Iowa State Fair to honor Michael Jackson with butter statue of the pop icon

August 24th, 2009 Lawmaker wants subway station renamed for JacksonNEW YORK — A New York City lawmaker wants to see Michael Jackson honored at a subway station where the star made the music video for "Bad." Councilwoman Letitia James wants a plaque placed at Brooklyn's Hoyt-Schermerhorn station — or to have "Jackson" added to the station's name. Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Kevin Ortiz said Monday it's unlikely.

August 6th, 2009 California mayor loses flag powers in Jackson moveCARSON, Calif. — A Los Angeles suburb has stripped its mayor of some power after he ordered the U.S.

July 17th, 2009 Billie Holiday statue rededicated in BaltimoreBALTIMORE — A Baltimore statue of Billie Holiday now bears images evoking the anti-racism message of a song recorded by the jazz icon in the 1930s, just as the sculptor intended. Two panels at the statue's base — one of a lynched man and another of a newborn baby — were part of the design, but weren't included when the piece was erected in 1985 in a West Baltimore neighborhood.

July 15th, 2009 PETA suggests nondairy Michael Jackson sculptureDES MOINES, Iowa — People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have come up with an idea for sculptor Sarah Pratt and the Iowa State Fair — instead of using butter for a Michael Jackson sculpture, how about a nondairy spread? Officials with the fair, known for its butter cow, announced days after Jackson's death that they also would display a sculpture of the King of Pop. Last Wednesday, they said they would let the public decide in an online ballot.

July 9th, 2009 Pelosi: Resolution on Michael Jackson unnecessaryWASHINGTON — 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. Lawmakers are free to use House speeches "to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish," said Pelosi, D-Calif.

July 9th, 2009 Pelosi shuts down resolution on Michael JacksonWASHINGTON — 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. Lawmakers are free to use House speeches "to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish," said Pelosi, D-Calif.

July 8th, 2009 Iowa State Fair rethinks Jackson butter sculptureDES MOINES, Iowa — Plans for a Michael Jackson statue made of butter are churning up so many comments that Iowa State Fair organizers are putting the proposal to a vote. Organizers announced days after Jackson's death that they would display a sculpture of the King of Pop along with the annual butter cow, a popular fair attraction.

July 7th, 2009 Bill Clinton on Haiti trip praises Michael JacksonGONAIVES, Haiti — Bill Clinton paused during an aid mission to Haiti on Tuesday to honor Michael Jackson for helping the Democratic Party raise cash at a crucial time. The former U.S.

July 6th, 2009 Al Sharpton calls for 'love vigils' for JacksonLOS ANGELES — The Rev. Al Sharpton has delivered a sermon in Los Angeles where he called for nationwide "love vigils" for Michael Jackson on Tuesday.

July 2nd, 2009 Tributes to Jackson spring up in unlikely localesPITTSBURGH — Michael Jackson permeated popular culture so thoroughly that people and towns nationwide with no connection to him are holding services in his honor. A funeral director in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood is holding a memorial service Thursday night and was flooded with reservations.

July 1st, 2009 Stevie Wonder pays tribute to Michael JacksonMONTREAL — Stevie Wonder tinkered with the words of one of his biggest hits on Tuesday to honor Michael Jackson at Montreal's international jazz festival. Wonder said the pop icon should be remembered for his musical greatness and not the darker twists of his life.

June 30th, 2009 The King of Pop is to be a butter statueDES MOINES, Iowa — It's the King of Pop — in butter. Iowa State Fair organizers announced Tuesday that they will have a statue of Michael Jackson made of butter.

June 26th, 2009 House pauses to remember Michael JacksonWASHINGTON — The House of Representatives paused for a moment of silence Friday to mark entertainer Michael Jackson's death. Lawmakers briefly interrupted a debate on a global warming bill to stand in silence and honor the "King of Pop." Rep.

April 1st, 2009 LONDON - Pop star Michael Jackson, who is working on a comeback in Britain, has hired magician David Copperfield to spice up the shows. They apparently met at the magician's California headquarters and are planning some grandiose stunts.

March 21st, 2009 LONDON - Pop legend Michael Jackson has reportedly demanded an apology from the BBC after two of its comedians compared him to the Irish Republican Army (IRA). British funnymen Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis likened the singer to the organisation on BBC Radio 4s 'The Now Show' March 13 saying, '(We) can't believe which 80s celebrities (we) want back less - Michael Jackson or the IRA?' Jackson is now furious at the comment, contactmusic.com reports.