Portal:Current events/2004 February 14
February 14, 2004 (Saturday)
- A new U.S.-sponsored satellite TV channel called Alhurra (The Free One) begins broadcasting in the Middle East and pledges to provide accurate and balanced news, but faces a skeptical Arab audience.
- Marco Pantani, world-renowned cyclist, winner of the 1998 Tour de France and the 1998 Giro d'Italia, is found dead in a hotel in the Adriatic city of Rimini, Italy.
- Same-sex marriage in the United States: Staff advisors for U.S. President George W. Bush say he will support the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which would outlaw same-sex marriage and federalize marriage law, which has been set by individual states since the founding of the country.
- U.S. President hopeful John Kerry scores two more Democratic primary victories in the State of Nevada and the federally controlled District of Columbia.
- In Moscow, a roof collapses killing about 25 and injuring at least 110.
- Approximately 550 qualified candidates suddenly drop out of Iran's parliamentary election.
- Occupation of Iraq: At least 20 people are killed in the town of Falluja as up to 50 gunmen attack government buildings, in one of the largest guerrilla attacks so far seen in Iraq.
- ROC presidential election, 2004: Candidates Lien Chan of the Pan-Blue Coalition and President Chen Shui-bian of the Pan-Green Coalition participate in a televised debate.
- Disney Channel airs the last episode of Lizzie McGuire called "Magic Train".