Archived discussion for February 2009 from Wikipedia:In the news section on the Main Page/Candidates.

ITN candidates for February 28

• Over €7 billion is stolen from the Bank of Ireland in College Green, Dublin, in the largest bank robbery in Irish history.

This happened on 26–27 February... now please sort out Svalbard... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 03:55, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 06:00, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Btw, it was 7 million, not 7 billion. --BorgQueen (talk) 06:08, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Is this really that noteworthy. Seven million is not that much. Across the boader in NI they had a £20+ million robbery only a couple of years and the Securiates robbery in Kent even more recently was over £50million. Also why are some national records considered good for ITN and others not so. The RBS corperate loss which was a UK record was not considered ITN worthy so why is this? I mean being honest it doesn't have any international appeal really does it --Daviessimo (talk) 10:30, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

I suppose that is because record-setting corporate losses are not that uncommon these days. As for the "appeal" part, quite a few people are checking out the article for the past several hours according to the stats. --BorgQueen (talk) 10:41, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Well thats all well and good but where is the consensus. Recently simply nominating an article seems to be enough for it going up, as has occured on several occasions recently such as with this and the Bolivian epidemic. I agree that the latter should have gone up but ITN is meant to be about consensus and not about just a few users individual opinions. Thus my opinion would be that the Ireland story should come down until it has more support. If others support it I'm more than happy with it being up. --Daviessimo (talk) 10:52, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

I normally wait for at least a couple of hours but apparently that's not enough for you. How long shall we wait? 12 hours? --BorgQueen (talk) 11:56, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

It's not a case of how long, it's a case of consensus. No concensus was drawn on this before this went up. If no-one airs an opinion that doesn't neccesarily mean it should go up, otherwise half of the nominated items would be going up. All I'm saying is that before an item goes up at leasttwo people should support it (not including the posting admin) and any potential problems have been sorted. As I said above I personally don't think this is noteworthy enough but if there is a broad consensus in support I'm happy for it to be up. At the moment however that doesn't exist --Daviessimo (talk) 12:09, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Actually I've been told by User:PFHLai that "no prior consensus is required before any items are added to ITN" and another user commented that "any admin can post an item without discussion first". Has the rule changed since? --BorgQueen (talk) 12:20, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

For clarity can I suggest this be changed to "...in the Republic of Ireland's history"? As is mentioned above the Northern Bank robbery was significantly larger. --Kwekubo (talk) 12:01, 1 March 2009 (UTC)

Done, thanks. --BorgQueen (talk) 12:08, 1 March 2009 (UTC)reply

OK, deep breath. Sorry (about the incorrect figure), I was stressed at the time as I will explain further below. And yes, it's notable as it is a record breaking occurrence that is unusual in a particular area. I thought it would make a change from all the killer crashes and explosions, the amount of which some have been questioning on Talk:Main Page. I was aware of the Northern Bank robbery, actually basing the title and opening sentence on it for some consistency. Politically, whether liked or not (and for the purposes of the record), the two robberies took place in separate countries – even though, geographically, they are on the one island. To try to appease both these and trying to remain neutral, I pipe-linked it like so – Irish – but can see I have also failed in this area. Corporate losses are all the rage, name any recent bank robbery (with its own article) that this can be compared to. Daviessimo, if you want to help, please contribute more. BorgQueen has been the most frequent recent contributor to ITN in my knowledge, and having compiled the ITN stats for February 2009 just before all this, I find that all but four (of which at least two of those are listed recurring events involving sports and awards) have been posted by BorgQueen in that month alone. I have spent much of this time trying to keep ITN updated – I store my recent ITN contributions here but have not had time to compile a proper table with links to evidence like I have done with my GAs/DYKs. I am getting seriously irritated at this stage as this has happened less than twenty-four hours after one editor over at DYK has, for no apparent logical reason, called the best part of six months of my contributions into question in the most deflating and exasperating way possible. If I were to leave ITN, that may mean some items never get posted (and some items may never even get nominated if recent figures are anything to go by!) as BorgQueen would then be the sole dominant regular contributor – and then you will have achieved consensus! I don't seek excess credit for all of this – it is a pleasure enough to have something one has contributed to on the home page of one of the world's most popular websites – but, if my contributions to the Main Page are being called into question so suddenly in this manner, I will be retreating from these areas – I can see no further point in being smeared by allegations of a nature I have done my level best to avoid. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 15:25, 1 March 2009 (UTC)reply

I think you need to separate the issues you are facing at DYK from the ones at ITN. No one is accusing you of plagiarism here. Daviessimo is telling something completely different. DYK and ITN are two different places and we have very different rules. I am sure most people, if not all, here at ITN would agree you have been doing a good work. --BorgQueen (talk) 15:43, 1 March 2009 (UTC)reply

Sorry, just having a general crisis of confidence about the Main Page... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 16:03, 1 March 2009 (UTC)reply

Now you know how Mwalcoff and Madcoverboy felt. P.S. 7 million Euros is a lot, at least in our place... –Howard the Duck 13:15, 2 March 2009 (UTC)reply

Sorry if you took my comments that way I wasn't aiming at either you or this story. I was simply questioning the current system that is used to decide what goes into ITN. I've been in and about ITN for the last several months and seem to find different editors and admins have different policies, although it seemed to have settled prior to christmas with normally two votes in favour (excluding posting admin) and the item could go up. Anyways I completely understand that ITN is suffering from a lack of contributions, however I fear that as much as it is insufficient awareness or general lethargy, people who stumbleo on this page are very confused as to what is eligible for inclusion on the main page. As far as I was aware it was for this reason that no item was automatically included or exluded and rather a system of concensus was used, with the ultimate aim to get more people involved. --Daviessimo (talk) 17:41, 1 March 2009 (UTC)reply

I'm afraid ITN has lost another contributor. I will not be appearing on the Main Page in future, not because I dislike it, but because it would be improper in the current circumstances. BorgQueen and others may have faith in my contributions but it appears there are some unexpected difficulties at DYK. If my DYK contributions are being called into question, I cannot reasonably bring myself to contribute to an ITN section which visitors to the Main Page see before DYK. I imagine ITN will have some difficulty now but it appears to be out of my hands. Recruitment is not working very well and neither have any attempts by myself or others to point out ITN to outsiders. Perhaps a list of typical accepted and unaccepted items could be constructed and placed at the top of the page – I may do that some time since it does not involve the tedious nature of applying references. Apologies Daviessimo, if there was any misunderstanding between us above, and also BorgQueen, the current most regular ITN poster. But I do not have the confidence to continue as I am currently doing. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:26, 1 March 2009 (UTC)reply

