Lawyer: Singer Mario’s Arrest was Linked to Mother’s Drug Abuse

(ETonline) Singer and former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant Mario was arrested last week for allegedly assaulting his mom, but his lawyer describes what happened as “an unfortunate incident between a loving son and a mother who continues to struggle with a devastating addiction.” “Anyone who has waged the battle to save loved ones from the forces of drugs knows the irrational behavior that almost always accompanies their actions,” Mario’s attorney told CNN. “Despite the allegations, Mario remains committed to supporting his mother.” Baltimore City Police told ET that they received a call about a disturbance early Friday. When the officer responded, he witnessed Shawntia Hardaway, Mario’s mother, sitting on a chair in the lobby of her…

Mario Arrested; Allegedly Beat Mom

(TMZ) Dancing With the Stars” alum and R&B singer Mario is in trouble with the law after a fight with his mother got out of hand. TMZ reports that authorities found a broken china cabinet and mirror and a hole in a closet door of the Baltimore apartment the two shared. Shawntia Hardaway said her son, whose full given name is Mario Dewar Bennett, was pushing her around and throwing things. He was arrested and charged with second degree assault, before being releaed on a $50,000 bond.

Google Opens Goo.gl URL Shortening Service to the Public

Before Twitter blew up and everyone started thinking in 140 characters, no one really cared about having long URLs. With Twitter users scrambling to solve the 140-character puzzle, URL shortening sites like Bit.ly, TinyURL, and Ow.ly have grown increasingly popular. Google on Thursday jumped into the game and announced its own URL shortening site, Goo.gl. The Google URL shortener was actually introduced last December as part of Google Toolbar and Feedburner. Since then, the service has been integrated into Google News, Blogger, Google Maps, Picasa Web Albums, and Google Moderator. But until now, there was no standalone Google site to shorten a URL. But why bother with Goo.gl when there are already other sites you can…

US Apologizes For Infecting Guatemalans With STDs

Washington (CNN) — The United States apologized Friday for a 1946-1948 research study that purposely infected people in Guatemala with sexually transmitted diseases. A statement by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius called the action “reprehensible.” “We deeply regret that it happened, and we apologize to all the individuals who were affected by such abhorrent research practices,” the joint statement said. “The conduct exhibited during the study does not represent the values of the United States, or our commitment to human dignity and great respect for the people of Guatemala.” Clinton called Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom on Thursday night to inform him, said Assistant Secretary of…

Atlanta Home Invasions Continue

Unfortunately, Home invasions in Metro-Atlanta seem to be getting worse. Atlanta police say they have some strong leads in a violent home invasion in Atlantic Station. Investigators say a man came to visit two friends at some loft apartments on District Avenue and 17th Street. He brought with him another man who police say is now the suspect. He was armed and looking for someone who may have owned him money. That person wasn’t there, but the man started shooting anyway, causing the two men at the loft to jump from a second story balcony. One may have broken an arm. Police are looking for the shooter.

OPINION: A Deteriorating Body | The Bishop Eddie Long Accusations

(Urban News Room) Over the past two weeks many people have asked me, as a member of New Birth, what I think about the Bishop Eddie L. Long accusations. Mostly, I have refused to give my opinion while operating in my emotions. Recently, I have been given a greater peace about the situation. I can now shed some light on my thoughts. I will not discuss the specifics of the case, but I will address some of my concerns with Christian responses. We live in a nation founded on Christian values. According to a 2008 Religious Survey, 78% of the US population identify themselves as Christian. Growing up, I learned Christianity is confessing that Jesus…

Emanuel Steps Down For Expected Chicago Run

Washington (CNN) — Veteran Illinois politician Rahm Emanuel — long known as one of toughest men in American politics — has stepped down from his powerful position as White House chief of staff, President Obama announced Friday. Emanuel has been temporarily replaced by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Pete Rouse while Obama searches for a long-term replacement. Emanuel, who held a Chicago congressional seat for six years, is widely expected to run for mayor of his hometown. The move has been anticipated since Chicago Mayor Richard Daley recently decided not to run for re-election. Chicago “is the greatest city in the greatest country in the world,” Emanuel said. I am “eager to see what…