Talking points

Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...

PM who presided over Iceland's collapse faces verdict

A verdict is expected in the trial of former Icelandic Prime Minister Geir Haarde, the first political leader to be tried over the global financial crisis. Haarde, who has called the charges political persecution, became a symbol of the get-rich bubble economy for Icelanders who lost their jobs and homes after the country's main commercial bank collapsed in 2008, sending its currency into a nosedive and inflation soaring. He is accused of negligence in failing to prevent the financial implosion from which the country is still struggling to emerge. In the immediate aftermath, as unemployment and inflation rocketed, many sought to affix blame for the havoc roiling the island nation of 330,000. A wave of public protests forced Haarde out of government in 2009.

Former Chinese University VC to testify at inquest

Former Chinese University's vice-chancellor Lawrence Lau juen-yee is expected to testify at the inquest into the death of former staff member Wong Yin-wan, who was found dead in a Sha Tin hotel with anti-psychotic drugs on the bed in October 2010. The inquest heard on Friday that Wong had become depressed and had suicidal thoughts after she asked former university secretary Jacob Leung Siu-kwong to a farewell dinner in 2007. Leung allegedly molested her after the dinner.

South Sudanese president visits China

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir arrives in China for a visit that continues until Saturday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said yesterday Beijing was greatly concerned about the escalating border conflict between Sudan and South Sudan and was ready to help. South Sudan broke away from Sudan in July after decades of civil war, but the two never agreed on how to share the oil wealth of the region and did not fully demarcate the border.

Media get glimpse of Auto China show in Beijing

The media get a preview of the coming Auto China show in Beijing. Carmakers are bringing SUVs and luxury sedans designed for Chinese buyers to the country's biggest car show this year as they scramble to keep sales growing amid a slump in the giant market's once-explosive demand. Admission for the general public starts on Friday. Analysts forecast growth in mainland car sales could rebound to about 5 per cent this year, double the 2.5 per cent recorded last year.

Fallen Democratic golden boy goes to trial

John Edwards had it all: money, good looks and a stellar presence in the Democratic Party that included two presidential bids. Then he cheated on his dying, cancer-stricken wife and now faces prison for taking money to cover up the affair. The federal court trial of the former senator begins today in North Carolina. Edwards faces six charges related to illegally accepting nearly US$1 million and using it to hide his affair with videographer Rielle Hunter and their child. He faces one count of conspiracy to violate federal campaign finance laws and lying about expenses, four counts of accepting and receiving illegal campaign contributions in 2007 and 2008, and one of hiding the illegal donations from authorities. Each charge carries up to five years' jail and a US$250,000 fine.