Personally, I've gotten used to the two supporters guideline, the posting admin and the nominator. There simply aren't enought contributors at ITN to really do anything else...if there's questions, the item goes down/is hidden until the comments have been resolved, and the item will either reappear or disappear. I agree with Candlewicke at being annoyed with people (not you Daviessimo, but others; you actually help out here sometimes) who complain about what goes up at ITN, but yet don't ever help with it, or make suggestions, or anything else. Candlewicke: I am extremely sorry about what has occurred, and you have my complete faith...in your many ITN items I've reviewed (even after they go up, just to check) or cowritten, I've never seen issues with plagiarism. Spencer^T♦C 19:15, 1 March 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 27

Bolivian epidemic (from yesterday)

• An outbreak of dengue fever kills 18 people and infects 31,000 in Bolivia. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 16:32, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 16:37, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Footprints

• This looks like an interesting story. I don't know which article to update, though. --Tone 16:53, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • I added that to yesterday's current events. However, I also added other such scientific-discovery type stories on the oldest words in the English language, the delivery of 90,000 seeds to the Doomsday Vault in the Arctic Circle and the evolution of HIV... I would consider those three either more or just as interesting/significant but that might be just an opinion... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 17:58, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Footprint has a section titled "Ancient footprints" – although it is currently little more than a list. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:03, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • I like the Doomsday Vault story as well. Though there is no update in the article yet. --Tone 19:57, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • 90,000 food crop seed samples are delivered to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in the Arctic Circle. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:44, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply
          • 90,000 added out of a total of ~20 million? I'm not sure if this is notable enough. Although 90,000 may seem like a lot, it appears to be a drop in the bucket to the actual amount. Spencer^T♦C 22:28, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply
            • It's also the first anniversary, there was an international conference and at any rate 90,000 is a lot of seeds saved by any estimation. I would think that this is a large enough amount to be added in one go as it was reported. If it were small or this were happening any day there would not be daily updates... the figure 90,000 would be seen as massive if it involved deaths or injuries... so why not the preservation of vital food supplies that would prevent such deaths? --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 00:15, 28 February 2009 (UTC)reply
              • Looking at the article, it compares the seed storage to that of a bank deposite box. A more realistic comparison would be depositing 90,000 coins in a box that already has 19.91 million. I assumed the number was reported because it was the first anniversary of the bank, not because a record number were being banked. However, if this is a record, I'd be more interested. In addition, the saving of 90 thousand lives is bordering on speculation...there aren't any current seed shortages, this is just a doomsday vault. I hope you understand where I'm coming from here. Spencer^T♦C 00:43, 28 February 2009 (UTC)reply
                • Yes, but preserving 90,000 of anything in one go is not an everyday occurrence... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 01:57, 28 February 2009 (UTC)reply
                  • I've actually been doing some unofficial research on this, and 90,000 seeds is a lot for this, and a new (record?) number of species is being banked...so posting. (under correct date). Spencer^T♦C 19:49, 1 March 2009 (UTC)reply

Kano Trovafloxacin trial litigation

• U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer agrees to settle a multi-billion dollar damages case with 200 alleged victims of a drugs trial in Kano, Nigeria.
  • Kindly updated by User:Candlewicke. --BorgQueen (talk) 02:33, 28 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Trimmed, tidied alternative: U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer settles a multi-billion dollar damages case with 200 alleged victims of a drugs trial in Kano, Nigeria.

And therefore approved, or is that cheating? Link the U.S. perhaps? Plus the particular type of dollar? And cut out the redirects? --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 04:09, 28 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• Going to post soon. --BorgQueen (talk) 05:38, 28 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Posted by BQ. Spencer^T♦C 00:38, 1 March 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 26

• Nom record RBS loss in 2008. --bender235 (talk) 14:03, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

There are several reports from companies about losses, we can't cover them all. I'd say no. --Tone 14:31, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Agreed. There's a new one every day where I am. Not all are discussed internationally. Bankruptcies and government takeovers are much more notable. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:19, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Well it depends. This is the largest corporate loss in UK history, which all things being considered means there is a good chance it is one of the largest in Europe, if not the world. It is according to Forbes the tenth largest business in the world and is effectively state owned (and as such the losses are against the UK taxpayer). Without context we can't just presume it is not ITN worthy because businesses make big losses all the time. For a comparison consider the GM results today which was less than half of this, that being one of the largest auto-makers in the world that neared bankruptcy just a couple of months ago. --Daviessimo (talk) 20:49, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Huh? How does the largest corporate loss in UK history, if that's what it is, automatically qualify it as potentially one of the largest in Europe or even the world?! That's making assumptions on the most extreme level... ITN (and Wikipedia) deals with facts, not ifs, buts and maybes... if such an astonishing claim can be sourced, well then... for now it's just speculation... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:11, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Strike action

I know this type of thing probably happens every day but what about when it hasn't happened in twenty years? --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:28, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Bearing in mind that this happened the day after 2,000 members of what is Ireland's police force protested in something else that is unheard of. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:31, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Another record slump the day before... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:32, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Just days after this... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:34, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

– that said, I suspect there will be much more, so it could be left for a few days to build up... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:51, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Another Irish news? Is this very important? –Howard the Duck 05:00, 28 February 2009 (UTC)reply

No. This was the day before the bank robbery which stole the headlines. As for importance I will leave that up to you to decide based upon all those sources that I've provided (and many more I could if you wish)... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 03:06, 2 March 2009 (UTC)reply

ICTY trial result

• Another trial result? I know there is another war crimes on at the moment, but I can't change what is in the news.

"Milan Milutinovic, Nikola Šainović, Nebojša Pavković, Dragoljub Ojdanić, Vladimir Lazarević, and Sreten Lukić are all sentenced to over 15 years in prison on charges of war crimes." Rambo's Revenge (talk) 18:47, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

The BBC are reporting that Milutinovic has been acquitted 2 - Personally I think that if this were to go up that could be more important that the sentencing of the others. --Daviessimo (talk) 20:57, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Okay is "Milan Milutinović was acquitted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia on charges of war crimes" any better? Rambo's Revenge (talk) 21:17, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

If there are no objections I am going to post it tonight (JST). --BorgQueen (talk) 10:56, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 14:10, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Bolivian epidemic

• One for South America... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 19:56, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Looks good. Please create a relevant article. --BorgQueen (talk) 03:14, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Spanish drugs/football scandal

• This one is breaking so it's one to watch. Arrests in cities across Spain. Reports that one is a professional footballer in the country, another a former French football manager and agents from FIFA are involved too. Sounds big – could become high profile... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 20:15, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Yes, let's see if any of them are convicted. --BorgQueen (talk) 03:18, 27 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Issue of museum openings

