Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
Shenzhou-9 crew on a mission closer to home
The three members of the Shenzhou-9 mission to dock with the orbiting Tiangong-1 space laboratory, who returned to earth on June 29 after 13 days in space, arrive in the city for a four-day visit at the invitation of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. Astronauts Jing Haipeng , Liu Wang and China's first woman in space, Liu Yang (left), are travelling with a 40-member delegation. They will meet the media, attend a dialogue session with school pupils and open an exhibition at the Hong Kong Science Museum.
Hong Kong releases GDP figures for second quarter
Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah's office releases data for the city's gross domestic product in the second quarter of the year. Earlier this year University of Hong Kong economists revised their prediction for the city's GDP growth for the full year to between 3 and 4 per cent, up one percentage point from an estimate made in January, citing resolution of the Greek debt crisis and continuing economic recovery in the United States.
Deadline looms for cash-strapped Pompey
English League One football side Portsmouth will be shut unless all senior players have accepted compromise wage deals or agreed to transfers. British media reported that management would liquidate the club, known to fans as Pompey, by today if deals were not reached with seven remaining senior players. Two interested buyers - former owner Balram Chainrai (left), a Hong Kong businessman, and the Portsmouth Supporters' Trust - have said their takeover bids depend on the deals with the high earners. If Chainrai buys the club, it will be his third stint as owner.