Starting in 2014, it’s going to be a lot tougher to graduate from an Ohio high school and get into an Ohio public college or university. 2014 seems a long way off, but WOSU Commentator Jerolyn Barbee says we all should start planning now.

Much has been said and written about Barack Obama’s rise to the presidency and the racial barrier that fell with his election. WOSU Commentator Jerolyn Barbee notes some stereotypes seem to be falling as well, at least for now.

A man whose name is well known to two generations of college students died last week. Former Rhode Island Senator Claiborne Pell was the force behind – the Pell Grant program. The program has helped tens of millions of Americans go to college since its start in 1972. WOSU commentator Jerolyn Barbee is thankful for Pell Grants, but says more needs to be done to make college affordable.

This week marks the anniversary of the start of the Montgomery bus boycott. WOSU Commentator Jerolyn Barbee says thanks.

In the final days before an election, the campaigns intensify the rhetoric heats up. WOSU commentator Jerolyn Barbee says all that rhetoric has an unfortunate by-product.

It’s the stretch run of the campaign. When politicians are not vowing to cut taxes, they are accusing their rivals of wanting to raise taxes. WOSU Commentator Jerolyn Barbee wonders what’s so bad about taxes.

In these final weeks of summer parents everywhere are struggling to keep their kids busy. In the inner city, programs to keep kids involved in positive activities is especially important. But as WOSU Commentator Jerolyn Barbee says, many of those activities are threatened with cuts.

The recent 4th of July celebration gives us time to look back and to appreciate all the freedoms we have. WOSU commentator Jerolyn Barbee says we should also use the holiday to renew our hope in the American Dream.

A new study indicates Ohio’s poverty is at its highest level since the mid-60′s. Governor Strickland is looking to reduce poverty. WOSU commentator Jerolyn Barbee says the governor, and others, should seek solutions from the poor themselves.