• In relation to the openings of museums discussed earlier in the week, it turns out they are everyday events. Here's the third one this week... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 20:22, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• Ye but let's be honest what happened in Baghdad was unique. Museum closed to public under Saddam, pilfered when he falls, its antiquities spread all over the world illegally, yet here we are five years on and the museum has opened to the public. We can't apply set rules without considering the broader context and that was more than just another opening. --Daviessimo (talk) 20:38, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Kathmandu's followed the abolition of a centuries-old monarchy... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:06, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Not that old. Nepalese monarchy only started in the 1760s. Not that old when you compare to the Japanese or British. –Howard the Duck 04:57, 28 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Still a fair bit older than Saddam Hussein's great-great-great grandfolks... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:43, 1 March 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 25

Gamburtsev mapping success

• An international team of scientists announces the completion of its mission to map the Gamburtsev Mountain Range beneath the Antarctic ice.
  • It's got international appeal... UK, US, Germany, Australia, China, Japan, etc... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 02:27, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • We have little Antarctica-oriented stories although the continent is even bigger than Europe... Ok, joke aside, support. --Tone 12:57, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 13:04, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Amsterdam Crash

• I think this is noteworthy enough. We had the Hudson crash and no one died in that, plus this is likely to be a hull loss crash --Daviessimo (talk) 11:00, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Not really. Everyone survived. --BorgQueen (talk) 11:52, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • So a plane crashing short of the runway, breaking into three pieces, nearly smashing into a main road, forcing the closure of one of the busiest airports in the world isn't noteworthy --Daviessimo (talk) 11:58, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • On ITN, "nearly" or "almost" doesn't count. The closure part is a bit better - If other people support it, I won't make any objection. --BorgQueen (talk) 12:13, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
• Looks like the latest press conference announced that not everyone made it out alive. Support feature. - Mailer Diablo 12:42, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • It's not every day (or every year) that a plane crashes, in the middle of the city and everyone survives. I guess we can correlate this to Hudson River ditching; sure everyone survived but it wasn't everyday that a plane ditched on a river and everyone survived. Now if this was plane that locked its landing gear in the airport and skidded on the runway and everyone survived it would've been more common. –Howard the Duck 12:50, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • BBC News is now reporting nine fatalities and over fifty injured --Daviessimo (talk) 12:51, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • Support inclusion but until it's clear how many casualties there were, don't put on the number (or write more than ? killed). --Tone 12:57, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 13:20, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply

The number of casualties is now 9 according to most sources. This can be put up as well. --Tone 18:58, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Agreed. I haven't seen any other figure... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 19:42, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Done. --BorgQueen (talk) 19:55, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Tiananment protest

• Three men set themselves on fire near Tiananmen Square. 3

I know it's developing. Shiplevelone (talk) 11:56, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• • Wait. And even then, probably no, unless there is some significant development. --Tone 12:57, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Groundhog Day! There was a similar smaller incident in Ireland not so long ago... I seem to recall an incident involving a plane crash on that very day also... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 15:45, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Press attention is picking up. 4 It occurred on Tibetan New Year. Coincides with a fresh crackdown in Tibet. 5 I say it's worthy story encompassing much wider tension in Tibet and China. Shiplevelone (talk) 20:30, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply

RUF verdict

• The Special Court for Sierra Leone convicts three commanders of the Revolutionary United Front on charges of war crimes.
  • Issa Sesay, Morris Kallon articles also updated. Rambo's Revenge (talk) 17:28, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Damn! That was too quick! :D Can't see anything wrong with this story. I've linked war crimes. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 17:34, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • A bit short, though... otherwise a good story. --Tone 18:58, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • It also needs more refs. Spencer^T♦C 02:12, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply
          • How about now? - BanyanTree 07:39, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply
• Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 14:35, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Serbian murder-escape plan suspensions

• What about this? --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:22, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Not ITN material... regarding the prison stories, there was a spectacular escape in Greece a couple of days ago but we're not having it because ITN is not a news service ;-) --Tone 22:10, 25 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Bangladesh Rifles revolt

2009 Bangladesh Rifles revolt article was made to supply for the news The Bangladesh Rifles mutiny in Dhaka, killing one person and injuring eight. (AFP via Google News). Can someone please have a look at the article and update the first page with it? The news is very important and got the attention of World Media. I have also added reference sources from BBC, CNN, Alzajeera and a few leading Bangladeshi dailies. Regards--Tarif from Bangladesh (talk) 03:47, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• more references were added and information were given. Please add it to the main page or give more feedbacks so that we can work it to the main page. Regards--Tarif from Bangladesh (talk) 08:59, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Wow, this got big. Can you suggest a wording to reflect the current situation? --Tone 09:04, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 14:20, 26 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 24

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden

• Nom: Sweden's government announces Crown Princess Victoria's (pictured) engagement to businessman Daniel Westling. --Hapsala (talk) 18:51, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • No. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:56, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • An engagement? Certainly not. I'm not too sure about her (future) marriage though. --BorgQueen (talk) 18:59, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

National Museum of Iraq

• Potentialy interesting ITN candidate, especially in connection with all stolen and then recovered items. Needs updates, though. Opinions? --Tone 14:47, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• The reopening of a museum? Is this a significant story? --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 15:02, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• Just as I typed that I discovered this. Which leads me to think that museum openings are indeed very everyday topics... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 15:05, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• I agree with Candlewicke. Unless there are some controversies attached, not really for ITN. --BorgQueen (talk) 15:53, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• Well being honest you can't compare the two - the National Museum of Iraq is exactly that, a national Museum and it holds/held all the greatest 'treasures' in the country, whilst the tsunami museum is related to only one event. Its re-opening is symbolic for two reasons - firstly because given the looting after the invasion it shows how far the country has moved forward -secondly because it could have profound implications on the antiquities trade, given that Iraq museum pieces are more likely to now be tradable by the major auction houses. Just my tuppence though --Daviessimo (talk) 16:02, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

(ec) I was thinking about the artefacts stolen during the war as the controversy. And this is historically important museum. Just felt it is reasonable to discuss the option. --Tone 16:10, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Rare cheetah photos

• This is much more interesting and unusual, although I suspect not for ITN (and the animal does not appear to have an article). --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 15:26, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Not really my type, though interesting. A photo was taken. I think it has to be a discovery of a new species to go to ITN. --Tone 16:10, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Lab teeth

• Then there is this; however,it requires a lot of believing and some coulds and maybes so not really good enough either. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 15:31, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Too many maybes for now. When they actually make a useful piece... --Tone 16:10, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Somalia erupts

