of 222 seats. -Susanlesch (talk) 05:23, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support I'm gonna plug the WP:ITN/S again :) Update that reference as well with standards for reporting these news items. Madcoverboy (talk) 06:49, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Andean crisis

This needs to be updated, and the frequency with which death tolls etc are updated establishes that there is no objection in principle to doing so here. Colombian armed forces launch an attack in Ecuadorian territory, killing a FARC commander, and startinging a diplomatic crisis, since resolved, with Ecuador and Venezuela. Kevin McE (talk) 09:40, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support updating the present item. --Tone 13:02, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Updated as
--PFHLai (talk) 16:13, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 7

Waris Dirie

Article says she has been found again. So probably not news. Thue | talk 21:23, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
For now I agree. Dirie appears to be unharmed, and she says that she had been wandering through Brussels. AecisBrievenbus 12:53, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Texas Caucus Counts

Just suggesting keeping an eye out for Obama technically winning Texas like Nevada. Kopf1988 (talk) 04:32, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Won't be neccessary, since it wouldn't be going up no matter who won. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 04:48, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 6

Jerusalem Attack

Support. I suggest changing to "Eight people are killed in a a shooting at the Mercaz HaRav yeshiva in Jerusalem." The number of wounded is something sources tend not to agree on, but for the record, the BBC and CNN put the figures at "nine" and "at least nine" respectively. Hammer Raccoon (talk) 17:46, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose To my knowledge and reading of the event, no one notable was injured or killed and it was not the deadliest attack of its kind. I would suspect that the attack is tied in with the on-going conflict in Gaza. Madcoverboy (talk) 18:11, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The article in question, while relatively high quality, is still short. Just like shootings in the US, violence between Palestinians and Israelis is unfortunately all too common - there are any number of previous incidents that involved greater loss of life that weren't covered either. We certainly didn't cover any of the bombings in Afghanistan or Pakistan that involved 50-80 deaths. I continue my oppose on the grounds of slippery slope precedent. Madcoverboy (talk) 02:10, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Arguably we should have covered bombings/shootings where deaths of that magnitude occurred. What I feel sets this apart from US shootings is that this isn't just some kid who got depressed and thought it would be a good idea to go kill some innocent bystanders; rather it's an act of terrorism. I don't think previous exclusion of terrorist acts in the Middle East should prevent ths from going up. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the reason we haven't had similar stories up isn't so much people opposing them, but more to do with no one suggesting them. Hammer Raccoon (talk) 13:55, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The NIU and Kirkland shootings were both nominated and rejected. I also don't see how the deaths of students at an American high school is any less of an atrocity or crime than the deaths of students at a yeshiva. "Act of terrorism" is an ill-defined concept for which almost any violent crime can be ascribed (in my POV). For that matter, why is this "act of terrorism" any different from the other "acts of terrorism" committed before the Pakistani elections last month or everyday in Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Columbia, Congo, Chechnya, and so on that don't saturate media coverage? You begin to see the problem in lowering the ITN bar for violence against civilians. Madcoverboy (talk) 16:47, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I take your points. I'd argue that this is of particular interest because, as the BBC puts it, "the outpouring of public grief will add to pressure on the Israeli government to end the peace talks with the Palestinians". You could probably argue this is crystal balling a bit though. Just to clarify, I didn't mean to imply that shootings in America were "less of an atrocity or crime", but that they have less international impact than these shootings. Anyway, I just thought it would be good to freshen ITN up a bit. Hammer Raccoon (talk)
Strong support -- This is a major story, and it should be on there already. To address the comment above, it is significant because it is the first massacre of its kind in two years, and because of its potential impact on the "peace process". 6SJ7 (talk) 18:24, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No Opinion I don't know how many shootings happen in this area, so I can't be the judge. Maybe if this was anywhere else in the world it could go up, due to the conflict in the area. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 21:26, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Neutral per Plasma Twa 2. SpencerT♦C 01:47, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Strong support (Full disclosure: I nominated this article). This could be a major turning point in the peace process (or lack thereof). I think this is notable since things have been heating up in the middle east in the last week or so. Plasma Twa 2: There had not been an attack on this scale in Israel since April 2006. See the first footnote in the article. -ReuvenkT C 17:45, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Question: This is the first time I have been involved in an "In the News" discussion, and I have to ask: Is this how long it usually takes to decide things? Because at this point, this incident is starting not to be "news" anymore. (The impact of it will probably create news for weeks and months to come, but the incident itself is now two days old.) For that matter, the most recent story on the main page right now is still John McCain wrapping up the Republican nomination, four days ago. What goes on here? 6SJ7 (talk) 17:56, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Normally, it should take a ay or two, maybe even less. For some reason, though, the past week it has gotten really slow, with at least two well-supported items not making it on the template within a reasonable time (AKA in a time where it would still be considered news). Granted, some items take so long because, as with this one, there is not a clear consensus to either put it up or keep it off. As it is, there are three supports, one oppose, and two neutrals, which is hardly a consensus and doesn't mean it will make it on the itn. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 18:21, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I guess someone felt that was enough to put it up. ---CWY2190TC 16:20, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Not the smartest thing I've ever seen an admin do, but it doesn't really bother me. I'm jsut glad someone actually updated the itn. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 17:48, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
+1 drive by admin. Nth reason for dedicated ITN admins. Spanish and Maltese elections still aren't up there for the record. Madcoverboy (talk) 04:48, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Viktor Bout

