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AUGUST 20: ODH Talks Childhood Vaccination Rates, Ohio Drivers Like Speeding, COTA Makes Changes to Make Riding Easier, andFlooding Causes Problems

Episode Summary

Kindergarten vaccination rates in Ohio are falling; ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff talks trends and vaccination importance. A report from AAA shows many drivers believe speeding is ok. COTA is making it easier for OSU students to ride the bus in a new change. Flooding overnight closed I-71 in Columbus for hours and is still causing issues around the city.

Episode Notes

(1:00-9:00) Flooding Causes Widespread School Delays and Closures

Inches of rain fell on central Ohio again Thursday morning and the flooding led to many schools delaying the day or canceling altogether. It also shut down I-71 south for hours and caused a number of other roadway headaches. This all as the region tries to dry out from last week's flooding. 

(9:00-13:00) AAA Study on Speeding

According to a new study from AAA, many drivers say going up to 10 mph over the speed limit is acceptable with 3/10 saying no one drives the speed limit. This as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that speeding is a factor for 30% of traffic fatalities in 2024. Morgan Dean, of AAA, joins the conversation to talk about driving trends and how speeding affects how we all travel. 

(13:30-23:01) ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff on Childhood Vaccinations

Vaccination exemptions have increased among U.S. kindergarteners to 4.2% from 3.6%. Ohio's exemption rate among kindergarteners is now 5.6% for the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Ohio Department of Health Director, talks about what's driving parents to turn away from vaccines, new federal recommendations and the importance of childhood vaccinations. 

(23:31-31:52) Columbus Urban League's Clean and Safe Corridor Initiative

The Columbus Urban League is giving out up to five grants for $10,000 to promote the Clean and Safe Corridor initiative in the King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood. Recipients must have a pitch and plan to improve safety and quality of life in the historically Black neighborhood. 

(32:07-37:40) COTA Makes Riding Easier for OSU Students

Buckeyes started moving in this week and classes start Tuesday. This year, students will have an easier time riding COTA. OSU students can now use their BuckID app to ride COTA instead of swiping their BuckID card, carrying a COTA pass, or using the Transit app. 

(37:55-48:53) Rain is Done for Thursday, but What's Next?

Rain has moved out for the day, but that doesn't mean flooding is over. Meteorologist Justin Gehrts talks about the upcoming weather... and also a love of bacon.