• This is more like it. Not sure if it'll be selected as Somalia has been getting a few ITNs and deaths have been overkill recently. But worth a shot. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 15:42, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Looks bad enough to qualify. Would you like to create an article on it? And please watch for Pakistan-related news since we have developed a deficiency of the topic. --BorgQueen (talk) 15:58, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • It's a part of the civil war. If you decide it merits its own article The battle of ??, then I support. Otherwise, no. --Tone 16:10, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • A machine gun and mortar battle in Mogadishu, Somalia kills 15 people and injures at least ninety more as the Somali Civil War escalates. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 20:25, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • Posting. Spencer^T♦C 21:36, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Orbiting Carbon Observatory

• A NASA rocket carrying the Orbiting Carbon Observatory falls into the ocean near Antarctica after a failed launch.
  • They just blew a nine-year project. --BorgQueen (talk) 16:30, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Yeah, it's a bit of an embarrassment... and certainly not planned either I should think... ;) --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:12, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 18:24, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 23

Indian human spaceflight program

• India has approved a £1.7 billion plan to launch its first astronauts into space by 2015.

• Would make a nice counterpoint to the success of Slumdog Millionaire. 193.56.37.1 (talk) 15:22, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• I agree it would but there have been recent planned launches by other countries (plus the planned closure of Guantanamo Bay) which have been dismissed because they are simply plans and not all plans come to fruition. So including this at ITN would be an inconsistent move. But if it happens I would support it then. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:39, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• I agree with Candlewick. Spencer^T♦C 21:33, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Oppose. Its not really significant. --→ Ãlways Ãhëad (talk) 02:25, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Not really significant? I wouldn't go that far... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 09:06, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Its just a proposal + two India-related blurbs are already on the main page. The two candidates below appear to be more interesting.—Magic.Wiki (talk) 02:46, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

YSL auction

• Would the YSL auction be ITN-worthy? BBC describes it "the biggest ever sale of privately owned art", which The Globe and Mail confirms. It also has a juicy controversy; China is outraged that they are selling looted bronze heads. --BorgQueen (talk) 17:01, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Update: A Paris court rejected a bid to block the sale of the sculptures claimed by China, and ordered the protesters to pay fines instead. --BorgQueen (talk) 19:55, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Sounds interesting... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 20:03, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • We could wait until the bronze heads get sold (scheduled tomorrow), when the controversy will achieve its climax. By the way, if I create an article on it, what name should it have? How about Saint Laurent art collection controversy? --BorgQueen (talk) 14:43, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • Yes. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 20:34, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Comet Lulin

• Comet Lulin is coming. I don't know about our criteria regarding comets, but they say this is the first time it has visited our solar system and may well be the last. Let me know if anyone thinks it is notable enough for ITN. --BorgQueen (talk) 20:30, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • First and last time sounds good. Plus it would please those on Talk:Main Page who are currently despairing over our repetitive coverage of crashes, explosions and general misery and deaths... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 00:27, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Is there no chance that this will smash into the earth? ;) We only get about one naked eye comet a year so I'd support this one. --Stephen 01:11, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • Support. The article is sufficiently informative. The blurb should include that today is the peak of visibility. --Tone 09:04, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
• Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 14:43, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • I just observed the comet last night. Not quite naked-eye visibility for my location, but many people have observed it in dark skies. I would expect the magnitude to have peaked brighter than +6.0, though, considering so people have seen it with the naked eye since Feb. 7, so more info may come later. ~AH1^(TCU) 21:15, 24 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 22

Vietnam's first oil refinery

• Vietnam opens Dung Quat refinery, the nation's first oil refinery. 6
  • If consensus supports, I will update the article further. --BorgQueen (talk) 08:53, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • I wouldn't put it on ITN, just opening a new facility. --Tone 12:00, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

2009 Shanxi mine blast

• Since at least 73 people died in this, probably ITN-worthy even though such accidents are not extremely uncommon in PRC. We have 2009 Shanxi mine blast and it is still very short. Does anyone want to expand? --BorgQueen (talk) 08:58, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • I will. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 09:04, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • A mine blast in Gujiao in the Shanxi province of China kills at least 73 people and injures at least 113 more. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 09:48, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 09:55, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Oscars 2009

• The awards will be handed out today (actually, tomorrow early morning in my time zone.) Proposed wording is something like xx wins yy awards including best picture and something else at the Academy Awards. --Tone 12:00, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Seeing as Danny Boyle and Slumdog Millionaire were featured on ITN for the Golden Globes, might we go a different route it were to win best picture? Grsz¹¹ 01:46, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

No. –Howard the Duck 03:24, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Wow, thank you for that terrific perspective. Grsz¹¹ 03:27, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

There is no other award worth mentioning. Only the Best Picture should make the cut. We can consider Best Director, Actor and Actress if we want to add pics. –Howard the Duck 04:05, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

I would prefer something simple like "Film X wins Y Academy Awards including Best Picture". Zzyzx11 (Talk) 03:42, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

The 2009 Gujarat Hepatitis outbreak

• The Hepatitis outbreak in Gujarat, India, kills at least 38 people and continues to spread.
  • The article needs some tidying up though. --BorgQueen (talk) 12:15, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

I have done some work on it — added some text in the lead and rewrote the "reaction" section which was earlier copy-pasted directly from cnn —Magic.Wiki (talk) 15:12, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Article still needs more attention (refs and style), so don't put up yet...I'll work on it. Spencer^T♦C 19:07, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

I agree, please take your time. --BorgQueen (talk) 19:13, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Okay, reorganised, more refs, and better fleshed-out. Wording: An outbreak of Hepatitis B in Gujarat, India, kills 49 people and infects 125. I'll post, but can you give me the recognition tag? Thanks, Spencer^T♦C 19:58, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

2009 Khan el-Khalili explosion

• A bomb thrown into the crowded Khan El-Khalili square killes, at least, a French woman, a tourist and two locals in Cairo, Egypt.
  • The incident is very important with many European causalities sparking the first serious terrorist attack for a couple of years.--Diaa abdelmoneim (talk) 20:52, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

It's too short now. Also, is 4 deaths notable enough? Spencer^T♦C 21:36, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

In the context I would say yes. Egypt is one of the more stable 'tourist friendly' states in that region and as the above user suggests given that there has been one French person killed and up to fifteen foreigners injured (7) it certainly has international significance =Daviessimo (talk) 21:49, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

I'd also say this is significant. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 01:52, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

I think it is acceptable, only if somebody expands it a bit. --BorgQueen (talk) 05:50, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Is it expanded enough?--Diaa abdelmoneim (talk) 10:20, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Posted. Btw, only one person died, not four. --BorgQueen (talk) 10:47, 23 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 21

Slovakian coach and train collision

• Is there an article for this 8? I'm not sure how common accidents like this are in Eastern Europe, but if this occured in western Europe it would be quite a significant event. --Daviessimo (talk) 15:45, 21 February 2009 (UTC)reply

I might create it later if nobody else has gotten to it. We don't hear of anything like this every day. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:34, 21 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Having traveled on railroads in the region I assure you it is not normal for them to hit buses and kill 11 people. -- Mwalcoff (talk) 00:59, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

11 people are killed and twenty are injured in a collision between a tourist coach and a train in central Slovakia.