Support --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 23:27, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'd support once more information about the circumstances of his arrest and alleged crime come to light. The summary should remove more POV terms like "world's mot notorious." Madcoverboy (talk) 00:24, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The U.S. labeled his as "the world's most notorious", but:
How about: The Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout is arrested at a hotel in Bankok, Thailand, as part of an American-led sting operation. --Camptown (talk) 12:44, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Seems to suffer from a bit of WP:OVERLINK. I would just wait until he is indicted so we could list the specific or number charges and under what jurisdiction is he being accused and tried (UN, US, Russia, etc.) Madcoverboy (talk) 18:05, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I don't think we need to link trafficker to smugling. SpencerT♦C 01:48, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Times Square bombing

  • A bombing at a military recruitment station in Times Square.
Oppose as nominator. Let's just get this one out of the way because you can be sure this is going to saturate the news cycle, pundit talkathons, and blogosphere. Famous landmark, yes - but bombings happen all over the world everyday involving far more insidious motives and greater loss of life. Madcoverboy (talk) 16:21, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yup, oppose. A glass window was smashed. Yawn. Hammer Raccoon (talk) 17:34, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No article, no post. And no, this is not a suggestion to make the article. It's a non-issue. --Golbez (talk) 17:44, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
For the record, why propose something you oppose? ---CWY2190TC 17:48, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Because there will inevitably be a drive-by editor saying "OMG! But it's the lead story on CNN, MSNBC, and BBC!!!!" I'm saving us the trouble of going through the usual histrionics about "wait for this to develop more" and "make sure there is an article first", followed by the "is this notable" debate and the WP:WAX counterarguments, and then the decent into American/Euro-centrism arguments. If it develops into a bigger story, we'll revisit it - but no one was hurt, the damage was minimal, and it was not part of a wider issue. Madcoverboy (talk) 17:58, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I tend to agree. There's no article, there's no serious damage, and from what I gather it's not even certain (although likely) that the recruitment agency was the target of the blast. AecisBrievenbus 17:50, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Well of course Oppose and not even worth an article, other then significant coverage and of course that the city is still on high alert because of 9/11, this incident had relatively little impact other then material damage, no human impact and it was also not (or more likely) a terrorism act. --JForget 18:35, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I just want to say I'm a little worried about this "there's no article" nonsense that's been happening lately. Nowhere in ITN policy does it state we need a new article for the bolded link in the blurb. That is a threshold that almost no item can meet. All that is needed as far as updates go is a well written and encyclopedic update to the pertinant articles whether that be a few sentences or an entire section. Just wanted to clarify. -- Grant.Alpaugh 22:53, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I checked the Times Square article a while ago, and I saw two sentences that said the same thing: A bomb went off om March 6, 2008. Nothing informative. I think that an article for a nominated item kind of supports it's news-worthyness, to put it simply. I guess this might just be another flaw for the criterias and whatnot. And, while I'm here, Oppose. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 23:32, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

