Amid protests, world leaders near agreement limiting bankers’ pay, keeping econ revival going

PITTSBURGH — 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.

Geithner: G-20 near agreement on limiting bankers’ pay, other issues as summit begins

PITTSBURGH — Struggling with a contentious issue, world leaders have reached basic agreement on limiting the bonuses of bankers whose risky behavior contributed to the global financial meltdown, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Thursday at a summit of the world’s largest economies. In the streets outside, protesters tussled with police on the opening day.

Michelle Obama shares passion for fresh, local food with G-20 summit spouses at dinner on farm

PITTSBURGH — First lady Michelle Obama shared her passion for eating fresh, healthy and locally grown food with the spouses of world leaders at a dinner Thursday on a working farm.

Geithner says G-20 nations broadly support US plan to promote more balanced growth

PITTSBURGH — Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner says the United States has a lot of support from other Group of 20 nations to move toward more balanced global growth.

World leaders focus on limiting bankers’ pay, looking for ways to avoid new economic meltdown

PITTSBURGH — Turning from outright fear to cautious optimism, world leaders descended on the comeback city of Pittsburgh Thursday to debate how to nurture a recovering but still-wobbly global economy. The leaders appeared to be nearing agreement on one of the more contentious issues, restricting bankers’ compensation.

G-20 march turns chaotic as police, protesters battle on streets of Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — Police fired canisters of pepper spray and smoke and rubber bullets at marchers protesting the Group of 20 summit Thursday after anarchists responded to calls to disperse by rolling trash bins, throwing rocks and breaking windows.

SUMMIT NOTEBOOK: At G-20, it’s little sleep, hard floors, long security lines

PITTSBURGH — If it’s Thursday, it must be Pittsburgh.

Federal judge to rule Thursday on ACLU’s G-20 protest suit against Pittsburgh, Secret Service

PITTSBURGH — A federal judge will rule Thursday on a lawsuit brought by the ACLU on protest plans by three groups during next week’s Group of 20 economic summit.

AP News in Brief

Obama says he’ll accept Nobel Peace Prize as ‘call to action’ toward peace and prosperity

Shrinking global economy headed for slow recovery next year: IMF

WASHINGTON - With the world in the grip of the most severe recession since World War II, the global economy is projected to shrink by 1.3 percent in 2009, with a slow recovery expected next year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

London’s dull and drab Excel Centre is no elegant Vigyan Bhavan

LONDON - It is huge, dull and drab. The venue for the G-20 summit looks more like an aircraft hanger than a venue for a prestigious event such as the G-20.

Manmohan Singh to hold discussions with Obama at G-20 Summit

NEW DELHI - Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will have his first meeting with United States (US) President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in London on April 2.

‘Buy American’ plan could invite retaliation from India, China: US study

WASHINGTON - A new US study has asked the US Congress to delete ‘Buy American’ provisions from an over $800 billion economic stimulus bill lest it may encourage key suppliers like China, India, and Brazil to retaliate.