I'm not sure it's normal for trains and buses to become involved in such an intimate way fullstop. Even the recent derailment in Orissa was lacking a bus... although bizarrely I mistyped coach and got redirected to the Council of Christian Hospitals in – Orissa! Anyway, just waiting to be posted now I guess... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 01:26, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Are 2 sources and 2 paragraphs enough? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.205.76.213 (talk • contribs)

Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 04:24, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 20

Benjamin Netanyahu

• Nom: Israeli President Shimon Peres chooses Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) to form the next Israeli government. --Hapsala (talk) 13:20, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• A bold link to Israeli legislative election, 2009 is recommended in a hook which mentions that Likud failed to win plurality in the Knesset. --199.71.174.100 (talk) 17:48, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• • • I think we should wait until the new government is sworn in. Then, certainly. --Tone 18:06, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • I don't think we need wait, the president has already decided who will become Israel's next PM. --Hapsala (talk) 19:54, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • But he still has to form a government and pass a vote in Kneset, right? --Tone 20:05, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
          • Exactly. This seems similar to when it was suggested we should put Tzipi Livni winning the Kadima leadership election. In that case I pointed out there was no guarantee she would form the next government and be the next PM and it turned out I she didn't. In this case, there is I presume similarly no guarantee Benjamin Netanyahu will form the next government and be the next PM. I'm not that familiar with Israeli politics but I presume by convention no one else tries to form the next government when the President has specifically invited someone but there is still no guarantee of success and if he fails either someone else will be given the chance or a fresh election will be called. It is ultimately up to the members of the Knesset. However I wouldn't mind mentioning the results of the election but the emphasis should be on that. Nil Einne (talk) 22:00, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Peanuts

• What about this 9? Is there an article for it? Scientifically speaking this is a huge move forward. --Daviessimo (talk) 07:15, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Interesting but still in testing phase. I'd say wait. --Tone 08:29, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • I've heard of this but the article is unconvincing... the headline says "hope" and then there's "a longer-term follow up is now needed to confirm the findings"... --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 13:18, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Latvia

• The government resings. Big news. --Tone 18:06, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Are you in hurry? Some blurb please. --BorgQueen (talk) 18:17, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • I have added this info to both links in the following blurb. How about "Ivars Godmanis, the Prime Minister of Latvia, resigns along with the rest of his government." Rambo's Revenge (talk) 19:28, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • Ok, I'm back now. The wording is fine, maybe worth to mention that the reason way the economic crisis (according to the references). --Tone 19:53, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 21:06, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Tamil Tiger aircraft attack

• I was wondering if this is bad enough for ITN? --BorgQueen (talk) 21:49, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Looks like it is. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 00:23, 21 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • We now have a related article so,

"Tamil Tiger rebels launch a kamikaze style suicide attack on Colombo, killing two people". --snowolfD4 ^{( talk / @ )} 22:40, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 22:49, 22 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 19

Brits

• At the 2009 BRIT Awards, singer Duffy wins becomes the first female to win three awards in one ceremony. Possibility? Rambo's Revenge (talk) 14:33, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Not my choice of ITN... --Tone 14:46, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

That is okay, I was just suggesting it for balance as I noticed the Grammy's made ITN on February 9. Rambo's Revenge (talk) 15:24, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

The fact that the BRIT Awards has separate categories for British and International means something. –Howard the Duck 17:21, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

I'd be willing to support this if something like the Meteors went up too... but that won't happen... because we'd have every other national music awards wanting mention... followed by the film awards... and television... and radio... and so on... and on... balance is all very well but it would be impossible to manage... I'd say the Grammys are in a separate class though. And not every Grammy is listed. Just the one considered most important. Also Duffy links to a disambiguation page. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 17:31, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

There isn't enough prose in the article in the first place to qualify. Spencer^T♦C 00:27, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Danton

• The Danton, a French battleship sunk in 1917 by a German submarine, is discovered upright with many of its gun turrets still intact on the floor of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Quotes:

    "The French government is now keen to see that the site is protected."

    "'Its condition is extraordinary', said Rob Hawkins, project director with Fugro GeoConsulting Limited."

This is much more remarkable in my opinion. It also seems to have been updated so it would be a matter of someone agreeing and also determining whether enough info has been added to allow it onto ITN. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 17:58, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Cool. The article could be expanded a bit more but I support it now already. --Tone 18:02, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 18:40, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

HIV/AIDS epidemic in China'

• China publishes figures saying that HIV/Aids was its leading cause of death in 2008, compared with other infectious diseases, increasing fivefold over three years and thought to be the first time this has happened.
  • I haven't checked this one properly and it might need an update but I'll just leave out there and see what everybody thinks. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:24, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • I am leaning toward support, provided it is adequately updated. --BorgQueen (talk) 10:57, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • China confirms HIV/Aids as its leading cause of death by infectious disease in 2008, a fivefold increase over a three year period. --Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 00:14, 21 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 02:55, 21 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Stanford Financial Group

• Really, what's the financial world coming to? I think Stanford Financial Group fraud case is ITN-worthy but I'd like to know what others think. --BorgQueen (talk) 18:26, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Yes. Seems mild enough compared to what's going on in Ireland but this seems to affecting lots more countries.--➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:29, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Some nice wording please? --BorgQueen (talk) 19:09, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • The Stanford Financial Group is investigated for alleged fraud as Peru and Venezuela suspend financial operations? --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 20:14, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • Actually Venezuela seized, rather than merely suspended. --BorgQueen (talk) 20:16, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply
          • I see. Ummm... The Stanford Financial Group is investigated for alleged fraud as Peru and Venezuela seize and suspend financial operations? --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:00, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply
            • Alleged...not good enough for ITN. And this is also an investigation. Oppose for now.Spencer^T♦C 00:29, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply
              • Agree with Spencer. In the past I think we've always waited for the person to be charged at the very least. --Daviessimo (talk) 07:13, 20 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 18