11th National People's Congress

Great Hall of People
Great Hall of People
Wasn't the People's Congress already covered in October? I guess I'm just ignorant of the parliamentarian pretenses of this autocracy, but how is the plenary session different or notable? Madcoverboy (talk) 16:09, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose. 1. The article National People's Congress has not be updated to mention this session. 2. The article on the 11th session is a one-line stub. 3. How is the beginning of a legislative session notable? The current US congress was added for the sole reason that a woman was the leader of the House. ---CWY2190TC 16:13, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Wikimedia

Jimmy Wales
Jimmy Wales
This is a notable story, even outside the WP community. --Camptown (talk) 11:43, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose, maybe it's news, but it's not encyclopedic. Nothing that would warrant inclusion on ITN. AecisBrievenbus 11:45, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Where are the updates to the article, btw? AecisBrievenbus 11:49, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Good question. A specific article about the controversy 2008 Wikimedia controversy is needed... --Camptown (talk) 11:56, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No, it's not. There's nothing on ITN policy about having to create a new article. Come on, guys, you all know better than this. If there are significant updates to the relevant articles then I support, the idea that this isn't encyclopedic is ridiculous. Wikimedia has made a significant cultural impact in the US, at the very least (I have no idea about the popularity of Wikipedia in other countries), and I think most people view it as a pretty benevolent thing. If these accusations are anything more than complete hogwash then I think they call that into question. -- Grant.Alpaugh 12:46, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Of course, ITN is not for starting new articles. But, what would people think, who have heard about Jimmy Wales in the media, when they consult WP for additional information, only to find that the article doesn't mention the allegations in one single word? --Camptown (talk) 13:06, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
That's exactly the point. Bias can also be a problem of omission. Like I said, if and only if these allegations make it into the relevant articles (whether that be the article on Jimbo or some other new or existing article) I think this warrents inclusion. -- Grant.Alpaugh 13:19, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
This is not even close to being notable. People get accused of using company funds for personal reasons all the time. ---CWY2190TC 12:26, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Agreed. If I had a penny for every time a British MP gets accused of taking liberties with their allowances... And I still don't see any relevant updates anywhere. Hammer Raccoon (talk) 13:07, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
We should also try to avoid self-references to our projects. Unless it's a worldwide notable event, we shouldn't post it on ITN. - Mtmelendez (Talk) 13:51, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose Charges or indictments haven't even been filed, much less any judgments reached—ITN isn't the place for rumors or innuendo. As with every other news item, there is no race to be the first to "break" this story. Madcoverboy (talk) 16:15, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 5

Zimbabwean Dollar

source[15]--Tornlabel777 (talk) 01:18, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose. Interesting but not really news. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 01:43, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose Same grounds as the euro news - it's just a psychological barrier and likely to change every day. Nothing worth noting 5 years from now. Madcoverboy (talk) 05:25, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose Furthermore, this is not a currency as widely used or traded as the euro. --PFHLai (talk) 15:50, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett
Corrections are welcome. Bill Gates held this record for thirteen years so maybe others will find today's news notable. -Susanlesch (talk) 23:29, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose - Not even a psychological news item - at least, not the way it's worded.--WaltCip (talk) 23:52, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
What is a psychological news item? -Susanlesch (talk) 23:54, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I support it. If it isn't huge news, it is still rather important in a encyclopedic context. Plus, it sure is interesting. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 00:09, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Rewrite as follows: Warren Buffett replaces Bill Gates as the world's wealthiest person in Forbes magazine's annual list of the world's richest people. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 00:56, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Windy to my eye for the small space we have. I liked your addition of Forbes and Gates, and prefer the short version. -Susanlesch (talk) 02:03, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Can we perhaps use "usurps" or "surpasses" instead of "replaces," as though it was some sort of official position? -- Grant.Alpaugh 05:02, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
How about:

