AP - The celebration of black music and culture at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans will provide comfort to artists and fans alike after a tough week following Michael Jackson's death.

AP - President Barack Obama called Michael Jackson a brilliant performer whose talents were paired with a tragic personal life.

AP - Los Angeles officials are holding closed-door talks about a possible event for Michael Jackson on Tuesday at a downtown arena, a person with knowledge of the situation said Thursday.

Reuters - Jermaine Jackson on Thursday said that when he first saw his brother, pop star Michael Jackson, dead in a hospital room he kissed him on the forehead and wished that he had died instead.

E! Online - R. Kelly isn't having girl trouble. Literally.

AP - Adoring fans and dozens of news crews poured into this bucolic town near Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch on Wednesday expecting to witness the finale to the story of the King of Pop — only to learn their hasty trips were unnecessary.

AP - The eldest Jonas brother, Kevin, and his girlfriend Danielle Deleasa (DAH'-lees-ah) were engaged Wednesday.

AP - The mysteries that continue to surround Michael Jackson's death include a frustrating and potentially costly one for news organizations: how and when the fallen pop idol will be laid to rest and where a memorial service would be held.

AP - With Peter Pan as inspiration, Michael Jackson turned his lush Neverland ranch into a whimsical retreat with carnival rides, a chimpanzee named Bubbles and even a Disney-like train station where he could recapture his lost childhood.

AP - Michael Jackson had a mountain of unreleased recordings in the vault when he died — music that is almost certain to be packaged and repackaged for his fans in the years to come.

AP - Tributes to the King of Pop continued Wednesday at the Apollo Theater, where the weekly Amateur Night turned into a Michael Jackson celebration, with impersonators emulating his outfits and mimicking his dance moves.