UBS AG in trouble

• Switzerland is certainly not a tax haven anymore. 10 I tend to think this is ITN-worthy since UBS AG is the largest bank in Switzerland according to CNN, and the second-largest bank in Europe according to our own article. --BorgQueen (talk) 05:59, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Nom: UBS AG, Switzerland's largest bank, agrees to pay US$780 million in fines and restitution and turn over account information to the U.S. Government for helping 17,000 American clients avoid taxes. --BorgQueen (talk) 05:59, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Added "17,000". 11 The blurb has become a bit too long though. Any alt. suggestions are welcome. --BorgQueen (talk) 10:20, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • ...Anyone home? :( --BorgQueen (talk) 11:59, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

This is a good story. However, the update is a bit short. And the wording could be improved. At present, it can be interpreted that the bank will help people to avoid taxes, what is presumably not the case... --Tone 12:18, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Ok, I will start updating the article. --BorgQueen (talk) 12:31, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Alt: UBS AG, Switzerland's largest bank, agrees to pay US$780 million in fines and restitution and disclose account information to the U.S. Government after admitting to helping American clients avoid taxes. --BorgQueen (talk) 13:01, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 17:13, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Pakistan

• Is this news ITN-worthy? Pakistan has been neglected on ITN, and we should come up with something. I suppose the problem is that a lot of people get killed there every day, it is hard to pinpoint one event... The same goes with the Mexican drug war. --BorgQueen (talk) 16:27, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • I have to agree with you. Pakistan has to be on ITN more often. But whether this is the story I am doubtful. The article itself says "Reporters have often been killed or kidnapped in northwest Pakistan" - I doubt we could make this out to be any more of a special case. Even if one reporter was killed in the U.S. or U.K. I doubt it would be notable for ITN. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 20:14, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply

NASA

• NASA/ESA select the next mission to the outer planets: the Europa Jupiter System Mission. Charvest (talk) 18:03, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• • http://www.nasa.gov/topics/solarsystem/features/20090218.html
  • http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16626-europa-trumps-titan-in-bid-for-outer-planet-mission.html
  • http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7897585.stm

• • • It has only been selected though not launched? I believe at one point we were supposed to having someone on Mars by now but that never exactly took off... --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 20:17, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply

La Brea Tar Pits and LACMA

• "Officials at the George C. Page Museum announce the 2006 discovery of the largest known cache of fossils from the last ice age, in a Los Angeles County Museum of Art-owned parking structure near La Brea Tar Pits, including a saber-toothed cat, six dire wolves, a giant ground sloth, an American lion, and a near-intact mammoth skeleton named Zed."

• Probably waay too long, but some stuff could easily be cut out. Refs are: 12 13 14 15 Matthewedwards (talk • contribs • email) 20:58, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• ITN-worthy I would think. But blogs are not allowed... :/ --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:14, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply

I'd support this one. The sources are reliable, just ignore that blog one. No need to list the species. --Tone 12:24, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Is it wise to ignore blogs? Should something containing a blog be featured on ITN? --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 17:36, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Besides, I feel sort of awkward since the actual discovery was in 2006. I know we've had those "announcement" items before but... 2006 might be a bit too far. --BorgQueen (talk) 17:39, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Why not, if they have been made public now. By the way, one ref is a blog, the others are not, I don't see the issue here. Am I missing something? --Tone 17:49, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

I'm just saying we don't use blogs, don't we? Or am I missing something? I now think the Danton (see above) is a much better choice. The French governemnt are only moving to protect it now so it must be more recent than 2006. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:27, 19 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 17

Big American stimulus plan.

• Nom: President Barack Obama signs the a US$787 billion stimulus package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, into law. Spencer^T♦C 21:25, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Lots of things get signed into law... every day... I imagine the U.S. will even sign into law something else quite quickly... --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:44, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Except nothing else involves spending $787,000,000,000 (1/18 of the US's overall GDP). However, American_Recovery_and_Reinvestment_Act_of_2009#Provisions_of_the_final_bill must be filled in before this should be posted...I'm trying to cleanup the rest of the article right now, and if someone wants to help, it would be appreciated. Thanks, Spencer^T♦C 21:51, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • That's relative though. It just reflects the wealth of the U.S. and its position in the world. That's not very neutral. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:56, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • I also recall that we put up other stimulus packages, including the 2008 Chinese economic stimulus plan, which, according to google is 43.39200 billion USD, much smaller compared to this. 585.18 billion U.S. dollars. Spencer^T♦C 22:00, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
          • Oh I guess that's fine then. As long as we put up China. ;) --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 22:11, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
            • I'm still expanding provisions of the final bill; it's quite long. :P. Spencer^T♦C 22:46, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
              • Done. Whew that took forever. Spencer^T♦C 01:31, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply
                • Can you do something about those tags, before we put it up on MP? --BorgQueen (talk) 01:37, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply
                  • Lemme see... Spencer^T♦C 01:56, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply
                    • Got it down to a POV tag. Not much I can do about that, though. Spencer^T♦C 02:11, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply
• Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 02:34, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Duch trial

• If people start to "panic" and want an update then maybe "The trial of former Khmer Rouge leader Duch begins at a Phnom Penh court." — Preceding unsigned comment added by Rambo's Revenge (talk • contribs)
  • I believe that for any trial we should wait until the defendant is convicted (or found not guilty, which is highly unlikely in this particular case). The result of a trial is usually a more significant news than the trial itself. --BorgQueen (talk) 10:32, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Ok, fair enough. Rambo's Revenge (talk) 10:37, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • I don't know, I think this is big enough. He's being charged with crimes against humanity, which is pretty rare and I think having a mention of the start of the trial as well as the verdict is important. The fact that it has taken almost 30 years for this trial to come makes it even more significant --Daviessimo (talk) 19:49, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • This looks quite historic to me. But perhaps BorgQueen is correct - the result may be better - if the charge is so rare then even any clearance of wrong-doing would be ITN-worthy. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:46, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Oil spill

• I'm not sure if it qualifies yet, the WP page hasn't been fleshed out fully, but a 1000 tonne oil spill involving Russian Naval Vessels which originated yesterday is now headed for the south coast of Ireland. Trustcited (talk) 15:56, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

This article has now seen noticeable expansion. Trustcited (talk) 17:48, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

"The biggest oil spill in the UK since 1996"; I think that's notable enough. Can you suggest some well-worded blurb? --BorgQueen (talk) 18:17, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Just heard of this. Yes, I should think this is ITN material. At last - I'm not the only one getting Ireland on ITN outside elections... --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:30, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• The largest oil spill to affect Great Britain and Ireland in 13 years occurs off County Cork.