Concise, accurately worded, mentions the 3 important actors. Random89 (talk) 05:14, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oppose all wordings Warren Buffet is filthy rich. Bill Gates is filthy rich. One of them is now richer than the other. Move along, no news here. Madcoverboy (talk) 05:30, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support in the name of churn. I'm being a cranky bastard opposing everything when I'm also trying to make the template more dynamic. Madcoverboy (talk) 04:40, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Random89's looks fine to me. You're welcome to your opinion. Believing in "here today, here tomorrow", investing against the U.S. dollar and offering to back everyone else's bonds and succeeding are entertaining ideas. I'd say congratulations. -Susanlesch (talk) 05:50, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, Madcoverboy, that is three supports plus me. Is that enough? -Susanlesch (talk) 05:21, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support in the spirit of cycling through ITN. -- Grant.Alpaugh 09:52, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

May I ask what more you need? Just checking in and I don't know who "you" are but imagine an admin. Four supports now plus me for a story that is positive and non-political for a change.-Susanlesch (talk) 18:32, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Ah yes, I hear more cries for the need for a dedicated ITN group that's responsible for updating the template. But seriously, this should go up, as it has a number of supporters and a single user opposing. Random89 (talk) 20:09, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
This is happening more and more often, it seems. This happened with the Prince Harry item, too. Random's got a good idea, it seems.--Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 20:29, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Google News finds some headlines even in the U.S. spelling his name with one "t" so maybe some people missed it in news search. A thought anyway. -Susanlesch (talk) 21:15, 7 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No, thanks. A little too tabloid-ish for me. --PFHLai (talk) 15:49, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I agree, this is more reason than ever to make a dedicated ITN group. Does anyone want to make the proposal up so that we can submit it official? -- Grant.Alpaugh 03:11, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Was it Madcoverboy that proposed it on the talk page? Perhaps he has a proposal already made? --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 03:51, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Glad to see more enthusiatic people here at ITN. :-) --PFHLai (talk) 15:49, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Heh. Added a cropped image, and will ask on Main Page talk. -Susanlesch (talk) 19:51, 8 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support wording for the third time. Can we get this added already? This is getting ridiculous. -- Grant.Alpaugh 05:39, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I've removed the blurb about Buffett. Truly, not important enough to warrant inclusion in ITN. One's rich; one's richer now. --MZMcBride (talk) 17:58, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Support removal, as the whole thing is trivial at best. - Bobet 18:06, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Can't remove what isn't on there. ---CWY2190TC 18:18, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Indeed. It was there, it was removed and I'm saying I believe the removal of the blurb was a good thing. Do you understand now? - Bobet 18:36, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Ah. Didn't know it was on there. ---CWY2190TC 18:45, 9 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

How disappointing, MZMcBride. Including the crisis in South America, after John McCain whose article logged over 300,000 page views in four consecutive days on the main page, Mr. Buffett was the most requested article of any news candidate on Wikipedia this week. Without the benefit of the main page ITN, Warren Buffett had over 70,000 page views in one day, and, loosely, 140,000 views over those four days. P.S. I wrote that out pretty fast and it is sure to have errors but I hope it helps people get the idea. -Susanlesch (talk) 02:43, 10 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Brett Favre Retires

Oppose as nominator. Its a pretty big story in North America, but I don't think its international enough. Random89 (talk) 20:01, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose. While he is one of the most known players in the NFL, I doubt any retirement in any sport would be notable enough. ---CWY2190TC 20:06, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose. He is no Gretzky or Jordan. This doesn't effect anyone but football fans. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 21:40, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 4

