Powerful sedative found in Michael Jackson's home LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The powerful sedative Diprivan was found in Michael Jackson's home, a law enforcement official said Friday as the city planned for a massive crowd at the singer's memorial service....
LA police plan for huge crowd at Jackson memorial LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Los Angeles city officials are preparing for massive crowds downtown during Tuesday's public memorial for Michael Jackson at Staples Center, even though only 17,500 tickets are being offered to the public....
Madonna to pay tribute to Jackson in concert LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Madonna is paying tribute to Michael Jackson in the same arena where he was to stage his great comeback....

Entertainment News

Michael Jackson dead at 50: By Ben Wener/Freedom News Service; Michael Jackson, the iconic entertainer known the world over as the King of Pop, has died. He was 50. Jackson was rushed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center early Thursday afternoon when paramedics were dispatched to his rented Bel-Air home and found... Full story

All the world’s a stage: Kids get the spotlight in the FCS Players' summer drama program; By Justin Weeks/For the Appeal-Democrat; Most teens would probably say that they could use less drama in their lives, but a great group of local young people are choosing to add in a little more. Over the course of June, kids aged 8 to 18 — many with no previous theatrical experience... Full story

Students grow into 'Midsummer' roles: Shakespeare production features actors who grew up into their roles; By Josh Kendrix/Appeal-Democrat; Understanding Shakespeare can be a difficult task for students. The students in the Miracle Shakespeare Company are an exception — they were first exposed to Shakespeare at 7 years old and now, at high school age, are performing "A Midsummer Night's... Full story

More fun than fame with YC Idol contest: Winner goes country with Motley Crue; By Ben van der Meer/Appeal-Democrat; No recording contract, no guaranteed tour in front of thousands, no chance to meet Ryan Seacrest -- well, maybe the last one is a benefit. Still, with a mere $500 first prize on the line, the 20 or so participants in Yuba City Idol Sunday afternoon left... Full story

'Lion King' roars on Sacramento stage: By Saunthy Nicolson-Singh/For the Appeal-Democrat; Disney's "The Lion King" rolled onto the Sacramento Community Center Theatre stage last week with a roar. A packed house roared back unanimous approval after a 180-minute production that dazzled the senses. Even though it premiered on Broadway 12 years... Full story

'Ice Age' is 'yawn of the dinosaurs' tale: By CHRISTY LEMIRE – AP Movie Critic; Comments | Recommend; There's more action and cuddly creatures for kids to love in "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" than in the animated franchise's first two installments. For their parents, it's more of the same, a "Yawn of the Dinosaurs" adventure with some new faces and... Full story

'Public Enemies' dazzles the eye but drags: By CHRISTY LEMIRE – AP Movie Critic; Comments | Recommend; With "Public Enemies," all the pieces would seem to be in place for an epic gangster drama: director Michael Mann, who has an affinity for complicated criminals; stars Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, who are famous for immersing themselves in their roles;... Full story

'Bruno' quickly goes out of style: By CHRISTY LEMIRE – AP Movie Critic; Comments | Recommend; The problem with "Bruno" is Bruno himself. Compared to Borat - and it's impossible to avoid the comparison - there simply isn't enough to the character to build an entire feature-length film around him. Both spring from the brash and creative mind of... Full story