There's a blurb for a start unless anyone can come up with something better. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:37, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 21:49, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

The clock is still red but you'll probably have solved that by the time I save this. ;) --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:51, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Blurb is suitable IMO. Thanks Candlewicke! Trustcited (talk) 21:55, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

You're very welcome! :) --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:57, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Clock reset. Spencer^T♦C 22:04, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Just added to P:CE per WP:ITNMP Procedural #2. --199.71.174.100 (talk) 00:44, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply

• I made a map, which might be of use on the Main Page. Jolly Ω Janner 01:25, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Generally, it's prefered not to use maps in ITN if possible. Spencer^T♦C 01:31, 18 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 16

The UK Counter-Terrorism Act

• In the United Kingdom, section 76 of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008, which bans taking photographs of law enforcement officers and military personnels to assist acts of terrorism, goes into effect. 16 Does anyone think this is ITN-worthy? The entire Counter-Terrorism Act is controversial, of course, but some argue that this particular section may seriously restrict freedom of the press (which may or may not be true). -BorgQueen (talk) 14:09, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • If there are "may"s and "may not"s it may be better just to keep watch on this one until something concrete is declared. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:42, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

The Pirate Bay trial

• The trial against file sharing network The Pirate Bay starts in Stockholm, Sweden. --Hapsala (talk) 14:52, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • I think we should wait until they are either convicted or found not guilty. I am hoping for the latter because it will make a far more eyebrow-raising headline (for the rest of us not living in Sweden anyway). --BorgQueen (talk) 15:56, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • You have half the latter, as 50% of charges have been dropped.17 Rambo's Revenge (talk) 16:58, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • Then let's wait for the other 50... we have two trials at the moment... how can we choose one over the other? --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:50, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • We don't have to. I don't think it is likely that we will get the both verdicts on the same day. --BorgQueen (talk) 21:57, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply
          • Lots of maybes and unlikelys indeed. Fair enough. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 22:12, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Venezuelan referendum vote

• Chavez won. 18 Could anyone update a relevant article? Thanks. --BorgQueen (talk) 03:14, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

"An amendment to the Constitution of Venezuela, lifting term limits on elected offices from the President of the Republic down, is endorsed by 54% of voters in a referendum." 189.146.243.114 (talk) 04:30, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Posting. --BorgQueen (talk) 05:21, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Wow, this is some horrible wording. What about mentioning Chavez who is the key person in the whole thing and not mentioning 54% since simple support is enough? --Tone 09:10, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Can you give a bit more specific wording? I think mentioning Chavez will lengthen the blurb too much. --BorgQueen (talk) 11:04, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

In Venezuela, the voters endorse a proposed amendment to the constitution, lifting term limit on elected officers. (or making possible for Chavez to be elected again+ photo of Chavez). This is as far as I can get it. --Tone 11:45, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Done. --BorgQueen (talk) 12:01, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

The current wording gives the impression that Chavez' re-election is certain. I suggest changing the wording to In Venezuela, the voters endorse an amendment to the constitution lifting term limits on elected offices, enabling President Hugo Chávez (pictured) to stand for re-election at the end of the current term. Or something to that effect. Pruneau^talk 13:22, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Nuclear submarine collision

• Is this notable. It is about two Nuclear subs colliding: HMS Vanguard (S28) and Triomphant (S 616)? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Rambo's Revenge (talk • contribs)
  • Yes. I was going to suggest this news but the source was a tabloid, but now it has been confirmed by BBC so I would say the source is reliable. So many unusual collisions/crashes this month, eh? --BorgQueen (talk) 11:00, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • It is a good story but I wonder what to write. The collision took place some time ago so it's not recent news. The announcement is what is recent. I don't see the date in the BBC article, anyone knows when exactly the collision happened? --Tone 11:49, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • According to the BBC article, "earlier this month." Perhaps we could wait until the press squeezes more info from them. --BorgQueen (talk) 12:03, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • According to The Times it crashed on February 3 or 4. 19 Rambo's Revenge (talk) 13:04, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • Slightly odd hook, but how about "A British and a French nuclear submarine collide in the Atlantic Ocean." Rambo's Revenge (talk) 13:09, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Something is happening at 2009 nuclear submarine collision article. Still, far too little content so far. --Tone 13:11, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

I wasn't aware of that article, I'll put of information in it now, but have to go out shortly. Rambo's Revenge (talk) 13:25, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Ok I have added quite a bit to the article. Is it ready yet? If not I'll do some more work when I get back. Rambo's Revenge (talk) 14:10, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 15:45, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Harder than diamonds

• Some science stories. Lonsdaleite is apparently harder than diamond. 20 Needs some work, though. --Tone 14:11, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Allow me to quote the story (with bolded emphasis added): "The gemstone lost its title of the 'world's hardest material' some time ago, to man-made nanomaterials of slightly greater toughness. Now a rare natural substance looks likely to leave them all far behind - at 58% harder than diamond." An interesting story though, if it actually occurs. Spencer^T♦C 19:23, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Sounds like a gradual occurrence/discovery which would not feature in the news. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 21:40, 17 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 15

Galeras eruption

• The Galeras vocano eruption seems to be notable enough; an official "red alert" has been issued for the area. Anyone wants to update the article? --BorgQueen (talk) 05:18, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Sigh, ok I am updating it. --BorgQueen (talk) 07:30, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 11:33, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • I don't mean to be rude, and its easy for me to comment since I can barely contribute, but is the eruption of every single volcano considered notable for ITN? On the plus side though, yet another ITN for Colombia and South America... --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 12:42, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • Not every single one, but if the eruption caused thousands of people to flee, then yes, I would tend to think it's ITN-worthy. Btw do something about your net connection. --BorgQueen (talk) 12:47, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • I support the inclusion but next time it's better to wait for a comment or two before posting. I know there's little activity around here sometimes but still ;-) --Tone 12:44, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Russia

• I don't mean to distract but whilst we were debating the fire burned ferociously... --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:29, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Bearing in mind that fires are always burning in Russia as the article demonstrates... --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:31, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • I'm going to have to oppose...this seems more trivial, and after doing some quick research, I find you'd be hard pressed to be able to write 3 quality paragraphs about this. Spencer^T♦C 20:26, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply
• That's fine. As I said above it's not even the worst fire in Russia this month... --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 23:11, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Nominate the ongoing French Caribbean general strikes, 2009 in Guadeloupe and Martinique.

