Most people say they plan to use this year's tax refund to pay bills, deciding in this sour economy to be more frugal with their annual windfall.
Fifty-four percent of those receiving refunds said they intend to pay off credit card, utility, housing and other bills, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll released Monday. That compares with 35 percent who said the same thing a year ago.
Only 5 percent, about the same as a year ago, said they planned to go on a shopping spree.
The survey found that 38 percent of those receiving a refund said they plan to spend at least part of it. But the spending appears to be mostly on basic needs: 17 percent said they would use the money for everyday needs such as food and clothing. It was 7 percent a year ago.
Phillip Barks of Aberdeen, Md., said he and his wife, Kristy, have spent their $3,800 refund. Most went toward a credit card bill . . .

Tierra Willoughby, 11 and Ryshun Sampson 11, take a gourmet cooking workshop at the Ashia Circles Annual Black Girl's Harambee in Seattle. About 50 girls between 10 and 14 participated in the event.  The all day conference included a naming ceremony and mind, body and spirit themed workshops.
Photo by Susan Fried

Photo: Pennsylvania State Rep. Jewell Williams
PHILADELPHIA (NNPA) - A growing contingent of community leaders and state legislators have called for a meeting with Mayor Michael Nutter, police Commissioner Charles Ramsey and Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison to address allegations of police misconduct and abuse. . . .

Portland Copwatch announces its three-part spring training cycle--Orientation to Portland Copwatch, Your Rights and the Police Seminar, and How to Copwatch Training--to be held over the course of two Saturdays in May. Portland Copwatch has scheduled a cycle of the three trainings for those who wish to volunteer or those who are just curious about police accountability issues. . . .

For the first time in 25 years, the number of African Americans incarcerated in state prisons for drug offenses has declined substantially, according to a study released by The Sentencing Project. There has been a 21.6 percent drop in the number of Blacks incarcerated for a drug offense, a decline of 31,000 people during the period 1999-2005. While overall drug offenses rose only 1 percent during this period, federal drug inmates increased by 32 percent. The study, The Changing Racial Dynamics of the War on Drugs, also documents a corresponding rise in the number of Whites in state prison for a drug offense, an increase of 42.6% during this time frame, or more than 21,000 people. . . .

The current degree of job loss among Black men is catastrophic and these losses will likely only increase as the economic crisis deepens. That's according to the Center for American Progress, which today released a report titled "Weathering the Storm: Black Men in the Recession." The report, authored by CAP research associate Alexandra Cawthorne, addresses how the current recession, which has resulted in job losses not seen in almost 25 years, is affecting Black men especially hard. According to the thinktank, policymakers must address the root causes of Black men's difficulties in the labor market, including high rates of incarceration, limited education, child support arrearages, and discrimination. . . .

Augustina Robinson 6, enjoys some pancakes at the Van Asselt Community Center Spring Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast April 11 in Seattle.  Despite the cool weather the annual event drew a lot of enthusiastic children and their parents. Spring Egg Hunts and Pancake Breakfasts were held at community centers all over Seattle.
Photo by Susan Fried

The Dallas police officer who pulled out his gun and threatened an NFL player with jail instead of allowing him inside a hospital where his mother-in-law was dying resigned Wednesday. . . . Click here for the actual uncut video of Officer Robert Powell threatening to arrest NFL running back Ryan Moats for running a red light . . . .

Of the 14 homes in Oregon that are registered as LEED Platinum – one of the highest ratings for environmentally sustainable building in the United States – none are considered to be affordable. That is, until now.
Habitat for Humanity unveiled two LEED Platinum homes for low-income people on March 31. The homes are located at 602 NE Webster St. and are being purchased by Janette Clark and the Alemayoh family with a no interest loan.
Steve Messinetti, executive director of Portland Habitat for Humanity, says creating an affordable home that meets LEED standards is no small feat. Actually getting LEED certification is costly and based on a point system . . .

Cuts to the health care safety net will increase health disparities in Washington state, according to a report by Washington health officials. The report, by the Washington State Board of Health in collaboration with the Governor's Interagency Council on Health Disparities, was released hours after the Washington State House of Representatives released its proposed budget.
"Communities of color disproportionately depend on public health insurance programs to cover their health care needs," said Tony Lee, policy director of the Statewide Poverty Action Network.  "It is important to save the health care safety net to ensure that we do not exacerbate racial disparities in health care." . . .