In today’s top news, a DOJ memo reveals the U.S. can order drone strikes on Americans; the NFL says Beyoncé did not cause the Super Bowl blackout; and lawyers in the Trayvon Martin case continue to argue over when George Zimmerman’s murder trial will begin.

A DOJ memo shows that the U.S. can order drone strikes on Americans it believes are connected to al-Qaeda. [NBCNews]

The NFL says Beyoncé did not cause the Super Bowl blackout. [BET]

Lawyers in the Trayvon Martin case are arguing over when George Zimmerman’s murder trial will begin. [BET]

A $400k reward has been announced for information about the Hadiya Pendleton shooting. [BET]

Pakistan’s tourism board plans to build an amusement park in the town where Osama bin Laden was killed. [NBCNews]

Malcolm X’s grandson was arrested by the FBI while en route to Iran. [PressTV]

A study shows Google displays more ads related to criminal activity when “Black names” are searched. [BBC]

The NYPD is defending its undercover spying on Muslims. [AP]

A Chinese tech company has unveiled a new Windows smartphone made specifically for use in African countries. [BBC]

Malian forces captured al-Qaeda fighters in Northern Mali. [AJE]

In today’s top news, Michelle Obama rallied support for her husband’s second term at the Democratic National Convention, FAMU has suspended its dance team over hazing allegations and Terrence J lands a gig as co-host of E! News after leaving 106 & Park.

Michelle Obama rallied support for her husband’s second term at the Democratic National Convention. [BET]

FAMU has suspended its dance team over hazing allegations. [CNN]

Terrence J lands a gig as co-host of E! News after leaving 106 & Park. [BET]

Jay Electronica denies ghostwriting for Nas. [BET]

Justice Department accuses BP of “gross negligence” in oil spill. [Reuters]

In today’s top news, FAMU’s band director has stepped down amid the hazing death controversy, Mitt Romney says he’s “fine” with gay couples adopting children and the U.S. Department of Justice is suing an Arizona sheriff for racial profiling and discrimination against Latinos.

FAMU’s band director has stepped down amid hazing controversy. [CNN]

Mitt Romney says he’s “fine” with gay couples adopting children. [National Journal]

U.S. Department of Justice is suing an Arizona sheriff for racial profiling and discrimination against Latinos. [Reuters]

A Black female U.S. Army pioneer says she was mistreated because of her gender. [NYT]

A Florida teacher faces dismissal after disciplining students with a dog collar. [AP]

Kanye West raps about marrying Kim Kardashian. [BET]

Chris Brown and Rihanna feud over lyrics of new song. [BET]

Study shows Black boys at risk for self-harm. [WBLT]

Egypt holds its first televised presidential debate. [MSNBC]

A Nelson Mandela inspired fashion line will debut in the U.S. soon. [BET]

In today’s top news, Jennifer Hudson takes the stand in her family’s murder trial, the DOJ is suing Jacksonville, Florida over allegedly discriminatory firefighter exams and the resignation of the Sanford police chief in the Trayvon Martin case is rejected by the city commission.

Jennifer Hudson takes the stand in her family’s murder trial. [BET]

The DOJ is suing Jacksonville, Florida over allegedly discriminatory firefighter exams. [Reuters]

The resignation of the Sanford police chief in the Trayvon Martin case is rejected by the city commission. [BET]

An Alabama white man is beaten by a group of African-Americans after taunting a group of Black teens. [Local 15]

Essence sacks white male editor over offensive Facebook post. [Journal-isms]

A college student launches “African-Americans for Mitt Romney” Website. [The Hill]

A 13-year-old girl died during a shooting in a Harlem housing project. [NBC]

Dr. Dre shuts down rumors of a Tupac hologram tour. [BET]

T.I. steps in between the growing beef between rappers Iggy Azalea and Azealia Banks. [BET]

South Sudan’s leader says Sudan has declared war. [AP]

In today’s top news, George Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder for the death of Trayvon Martin, Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, says she thinks George Zimmerman made a mistake in shooting her son and the Beverly Hills police have closed the investigation into Whitney Houston’s death, finding no foul play.

George Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder for the death of Trayvon Martin. [BET]

Trayvon Martin’s mother says she thinks George Zimmerman made a mistake in shooting her son.  [MSNBC]

The Beverly Hills police have closed the investigation into Whitney Houston’s death, finding no foul play.  [BET]

Bobbi Kristina reportedly plans to star in a new reality show. [BET]

U.S. Justice Department is suing Apple for conspiring with publishers to rig e-book prices. [MSNBC]

An independent report on the Hardest Hit Housing Markets program says more could be done to aid struggling homeowners. [CNN]

Connecticut plans to repeal the death penalty. [CNN]

April is National STD Awareness Month. [BET]

South Sudan ignores U.N. calls to remove troops from disputed oil field. [BBC]

Protests break out in Syria as troops withdraw in compliance with ceasefire. [AJE]

In today’s top news, the federal government has decided to launch an investigation into the death of Trayvon Martin, new, negative details emerge about Robert Bales, the staff sergeant accused of massacring Afghan civilians, and Beyoncé is planning her first post-baby concert in Atlantic City.

The federal government has decided to launch an investigation into the death of Trayvon Martin. [BET]

New, negative details emerge about Robert Bales, the staff sergeant accused of massacring Afghan civilians. [ABC]

Beyoncé is planning for her first post-baby concert in Atlantic City. [BET]

Jaleel White to join Dancing With the Stars. [BET]

Nicki Minaj to become the face of a new Pepsi beverage. [Forbes]

Study shows “meth babies” have similar behavior to “crack babies.” [AP]

Black Chicago fire recruits from 1995 finally join the department. [Sun-Times]

Rick Santorum tells a crowd the unemployment rate “doesn’t matter” to him. [NBC]

Report: States do a poor job of guarding against corruption. [CNN]

Senegalese superstar Youssou Ndour launches his presidential campaign. [AFP]

Five White medics in Gary, Ind., will split more than $25,000 following a settlement in a job-discrimination lawsuit accusing the city fire department of hiring less-qualified Blacks over them. Under the agreement, between the U.S. Department of Justice and Gary officials, the White medics must also be offered their jobs back within a year, commensurate with their seniority and benefits. “I’m extremely happy,” South Haven Fire Department medic Tina Bruks told The Associated Press. She will receive more than $12,000. City officials say that White medics were not discriminated against when they hired six Blacks who were ranked lower on the eligibility list. Fire Chief Jeff Ward said that he was not compelled to go by a hiring list prepared by the previous administration.