November 2, 1999

Here are descriptions of the radio stories available on the Ohio State University Info Line, November 5 through November 12, 1999. Stories are changed at noon. All feeds include one wraparound report of approximately 1:00 and at least one other actuality plus background material. If you have questions, want additional information, or need a re-feed of a missed story, call Amy Murray at 614-292-8385.

Friday 11/5 - Monday 11/8 - Is it a crime to ‘drive while Black?’ In a recent talk at Ohio State University, David Harris, a law professor at the University of Toledo, talked about his research on the phenomenon of “racial profiling,” which finds that African American drivers are more likely to be stopped by police, whether or not there is just cause. Harris has found that in Ohio, African Americans are more than twice as likely to be stopped by police as white drivers. He says often, profiling is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Because more African American drivers are stopped, more violations are found--which gives law enforcement incentive to continue to profile drivers.

Monday 11/8 - Wednesday 11/10 - About half of Americans won’t be able to keep up their standard of living after retirement because they aren’t planning well enough. An Ohio State University study examined the spending habits, savings and investments, and planned retirement dates of more than 1,300 households. Sherman Hanna, a professor of financial management, says based on the research, 48 percent of Americans would not be financially prepared to spend as much after retirement as they did before.

Wednesday 11/10 - Friday 11/12 - As the number of siblings increases for children, school performance decreases. Now, Ohio State University Sociology Professor Doug Downey has found an intriguing exception to his earlier research. He finds that among Mormons, the addition of new children to the family doesn’t have the same negative education effects seen in most of the population. He says Mormons have found ways to devote more resources--financial and personal--to their children as family size increases.

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