• The ongoing general strikes over the high cost of living in Guadeloupe and Martinique have continued nonstop for three weeks and show no signs of ending anytime soon. If anything, there is a risk that the strikes could spread to other French territories or even France itself, making the story important outside of the Caribbean. The strikes have paralyzed the economy and tourism industry on both islands and magnified social tensions.
• Example: The ongoing general strikes in Guadeloupe and Martinique continue over the high cost of living. Any other suggestions? Scanlan (talk) 02:11, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • Supported. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 02:14, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 02:25, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

UK cancer breakthrough

• Researchers in the United Kingdom announce the discovery of a "danger receptor" which may kick-start an immune reaction to cancer. (BBC)
  • Don't know about this one; it doesn't have an article and I'm just after locating it but I'll leave it here anyway and see what everybody thinks. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 02:23, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • The key word in your first point is "may". With so many medical discoveries that "may" have an effect on HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other diseases, I'm going to have to oppose. Spencer^T♦C 02:38, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • You're correct. How silly of me, having previously pointed out such dubious wording myself. Thank goodness there is more than one to decide... --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 03:03, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Congo rebels killed

• At least 40 Rwandan Hutu rebels are killed in air strikes in the Democratic Republic of Congo. (BBC)
  • How about this one which we seem to have missed? It would have happened between the U.S. plane crash and the Indian train derailment which are both still on ITN.

The numbers killed in the air raids - 75km west of the provincial capital Goma - make them the deadliest since the arrival of Rwandan forces in January.

--➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 03:10, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Turkey

• This probably needs to be watched in case of further developments. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 03:14, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 14

ITN candidates for February 13

American money and its relevance on a global scale

• Nom: Once Obama signs the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, perhaps it could be combined in a blurb with the Australian stimulus package. If someone doesn't think this is notable, I think the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 itself is worth about 10% of the US' GDP or something like that. Spencer^T♦C 18:38, 14 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • However, the Australia stimulus is only approved in the Senate, and I can't currently find an article for it. Spencer^T♦C 18:39, 14 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Would something worth 10% of, for some slightly broad examples, Iceland's, Turkey's, Argentina's, Costa Rica's or Mali's GDP make it onto ITN? You also seem a bit uncertain even that it's 10% – which doesn't seem all that high a figure... but any country could sign such a deal so surely you should give a valid reason as to why this is significant to anyone outside the U.S.? --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 14:29, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • Isn't it 100% of Mali's economy less than 10% of the U.S. economy? Or something like that. Plus these American companies are outsourced everywhere once the American economy contracts the first things they'll do is too pull out their foreign outsourcing. Of course they are not outsourcing in Europe since labor is expensive there so... –Howard the Duck 15:33, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • So what relevance does it have to the people of Europe? --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 23:17, 15 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Plane House Collision

• A Continental Airlines airplanes crashes into a house in Clarence Center, New York, USA, killing 49 people. Buffalo News
  • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 07:31, 13 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Neanderthal

• Nom: The completion of the first draft of the Neanderthal genome is announced by the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany. --BorgQueen (talk) 09:24, 13 February 2009 (UTC)reply
  • If consensus supports, I will update the article. --BorgQueen (talk) 09:24, 13 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Good one. Of course, the article needs considerable update first. By the way, should we put this on ITN now or when a more detailed sequence is revealed? --Tone 09:43, 13 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • I tend to think it wouldn't harm to feature it now, since an official announcement (scheduled on Darwin's 200th birthday) was made by the institute. But I will wait for consensus first. --BorgQueen (talk) 09:47, 13 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • Ok, I am working on it. --BorgQueen (talk) 15:35, 13 February 2009 (UTC)reply
          • Updated and posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 00:15, 14 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Orissa

• A passenger train derails the Indian state of Orissa, killing at least 15 people and injuring 150.
  • Just happened. All the available info is in the article awaiting posting to ITN. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 22:39, 13 February 2009 (UTC)reply
    • Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 00:15, 14 February 2009 (UTC)reply
      • Surely this ought to be above the neanderthal? It has just happened in the last number of hours... --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 00:53, 14 February 2009 (UTC)reply
        • If its on the same date, we try to put the pictured item on top/as high as possible. Spencer^T♦C 18:40, 14 February 2009 (UTC)reply
          • This may have no relevance to the people of Europe, but it may have relevance to people somewhere else not just in the U.S. Perhaps the people of Europe, or more specifically the European governments, may have an interest concerning on how to prop up their economies. –Howard the Duck 04:08, 16 February 2009 (UTC)reply

ITN candidates for February 12

ITN candidates for February 11

Zimbabwe

Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change party has been sworn in as Prime Minister of Zimbabwe. Rambo's Revenge (talk) 10:29, 11 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Support. Consider including a link to 2008–2009 Zimbabwean political negotiations in the blurb. --Tone 10:41, 11 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 10:44, 11 February 2009 (UTC)reply

I'm not going to use Tsvangirai's pic because it has been uploaded by a commons user with a long history of uploading copyvio images. --BorgQueen (talk) 11:05, 11 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Satellite collision

The collision of two satellites was the first time in history, so probably significant enough to be on ITN. Does anyone agree? --BorgQueen (talk) 05:35, 12 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Yep. 2009 satellite collision --Stephen 06:33, 12 February 2009 (UTC)reply

That was fast. Grundle beat me to it. --BorgQueen (talk) 07:47, 12 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Good one. Support. --Tone 08:08, 12 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Ok, hang on, I am just polishing it before putting it on MP. --BorgQueen (talk) 13:13, 12 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Yeah, I can see I was beaten to this one too. :) --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 14:43, 12 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Posted. Can someone give me the credit for nominating the article? Thanks. --BorgQueen (talk) 15:13, 12 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Mexico

• The discovery of a 16th-century mass grave at the Tlatelolco archaeological site in Mexico City is announced. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 20:18, 12 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Interesting sure. But there was also a discovery of mummies in Egypt recently so I don't know which of those two could be featured. How significant is the discovery anyway? The article says it is interested and unexpected but is it a big breakthrough? I don't know... --Tone 12:16, 13 February 2009 (UTC)reply

It's the first South American discovery of a mass grave of bodies laid out carefully as opposed to just being tossed in a pit. I think they're saying it represents the spread of Christianity to the continent. It's also crucial because it covers a wide age demographic due to the discovery including males and females from all age groups - children to the elderly. I would say it's more significant than the unearthing of a few mummies which would be a more regular occurrence and tend to be linked to royalty more than ordinary folk. --➨♀♂Candlewicke _S^T _# :) 18:25, 13 February 2009 (UTC)reply

Posted. --BorgQueen (talk) 00:14, 14 February 2009 (UTC)reply