Petraeus visit

April 8: Expect fireworks when Gen. David Petraeus, the military commander in charge of U.S. forces in Iraq, testifies before a Democratic-controlled Congress irked by his advice to President George W. Bush to maintain troop levels in Iraq.

South Korea votes

April 9: After taking control of the presidency in December, South Korea's right-leaning Grand National Party seems likely to take control of parliament too in elections in April. With parliament in the hands of a pro-U.S. party, President Lee Myung-bak may be able to improve South Korea--United States relations.

Sudan protest

April 13: Protesters will gather in front of the Sudanese embassy in London as well as other locations across the globe to commemorate the 5th annual Global Day for Darfur-a call for peace in the violence-plagued region. The UN estimates well over 200,000 have died in what the United States has termed a genocide.

Tax day

April 15: It's the last day for Americans to file their 2007 tax returns without requesting an extension. After filing taxes, some Americans will receive not only refunds but also rebate checks from the U.S. Treasury for up to $600 or $1,200 (joint filers) as part of Washington's attempt to stave off a recession.

Papal visit

April 16: When Pope Benedict XVI visits with President Bush, perhaps the White House will provide a cake with 81 candles. The pope celebrates his birthday on the second day of his first U.S. visit as head of the Catholic Church. On his special day, he'll meet with Bush before meeting with bishops in Washington. During a six-day visit, he'll also give a Mass at the Washington Nationals baseball stadium, speak at the UN, and visit Ground Zero in New York City.

Expelled opens

April 18: Actor and political writer Ben Stein will debut his Intelligent Design documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed to nationwide audiences. In the film, the rapier-witted Stein shows how the scientific and education establishments are fighting to keep proponents of Intelligent Design out of the mainstream.