Madonna's Adoption Delayed

Orphan could jet to New York as early as this week

(NEWSER) - Mercy James is living the high life starting today. As Madonna’s lawyer prepares the adoption paperwork, the 4-year-old orphan will move into the singer’s luxury lodge in Malawi to be cared for by a nanny and nurse flown in from the US, the Mirror reports. She could leave for New York this week to meet her new sister and brothers. More»

Highest court grants permission to adopt

(NEWSER) - Malawi’s highest court ruled today that Madonna can adopt orphan Mercy James, the AP reports. The court, overturning a lower court’s rejection of the adoption bid, stated “every child has the right to love” and made the case that though the singer does not live in Malawi, “in this global village a man can have more than one place at which he resides.” More»

Plus, love triumphs and troubles for celebs

(NEWSER) - As officials confirm Madonna is en route to Malawi to adopt a new baby, the singer received a glowing recommendation from young lover Jesus Luz’s father, the Mirror reports. “When Cupid strikes, age doesn't matter,” he said. More on Cupid in Hollywood:

• Britney Spears is still texting ex Adnan Ghalib, even though he is legally unable to reply, the Sun says. “She says she is lonely and misses being able to date the men she chooses,” says a source.

'Misguided' Material Mom should use international adoption as a 'last resort'

(NEWSER) - By adopting Mercy James, Madonna has actually endangered other Malawian orphans, writes Anna Feuchtwang in the Daily Mail. “Corrupt adoption agencies and child traffickers, newly alerted to the ease with which Malawian laws can be circumvented, are even now planning to target the country,” writes Feuchtwang, chief executive of a charity that helps families stay together, citing examples of orphans sold into “forced labor or prostitution.” More»

Convinces three judges to see things her way

(NEWSER) - Madonna is finally getting her Malawian daughter. The Material Girl will be allowed to adopt orphan Mercy James after convincing three appeals judges to recommend it, the Sun reports. “All recommendations are in favor of the adoption taking place,” a source said. “Mercy should start packing her bags. She’s off to America.” Madonna is “ecstatic,” a friend adds. The ruling is set to be announced Sunday. More»