McCain

Since it is probable that he will get to 1191 delegates tonight, I posted this so we could discuss wording. ---CWY2190TC 23:12, 4 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I believe it was decided earlier that it would go up when the tally was crossed so I'll give the wording a try:
Anyone else want to take a stab at this? Random89 (talk) 00:04, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The status quo pretty much dictates that the only thing notable in presidential politics is the results of a general election, not the results of a psychologically key primary such as Super Tuesday.--WaltCip (talk) 01:46, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
With all do respect, the American presidential election is not apart of the status quo. ---CWY2190TC 02:01, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
With all due respect, American exceptionalism is outdated. ~ UBeR (talk)
With all due respect, recognizing the objective fact that the US Presidential elections are longer, more expensive, and more important than literally every other election on the planet is not exceptionalism, it's rational. Grant.Alpaugh 04:22, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Fact: If this gets posted, this will be the first U.S. political item on ITN. And that's saying that in the last 3 months, news agencies the world over are devoting much of their airtime to the U.S. primary elections. Heck even Singapore's Channel NewsAsia had a day long coverage of last month's Super Tuesday. --Howard the Duck 05:01, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
While i do support this going up, we do have to make a choice. Either this goes up now, when the nomination is clinched, or when the Rebublican convention happens and he is 'officially' nominated; I really can't support this going up in both instances. That said the wording is fine, and in theory support it unless it is determined that it would be better to have come convention time. I prefer to have it now, as when the convention rolls around it will be pretty much old news, considering that it was a done deal. Thethinredline (talk) 02:35, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Anyone who knows anything about modern American Presidential politics knows that the conventions are usually nothing but a formality. This years' Democratic convention appears that it might be different, but not the Republican one. John McCain is the Republican nominee, and the Convention is irrellevant. We will know at some point that this is going to be a brokered convention for the Democrats, which I think is worth posting. First time in at least 25 years and probably more like 40 (depending on your definition) since this has happened. That is newsworthy and we'll know about it several months before the convention. If this happens then I think we should still post when the nominee is chosen at the convention. So long story short we should only post the conventions if they are brokered, and we should post both that there are going to be brokered conventions and what they decide, as these two events will be months apart. Grant.Alpaugh 04:31, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The previous discussion said that the U.S. nomination goes up when a person wins the nomination - that is when he surpassed the number of delegates needed. The U.S. is no ordinary country where other non-U.S. news agencies cover the primary elections. --Howard the Duck 02:41, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The number of delegates does not matter. We don't need to make it longer then it actually is. "Senator John McCain of Arizona clinches the Republican Party nomination for the 2008 American Presidential Elections." will be just fine. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 03:24, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, that seems fine with me. It's official McCain passes 1191 and Huckabee has bowed out. Put it up. Random89 (talk) 03:57, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I proposed this two weeks ago and this was the language we agreed upon:

John McCain
John McCain
Support ---CWY2190TC 04:27, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support wording I definitely prefer the use of "secures" rather than "clinches" PageantUpdater talkcontribs 05:13, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. It's a forgone conclusion. Lovelac7 05:14, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support Wording This was a what was discussed before. Random89 (talk) 06:29, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support There was wide consensus on this page and on talk about promoting this as soon as a candidate secured the nomination. All this gnashing of teeth about American exceptionalism has already been hashed out and the pertinent issues addressed - by every NPOV metric, the campaign for the American presidency is the longest, most complicated, the most internationally covered, and most expensive of any leadership post in the world and a major milestone such as this definitely warrants coverage. Please take your anti-American POV elsewhere. Madcoverboy (talk) 17:08, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

At the risk of commenting in the wrong place again, now that this tagline is up can I also suggest changing the picture to one of McCain? The item on Medvedev is now several items down, and there are a number of free pictures of McCain (e.g. his profile photo) that are readily available.

Sorry if this is the wrong place to suggest this; I was directed here after I asked on Template talk:In the news. --jonny-mt 14:20, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

No, you're posting in exactly the right place :) support picture change Grant.Alpaugh 17:47, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
John McCain
John McCain
I still like the picture of Medvedev, myself. --207.47.145.86 (talk) 18:06, 5 March 2008 (UTC) (Plasma Twa 2)[reply]
support picture change to McCain. --Grant.Alpaugh 18:38, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Picture changed. - Mtmelendez (Talk) 20:25, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

