Funny you mention that, as I entered the General board, the first thing I thought was, this is more of a "BREAKING NEWS" section than anything.
I've felt that the General board should be generalized around the websites concept in part. Or atleast be relevant to computing.
If I really cared to read about news, I would be visiting and posting to a news board.
Occasionly, posting news would be OK, but since there is not even a summary and I am having to click a link, as you mention, to see what the fuss is about then decide I can care less.
I do not feel there are enough regulars to create a good discussion board here. This is primarily why I frequent several boards.