Madonna is again with child

Malawi’s highest court says Madonna can adopt a second child from the African nation, citing her love, determination and “income tax returns.”

In granting her custody of 3-year-old Chifundo “Mercy” James, the court brushed aside concerns by human rights groups that the nation is bending laws meant to protect children in a country where half a million have lost a parent to AIDS.

“I am ecstatic,” Madonna said. “My family and I look forward to sharing our lives with her.”

The 50-year-old pop star adopted a son, David, last year. Her request to adopt Mercy was rejected in April by a lower court that said she hadn’t spent enough time in Malawi first.

The appeals court Friday said that was a narrow interpretation of old laws, and that Madonna’s financial stability and commitment to helping children also should be considered.

She founded a children’s charity, Raising Malawi, in 2006.

Was Dave off-base?

Sarah Palin says David Letterman owes an apology to young women across the country for his joke about her daughter.

On Friday’s “Today” show, the Alaska governor continued a feud over Letterman’s wisecrack that her daughter got “knocked up” by baseball star Alex Rodriguez.

Letterman said he was referring to Palin’s daughter Bristol, 18, an unwed mother. But 14-year-old Willow was the one at the New York Yankees game.

For her, it’s a dead end

Former Miss California USA Carrie Prejean is convinced she lost her crown because of her opposition to gay marriage, not skipping scheduled appearances.

“Tolerance needs to be a two-way street,” she says.

The birthday bunch

Magician Siegfried (Siegfried and Roy) is 70. Actor Malcolm McDowell is 66. Actor Richard Thomas is 58. Actor Tim Allen is 56. Actress Ally Sheedy is 47. TV anchor Hannah Storm is 47. Actor Steve-O (“Jackass”) is 35. Actor Ethan Embry is 31. Actresses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are 23.