  • Looks good. Can you say "clinches the number of delegates" rather than the nomination, which he will receive surely, but not until the convention? -Susanlesch (talk) 22:24, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • He has not yet clinched the nomination. I do not see why people are jumping the gun here, it reminds me of when Montenegro held a referendum on whether to secede from Serbia. Some wanted to say that after the referendum Montenegro was automatically a country, but it wasn't until they declared independence that that actually was the case. Likewise, McCain is not yet the nominee as the actual nomination has yet to occur. ~Rangeley (talk) 22:34, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Are you suggesting we wait until September then? ---CWY2190TC 22:41, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, I am suggesting we wait until he has secured the nomination before we say he has secured the nomination. He is the "presumptive nominee" according to the press - he has yet to secure the nomination according to any reputable source... and thats because a reputable source would know that he will not have secured it until the convention. Perhaps using the language "presumptive" would be suitable for us as well? ~Rangeley (talk) 23:08, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
2 points: 1) One of the criteria we had chosen for putting this up was that when all other serious candidates drop out, we post this. With Mike Huckabee dropping out yesterday the only candidate with an active campaign in the Republican Party is Ron Paul, who had no chance of winning enouch delegates to contest the nomination in St. Paul. 2) Another one we had chosen was that if a candidate broke the delegate barrier via endorsement (ie other candidates give their delegates to another after they drop out). Depending on the source you use McCain might have crossed this a week ago. I know because I considered posting after the updated McCain and Romney totals crossed 1191. McCain has crossed that barrier himself by everyone's count, but if you add in Romney's (and potentially Huckabee's after he made a call for "party unity" as he dropped out, indicating he would support McCain's nomination) numbers he is several hundred delegates over the threshold by everyone's count. Thus, an extremely unlikely or unfortunate (but definitely newsworthy) series of events would have to occur in order for McCain not to be the nominee. He would basically have to die or have a scandal break that was so serious it would end his career/public life. Since neither of those is very likely, we'll just go ahead and post this now. Basically it's like saying that it is only presumed that the sun will come up tomorrow, or it is presumed that the tides will rise and then fall, or maybe it is presumed that any time a US item gets proposed it is accused of bias. --Grant.Alpaugh 00:11, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I support changing the wording to Susan's proposal. Fact of the matter is he is not officially the nominee. It would have to be an act of Chuck Norris porportions for him not to be the nominee, but in the end he still isn't. It should stay up, since it is the first truely international news of this whole race. But, as I've said before, we don't post the results of a championship before it is over, no matter what the score. It's the same for this. People can complain all they want, but the bottom line is he is not yet the nominee. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 00:16, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Just a note that someone else came up with those terms at the top of this whole discussion. Someone corrected me yesterday so I do agree it would be nice to be a bit more careful with the word nomination. -Susanlesch (talk) 05:54, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Copied from WP:ERRORS The news thing about John McCain is misleading. He's not the GOP nominee at all until the convention. Plenty can happen to make him not be chosen at the convention. xihix(talk) 21:22, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Please read the discussion at Wikipedia:In the news section on the Main Page/Candidates#McCain. You're not the only user who has concerns over this, and I'd like to see the discussion unfold to find consensus. - Mtmelendez (Talk) 21:28, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
How about instead of "secures" make it "virtually secures". I'd bet it'll be the same number of lines. --Howard the Duck 10:09, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No, we should avoid ambiguous terms on ITN. People will start asking what "virtually" means. I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but I've seen many news organizations posting our headline (i.e. secures the nomination). - Mtmelendez (Talk) 14:08, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
OK, that argument is convincing enough for me. --Howard the Duck 14:45, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 3

