Jury acquits man in killing of rapper

Los Angeles — A jury acquitted a man Friday of killing up-and-coming Atlanta rapper Dolla during a shooting last year at a crowded, upscale Los Angeles mall.

Jurors rejected prosecutors’ contentions that the killing of Dolla, whose real name was Roderick Anthony Burton II, was a callous act of apparent revenge.

Burton and his accused shooter, Aubrey Louis Berry, had been involved in a fight at an Atlanta club less than two weeks before the shooting last May.

Berry’s attorney had contended the shooting was an act of self-defense, emphasizing that Burton — a protege of hip-hop artist Akon — glorified a violent gangster lifestyle in his rap lyrics and online videos.

Berry, who has remained jailed since the May 18, 2009, shooting, hugged his attorney but was otherwise unemotional after the verdict.

Carey to share ideas with Cleveland council

Cleveland — Comedian Drew Carey plans to visit his hometown of Cleveland to discuss with City Council members his ideas to help revitalize the city.

“The Price is Right” host is expected to meet with council members Thursday after accepting an invitation from Council President Martin Sweeney.

Last month, Carey argued for less government, more competition, less taxes and changes to schools in 10-minute segments about Cleveland on the website reason.tv. The site is affiliated with the Reason Foundation, a libertarian-leaning organization for which Carey is a board member.