WOSU Public Media

10/04/2025

A fascist SpongeBob SquarePants, a dog driving a car and Jesus playing Minecraft – these are just a few of the things you can see as you flip through OpenAI's new app populated exclusively with short-form videos generated using artificial intelligence. And if you can't find what you're looking for, don't worry: you can make it with ease using a small text-based prompt window in the app. The result is a highly addictive stream of sometimes funny and sometimes strange 10-second videos.

With the launch of Sora 2, OpenAI has opened a new chapter in addictive, and some worry dangerous, AI video content.

10/04/2025

Major biotech companies that churn out made-to-order DNA for scientists have protections in place to keep dangerous biological material out of the hands of would-be evil-doers. They screen their orders to catch anyone trying to buy, say, smallpox or anthrax genes. But now, a new study in the journal Science has demonstrated how AI could be used to easily circumvent those biosafety processes.

Companies that make DNA for science labs screen out any requests for dangerous bits of genetic material. But a new study shows how AI could help malevolent actors get the stuff anyway.

10/04/2025

There's controversy surrounding pollinator gardens: is it an eco-friendly way to attract native bees, butterflies and insects, or unsightly eyesores that irk neighbors and violate local ordinances?

As pollinator gardens explode in popularity, municipalities across the state are rethinking existing ordinances on weeds and more.

10/03/2025

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the American with Disabilities Act into law. It marked the world’s first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities. Fast forward three decades, and the Trump administration has made or proposed cuts to everything from special education to mental health care, in line with efforts to shrink the federal government and save money.

The American with Disabilities Act required equal opportunity in hiring, access to public places like restaurants and hotels, and promised an end to discrimination.

10/03/2025

We had such a great time with everyone at last night’s Politics and a Pint at Seventh Son Brewing! Can’t wait to see you at more awesome events this fall—take a peek at what’s coming up: https://wosu.pm/46NYF6P.

10/03/2025

There's special interest in the effect of the National Guard, which don't have direct policing powers. In Washington, they were often seen stationed near tourist sites, and were employed to pick up litter. But some research suggests their visible presence could make a difference.

As President Trump ramps up efforts to send federal officers and troops into cities, criminologists are watching closely. Are the feds doing this in a smart way?

10/03/2025

This year's rollout of the COVID vaccines has been unusually chaotic from the start. Until this year, anyone 6 months or older could get vaccinated by their pharmacist without a prescription. But for the first time this year, the Food and Drug Administration only approved the new shots for people at risk for serious complications because of their age or health, causing widespread confusion and frustration.

Access to the COVID-19 vaccines remains difficult because of an unusual and unexplained delay by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in accepting recommendations from its advisers.

10/03/2025

The federal government's day-to-day operations are carried out by nonpartisan workers with some federal agencies led by political appointees. But the Trump administration is using the shutdown to take aim at the Democratic Party.

President Trump is meeting with his budget director, Russ Vought, about what additional cuts to make during the shutdown, and the president says his targets are partisan.

10/03/2025

The building in downtown Columbus that once held the restaurant Milestone 229 is slated to get new life as a Mediterranean eatery.

Josh Dalton, owner of Vertias and Speck Italian Eatery, plans to feature cuisine inspired by the coastlines from Barcelona to Lebanon in the space at 229 Civic Center Drive in Bicentennial Park.

10/03/2025

Health officials said measles remains infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has been at a location. The disease "is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes." Symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes. A measles rash typically appears three-to-five days after a person experiences initial symptoms. Symptoms typically appear seven to 21 days after exposure.

Public health officials with Columbus and Franklin County say a person infected with measles visited a Target store in New Albany and the New Albany Learning Center on Sept. 25.

10/03/2025

President Trump’s trade policies have made waves in Ohio's agriculture communities. As of July and early August, these tariffs ranged from 10% to 41%, with some hitting as high as 50% back in April.

Over the last 15 to 20 years, China has been the number one importer of soybeans from the U.S. Now, they have cut their purchasing power to zero.

10/03/2025

WOSU is proud to be a host for The Columbus Foundation's The Big Table—a day of meaningful dialogue on Tuesday, October 21.

From discussing current events with kids to neighbors bridging divides, and communities sharing untold stories—join us for three powerful conversations at 10 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Learn more at https://wosu.pm/46yNIqV.