Tajikistan Energy Crisis

Oppose - A no-story.--WaltCip (talk) 17:16, 4 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
How can 2 million people risking starvation in a former Soviet republic be a no-story? --Camptown (talk) 18:27, 4 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Nothing in the article says the threat of starvation is caused by energy shortage as Otebig's hook suggests, but rather both are caused by cold weather. (support for the first half of the hook) Narayanese (talk) 18:36, 4 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support 1st half of hook. 76.227.132.220 (talk) 21:17, 4 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Needs to be rewritten, but I support the inclusion of some story about the energy crisis, as it is a well-written articles. Random89 (talk) 23:11, 4 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
2008 Central Asia energy crisis
2008 Central Asia energy crisis
How about: An ongoing energy crisis in Central Asia hits the mountainous nation of Tajikistan in the middle of its coldest winter for five decades. --Camptown (talk) 10:22, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Looks good.Narayanese (talk) 17:30, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Added. --Tone 17:35, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Do you think the word "coldest" should link to Cold wave? SpencerT♦C 21:30, 5 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
By what definition of the seasons is March "middle of winter"? Does the Central Asian winter run from January to May? Inaccurate colloquialisms should be avoided: during its coldest winter for five decades. Kevin McE (talk) 18:32, 6 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Postpone. I'd say let's consider this one when he is publicly displayed. Right now, there isn't much coverage, but even then the display may not be notable worldwide. - Mtmelendez (Talk) 15:21, 4 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'd say oppose. If there is a huge swell of notable press a bit later, then maybe we can reconsider. Random89 (talk) 23:12, 4 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
This might need some rewording but I haven't much time right now. Anyway, it's all over the news right now and the operation has it's own article. Feer 17:51, 3 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Conditional support on basis of brevity - I suggest rewording or simply omitting the second sentence; it's misleading, but it also doesn't bear any direct relevance to the event in general.--WaltCip (talk) 14:27, 4 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Colombian armed forces execute a attack in Teteye, Putumayo, during which one Raul Reyes, the second in command in the terrorist organization FARC is killed.
My first attemp to suggest something for In The News, is a very very VERY important news and damn if it deserves to be put in the main page.--ometzit<col> (talk) 14:48, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
In an ITN event, a certain article needs to be bolded, one that covers the conflict. Is there such an article? SpencerT♦C 16:34, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Also it is unlikely using a phrase like 'terrorist organisation' in the narative voice for an ITN headline is acceptable. See Wikipedia:Words to avoid 01:04, 2 March 2008 (UTC)
Support here is the article: 2008 diplomatic crisis between Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela
This reworded version seems a bit less POV and links the appropriate article. Random89 (talk) 15:57, 3 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Adding. --Tone 16:16, 3 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Current wording avoids the whole grounds for the diplomatic crisis. Putumayo is in Colombia, and would not be grounds for a diplomatic incident. The trigger for the crisis is that Reyes, was in Ecuadorian territory when he was killed. Suggest Colombian armed forces execute an attack on a FARC training base in Ecuador, killing commander Raul Reyes and 16 others, and triggering a diplomatic crisis
Remember to have the accent on the u in Raúl...I forget if the mainpage ITN has it or not. SpencerT♦C 11:56, 4 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 2

USS New York

Support as nominator This plays a significant role in the September 11 attacks aftermath.--EfferAKS 01:18, 2 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It isn't notable enough. Mearly a story of interest and no real importance. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 03:05, 2 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose Not sufficient international interest, limited notability within the US beyond the novelty of recycling WTC steel. Madcoverboy (talk) 18:53, 2 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oppose As Madcoverboy said, a novelty. Of little interest, even within the United States.--WaltCip (talk) 14:29, 4 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Russian presidential election

Replace the Cypriot presidential election note with this on 21:00 GMT (0:00 Moscow Time). --Bender235 (talk) 11:27, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

