Farah Siddiqi, Public News Service Journalist Profile

Articles

Ohio's Gavin coal plant among top polluters in new mapping tool

1 day ago | publicnewsservice.org | Farah Siddiqi

A new Sierra Club dashboard highlighted how Southeastern Ohio coal plants could face sharp increases in pollution if several federal environmental rules are rolled back. The Gavin coal plant near the West Virginia border is among those included in the report. The interactive tool shows how five Environmental Protection Agency rules, covering air and water pollution, affect emissions at remaining coal plants.
Ohio has ties to Appalachian Trail’s uncertain future

2 days ago | publicnewsservice.org | Farah Siddiqi

The trail runs through the broader Appalachian region, including parts of southern Ohio and is a popular destination for thousands of Ohio hikers. Conservation groups warned recent layoffs at the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service could slow maintenance and repair work on the 2,200-mile trail. Hawk Metheny, vice president of trail management for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, said Federal funds remain tied up in Congress, leaving local volunteers to carry the weight.
Voces de Ohio piden apoyo temprano para la salud mental

3 days ago | publicnewsservice.org | Farah Siddiqi

Ante el aumento de los problemas de salud mental juvenil y la reestructuración federal que amenaza programas clave, el exgobernador de Ohio y candidato presidencial republicano en 2016, John Kasich, insta al Congreso a actuar. Copresidió un grupo de trabajo bipartidista que aboga por la intervención temprana y un mayor apoyo para los jóvenes con problemas de salud mental y consumo de sustancias.
Ohio cities brace for impact of federal EV rollback proposals

1 week ago | publicnewsservice.org | Farah Siddiqi

As air pollution levels rise in parts of Ohio, new federal proposals could roll back protections that limit emissions from gas-powered vehicles. Health experts warn the move could worsen the state's already vulnerable air quality. The American Lung Association's latest "State of the Air" report finds nearly half of Americans live in areas with unhealthy air, including major Ohio cities.
Cobertura m dica frena el cuidado infantil en Ohio

1 week ago | publicnewsservice.org | Farah Siddiqi

El sistema de cuidado infantil de Ohio se encuentra bajo presión, y un nuevo informe nacional destaca cómo Medicaid apoya al personal responsable del cuidado infantil, especialmente en las comunidades rurales. Medicaid proporciona una cobertura crucial a los proveedores del cuidado de los niños, muchos de los cuales tienen salarios bajos y a menudo carecen de seguro médico. Brittany Boulton, vicepresidenta de Groundwork Ohio, afirma que esto es especialmente vital para las familias rurales.
Public school advocates look to OH Senate to restore Fair School Funding

1 week ago | publicnewsservice.org | Farah Siddiqi

As Ohio lawmakers debate the state budget, advocates for public schools are voicing concerns proposed cuts and policy changes could harm children's education. Critics have charged the state appears to be prioritizing football stadiums over core services for students and families. The House budget does not fully fund the Fair School Funding Plan. The bipartisan plan, adopted in 2020, was designed to ensure all students receive adequate support.
Ohio families left waiting as child tax credit stalls

1 week ago | publicnewsservice.org | Farah Siddiqi

A refundable child tax credit aimed at helping families with young children was proposed in Gov. DeWine's budget but was stripped out by the Ohio House. Advocates said it is not too late for lawmakers to restore it and offer families some financial relief. Lynanne Gutierrez, president and CEO of the advocacy group Groundwork Ohio, said the funding is critical. "This is a really strong policy that acknowledges the needs of families," Gutierrez explained.
Power shift: Executive authority and Ohio’s political lean

1 week ago | publicnewsservice.org | Farah Siddiqi

President Donald Trump has completed his first 100 days in office, and experts are watching how his executive actions may play out in the courts and in swing states such as Ohio. Since January, Trump has signed more than 139 executive orders, surpassing previous records.
Ohio lawmakers consider free meals for all K 12 students

2 weeks ago | publicnewsservice.org | Farah Siddiqi

By Lauren Cohen / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. S.B. 109, a bill that would provide free breakfast and lunch to public and chartered nonpublic Ohio school students, currently sits in the Senate's Finance Committee amid the state budget process. If included in the budget, due July 1, $300 million would be allocated to the program. Ohio Sen.
Reports: Ohio communities lead on solar growth

2 weeks ago | publicnewsservice.org | Farah Siddiqi

A pair of new reports shows Ohio communities are quietly leading the way on clean energy, from urban centers to small towns, with solar power playing an increasingly central role. Advocates said the findings reflect an economic opportunity for the state and a potential bipartisan path forward on climate action. The new annual report from the nonprofit Power A Clean Future Ohio highlighted sustainability wins in communities across the state.