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A new study shows that Blacks are more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than Whites in states where recreational marijuana has been legalized. Back in 2012, Colorado and Washington became the first states to implement less restrictive laws surrounding marijuana. Many advocates for these laws believed that racially charged arrests would decline. According to a report conducted by Mike Males from the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice, although marijuana arrests dropped by 90 percent in Washington and 60 percent in Colorado between the years 2008 and 2014, African-Americans were twice as likely to be arrested in those states. “I am surprised and disappointed by this,” said Males. “The forces that contribute to racial disparities under prohibition are clearly still in place after legalization.” The arrests often result in Blacks being sentenced to mandatory minimums, placing them behind bars for years. Read more.


Missing Broadway Actor To Make First Stage Appearance

J.L. Williams – a Broadway actor who went missing in February – will step back into the limelight, slated to make his return appearance in this spring’s self-created and written “The J.L. Show,” which will feature original tap dance and soul music. After going missing in February, Williams was found four days later in a New York City hospital on Valentine’s Day. “He has recovered swiftly, is doing well since being out of the hospital over a month ago, has taken a retreat to Playa del Carmen, Mexico and is looking forward to returning to the stage in the spring,” read a statement.


#SaferThanATrumpRally Hashtag Created After More Violence at Trump Rallies

As the violence at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s rallies continues, people on social media are taking a stand. Following a violent altercation at one of his events in Arizona this weekend, Twitter users gave birth to the #SaferThanATrumpRally hashtag. People used the hashtag to compare frightful situations to his rallies. “Being in the middle of Pompeii during the eruption of Mt Vesuvius is #SaferThanATrumpRally,” tweeted one person. “Every opening crime sequence of Law&Order SVU #SaferThanATrumpRally,” tweeted another. Despite all of the viral videos and photos of protesters being attacked at Trump rallies, he’s turning a blind eye to the issue. The GOP frontrunner still claims he doesn’t condone violence. Read more.


Justice Department Postpones Lawsuit with Apple Inc.

The lawsuit between Apple Inc. and the Justice Department has been put on hold. The Justice Department decided to postpone the case as they explore new ways to unlock the iPhone of Syed Farook; the terrorist behind the San Bernardino shootings. The Justice Department’s lawyers claim they may have discovered an alternative way to unlock his phone. “Our top priority has always been gaining access into the phone used by the terrorist in San Bernardino. With this goal in mind, the FBI has continued in its efforts to gain access to the phone without Apple’s assistance, even during a month-long period of litigation with the company. As a result of these efforts, an outside party demonstrated to the FBI this past weekend a possible method for unlocking the phone,” said a spokeswoman for the Justice Department. “We must first test this method to ensure that it doesn’t destroy the data on the phone, but we remain cautiously optimistic.” The government is slated to file a status report by April 5. Read more.


Tennis Official Steps Down After Making Sexist Remarks

Raymond Moore, CEO of the BNP Paribas Open, put his foot in his mouth after making sexist remarks about women’s tennis players. Moore said that they “ride on coattails of the men” and they “don’t make any decisions and they are lucky.” He also stated, “If I was a lady player, I’d go down every night on my knees and thank God that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were born, because they have carried this sport.” After news spread about his outlandish statements, Moore issued an apology, but ultimately decided to step down from his role. “Earlier today I had the opportunity to speak with Raymond Moore,” said Larry Ellison, owner of the tournament. “Ray let me know that he has decided to step down from his roles as CEO and tournament director effective immediately. I fully understand his decision.” Read more.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

NEWS ROUNDUP: Blacks Twice As Likely To Be Arrested For Marijuana In Legalized States…AND MORE  was originally published on newsone.com