8,000 artists celebrate in Panafrican Festival (AP)

AP - From superstars to tribal dancers, thousands of African artists are celebrating their troubled continent's culture and potential in an epic festival — and looking back at what they've accomplished and squandered in four decades of freedom from colonial rule.

Michael Jackson memorial cost LA $1.4 million (AP)

AP - Los Angeles spent $1.4 million to provide security, traffic control and other services for Michael Jackson's memorial service, city officials said as they looked for ways to have others help the financially troubled city pick up the bill.

German exhibit examines Nazi influence on music (AP)

AP - Richard Wagner is the classical composer most associated with the Nazis, but Johann Sebastian Bach was the one the party dubbed "the most German of Germans" and whose music was played at rallies to stir up nationalist zeal.

Pelosi shuts down resolution on Michael Jackson (AP)

AP - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shut the door Thursday to a resolution honoring Michael Jackson because debate on the symbolic measure could raise "contrary views" about the pop star's life.