Madonna has birthday in Poland amid protests (AP)

AP - As police clashed with protesters in the streets, world leaders on Thursday closed ranks on pay limits for bankers whose risky behavior contributed to the global financial meltdown. With economies on the mend, a summit mood of cautious optimism replaced last year's fear and uncertainty.

AP - As police clashed with protesters in the streets, world leaders on Thursday closed ranks on pay limits for bankers whose risky behavior contributed to the global financial meltdown. With economies on the mend, a summit mood of cautious optimism replaced last year's fear and uncertainty.

AP - U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, long a fierce critic of Beijing, toured China's financial capital on Monday on a visit focused on environmental issues rather than human rights, though her presence emboldened protesters.

AP - Myanmar's military regime produced more prosecution witnesses Tuesday as democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi faced a second day of a closed-door trial that could cripple her efforts to re-enter the political arena after years of detention.

AP - A spokesman for Taliban militants in Pakistan's Swat Valley says their peace agreement with the government is "worthless" after troops attacked militants hideouts in a neighboring district.

AP - Madonna has taken a tumble while horseback riding in New York's Hamptons and has suffered "minor injuries" and bruises.

Washington form the phrase 'Hajimemashite,' which means 'Nice to meet you' in Japanese, as they arrive at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, September 25, 2008. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clifford L. H. Davis/Handout/Reuters)" border="0" />Reuters - Hundreds of people protested the arrival of a nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier at its new home port in Japan on Thursday, demanding greater safety measures.

House in Nairobi, Kenya. President Mwai Kibaki on Sunday named rival Raila Odinga as prime minister, implementing a power-sharing deal after protracted negotiations over the deal they signed over a month ago. (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)" border="0" />AP - At least one person has died during demonstrations by a Kenyan gang over the killing of their imprisoned leader's wife, police said Monday.

Beijing Olympics, in Athens on Sunday, March 30, 2008. Protesters challenged a police cordon, in an attempt to disrupt the final leg of the Greek torch relay, from the Acropolis to the stadium. (AP Photo/Phil Ipparis)" border="0" />AP - Chinese spectators cheered Sunday as Greece handed off the Olympic flame for its journey to Beijing and relay through 20 countries. But protesters brandishing Tibetan flags stole the limelight.

port of Basra three days to surrender their weapons and renounce violence as clashes between security forces and Shiite militia fighters erupted for a second day. (AP Photo/APTN)" border="0" />AP - Tens of thousands of Shiites took the streets to protest the government's crackdown on militias in Basra as heavy fighting between Iraqi security forces and gunmen erupted for a third day in the southern oil port and Baghdad.

AP - Armenian police say eight people were killed and 33 officers injured in clashes between police and protesters angry over alleged election fraud.

AP - Several dozen people protested outside a theater Saturday where a 104-year-old singer who once performed for Adolf Hitler took the stage in the Netherlands for the first time in four decades.

AP - Madonna is the richest woman in music.

AP - Jason Kapono scored 10 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter, and the Toronto Raptors beat San Antonio 83-73 Friday night, the Spurs' second home loss of the season.

Marine One as he departs the White House in Washington, DC. Bush is due here Thursday on the first leg of a Latin American tour to promote democracy and free trade, amid protests around the region and a counter-trip by arch foe Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.(AFP/Yuri Gripas)" border="0" />AFP - US President George W. Bush is due here Thursday on the first leg of a Latin American tour to promote democracy and free trade, amid protests around the region and a counter-trip by arch foe Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.

AP - Eight coal miners were killed after a suspected gas explosion in a mine in southern Poland on Tuesday, and fears were growing as rescuers tried to reach 15 others trapped more than 3,000 feet underground.

AP - Madonna visited an orphanage in Malawi's commercial capital Thursday on the second day of a trip to highlight the plight of AIDS orphans, which prompted speculation she was about to adopt a child herself.