A result hasn't been announced (because the election hasn't happened yet); this should wait until after the election has occurred and a result roughly determined. - Mark 11:57, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Sometimes events are posted ahead of time to work out the wording, but new leaders follow a fairly consistent template. Madcoverboy (talk) 19:36, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I disagree, use of the word 'election' is highly controversial. Most monitoring organisations and western Governments would never call the Russian process an 'election'. Also, although the election has not happened yet, the poll is fixed for Medvedev to win, and for turnout to be very high, as always. I wouldn't put this poll on ITN, but equally I couldn't put the fixing on there either. 86.166.227.112 (talk) 13:10, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It will go on once Medvedev wins the election. ---CWY2190TC 18:57, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support I agree - it's not as though Raul Castro's election was an exemplary of a democratic process. It's a change of head of states involving a major nation and it will go up when the "results" (however contestable) are announced. Madcoverboy (talk) 19:29, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. They're deciding the next president of one of the most important countries in the world. --Plasma Twa 2 (talk) 20:02, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Dmitry Medvedev
Dmitry Medvedev
Now a good chunk of the vote is in, I think we can safely say he's won. --Philip Stevens (talk) 18:51, 2 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It's not a race. When it's officially announced, it goes up. Madcoverboy (talk) 18:56, 2 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
In support of the above, and having read TIME's "man of the year" article on Putin, it seems that it is common belief that Medvedev is Putin's puppet that will make Putin the Prime Minister, so as to overcome the two consecutive terms barrier for presidency (that also applies to Russia). I think we should hint to this major issue of Putin's term being prolonged "from the window". NikoSilver 23:36, 2 March 2008 (UTC) (btw TIME goes as far as to quote a Russian joke: Putin is in a restaurant with Medvedev and orders for a steak. When asked by the waiter "what about the vegetable", he replies "yes, the vegetable will have a steak too".)[reply]
Time might claim it to be a qu; it might just ote, but is the word "vegetable" used in that sense in Russian. The joke was on UK TV about 20 years ago (on Spitting Image), and proves little.
Time claims that it is a popular joke among Russians. I don't speak Russian, but the word vegetable is used the same way in four languages I happen to speak. Sure it's old; it's the Medvedev part that's new in it. NikoSilver 00:11, 3 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I would probably use different wordage than "Putin's favorite nominee" maybe: "Dmitry Medvedev (pictured), heavily endorsed by Vladimir Putin, succeeds him in the Russian presidential election with an estimated 69% of the vote." I'm not sure if this works, but here it goes. SpencerT♦C 01:28, 3 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, "heavily endorsed" sounds better indeed. NikoSilver 10:35, 3 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I don't think the heavily part is necessary, even if slightly more accurate. Endorsed is sufficient to convey the sentiment that he's Putin's man. Also, most sources I have read/heard haven't gone so far as to suggest Dmitry is Putin's puppet, while acknowledging Dmitry is only there because of Putin they tend to suggest no one knows how Dmitry will fit in and what role Putin is going to really play in Russia after this, which makes more sense to me. If we do want to do this (I don't really care either way), I would suggest:
Nil Einne (talk) 17:42, 3 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Support. Presidental election sucessor of the most powerful country in the world. Eop4g8 (talk) 01:38, 3 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

March 1

  • Colombian armed forces execute a attack in Teteye, Putumayo, during which one Raul Reyes, the second in command in the terrorist organization FARC is killed.
My first attemp to suggest something for In The News, is a very very VERY important news and damn if it deserves to be put in the main page.--ometzit<col> (talk) 14:48, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
In an ITN event, a certain article needs to be bolded, one that covers the conflict. Is there such an article? SpencerT♦C 16:34, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Also it is unlikely using a phrase like 'terrorist organisation' in the narative voice for an ITN headline is acceptable. See Wikipedia:Words to avoid 01:04, 2 March 2008 (UTC)
Support here is the article: 2008 diplomatic crisis between Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela
  • Its been the worst fighting since Israel withdrew from the Strip in 20005. At least 52 Palestinians were killed as well as two Israelis soldiers. Hamas also responded by firing 50 rockets at Israel. Of the Palestinian causalities eight were children and 16 were militants. Abbas referred to the attacks as "more than a holocaust" while Ehud Barak said "Hamas and those who fire rockets at Israel are responsible and they will pay the price". Khaled Meshaal (Hamas leader) also referred to the attacks as a holocaust. At least 91 Palestinians and three Israelis have been killed in the past four days. --Al Ameer son (talk) 00:44, 2 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It is an ongoing conflict and unless these latest attacks get their own article, or expanded in the 2007-2008 Israel-Gaza conflict, I don't see how it would meet the guidelines. ---CWY2190TC 23:16, 1 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Do you have any suggestions on a title name for a new article, because I'd like to create one? --Al Ameer son (talk) 00:44, 2 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know if a new article is necessary at this time personally. I suggest you start with expanding the section in the existing article. If/when it gets too large for it's on article, then you are welcome to split as necessary Nil Einne (talk) 01:07, 2 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
There is already a new article on it, 2008 Israel-Gaza conflict. Does this qualify it to be included on the main page. Abbas suspended contact with Israel as well. --Al Ameer son (talk) 20:19, 3 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]