Lawmakers tackle issue of illegal structures

Lawmakers will hold a special meeting in the legislature today to address the widespread problem of illegal structures and poorly maintained buildings following the recent collapse of a canopy on an industrial building in Tuen Mun. Revelations that various tycoons and government officials have illegal structures have added urgency to the problem, as has the Heung Yee Kuk's assertion that New Territories villagers deserve special treatment.

Tsai Ing-wen puts diplomatic skills to test

Taiwan's DPP presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen is wrapping up her Philippines trip. Taiwan and the Philippines claim sovereignty in the South China Sea, where tension is escalating. How Tsai handles the complicated foreign relations will help her in the presidential race.

Ruling due on charges against Chirac

The trial of former French president Jacques Chirac over misuse of public funds from when he served as mayor of Paris during the 1990s is to reopen if it gets clearance from the country's Constitutional Council. The council has been asked to say whether some of the alleged offences are too old to go to court. Chirac has denied all charges.

Vote could open up internet domain names

The internet is poised for one of its biggest shake-ups as an industry body votes at a meeting in Singapore on a proposal to open up new domain suffixes for private companies. Under the changes, businesses would no longer be restricted to the generic domains, which include .com, .net and .org. Observers say global giants such as Apple, Toyota and BMW could be in the vanguard of launching websites with their own domain names. Canon plans to apply for .Canon. Trade groups for bankers and financial services companies are working to explore bids for .bank, .insure and .invest.

Wimbledon kicks off two weeks of competition

Wimbledon begins today with a wide variety of stories to follow. Venus and Serena Williams return after long absences. Their challengers include China's Li Na, recently crowned French Open champion. The men's contest sees Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray again jockeying for honours. The first-round encounter that possibly holds the greatest appeal is the rematch of John Isner and Nicolas Mahut, who slugged it out over three days last year, with Isner winning 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-3), 70-68, the highest score ever.

Two new listing hopefuls test the market

Two listing hopefuls are to brave the increasingly chilly Hong Kong stock market - China Outfitters Holdings, maker of menswear for Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, and tutorial provider Modern Education Group.