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STAFF

Putin might be heading to Crimea
Russian President Vladimir Putin could make his first visit to Crimea today since the region was annexed from Ukraine in March. Reports in Russia suggest Putin will make a rare joint trip with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to the peninsula to observe a military parade in the port city of Sevastopol, where Russia's Black Sea fleet is based, to mark the 69th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in the second world war.
 
Berlusconi starts community service
Disgraced former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi will begin community service with Alzheimer's patients today, following his conviction for tax fraud. An Italian court has ordered the 77-year-old billionaire to work in an elderly people's home run by the Catholic Church in Cesano Boscone, on Milan's outskirts, for one day a week for the next year, doing shifts of at least four hours.
 
Heightened security for Li in Nairobi
Security has been stepped up in Nairobi today ahead of a visit by Premier Li Keqiang. Powerful explosions ripped through two passenger buses in the Kenyan capital on Sunday, a day after twin attacks rocked the port city of Mombasa. Li is on the final leg of an eight-day African tour and is expected to sign agreements with Kenya on trade, infrastructure, science and technology before returning home on Sunday.
 
Vatican clears way for Paul's beatification
Pope Francis today is expected to approve the beatification of another 20th century pope, clearing the way for Paul VI to become a saint after a ceremony likely to be held in October. Paul reigned between 1963 and 1978 and presided over key reforms from the Second Vatican Council, as well as surviving an assassination attempt at Manila airport in 1970 by a Bolivian surrealist painter.
 
'Grande Partenza' rolls off in Ireland
One of cycling's premier events will start outside mainland Europe for the first time today, with Belfast the departure point for the 97th edition of the Giro d'Italia. Defending champion Vincenzo Nibali and reigning Tour de France winner Chris Froome are missing the event to concentrate on Le Tour in July, leaving Tour runner-up Nairo Quintana and Spanish rider Joaquin Rodriguez among the favourites to claim victory.
 
On show, HK's habits between the sheets
An exhibition focusing on the relationship between sex and desire in the context of Hong Kong society and history opens at the Para/Site Gallery in Sheung Wan. "Ten Million Rooms of Yearning. Sex in Hong Kong", examines sexual morality and how socio-economic conditions in the city - including small and cramped living quarters, high population density and a tendency to live with parents - can suppress sexuality and inhibit intimacy and privacy. Five venues across the city will host the exhibition.


Talking points

Russian President Vladimir Putin could make his first visit to Crimea.

Security has been stepped up in Nairobi ahead of a visit by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Tour de France runner-up Nairo Quintana is among the favourites to win Giro d'Italia.

Opinion

Comment

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


Russian President Vladimir Putin could make his first visit to Crimea today since the region was annexed from Ukraine in March. Reports in Russia suggest Putin will make a rare joint trip with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to the peninsula to observe a military parade in the port city of Sevastopol.
