Sophia Schmidt covers the environment for WHYY’s PlanPhilly. Before coming to Philadelphia in 2021, Sophia reported on her home state of Delaware for Delaware Public Media and produced interviews for NPR’s “Weekend Edition.” Sophia was a 2021 Metcalf Fellow.
More from the Contributor
‘Save EMR’: Scrapyard workers rally in Camden after mayor calls for recycler to close
A spokesperson for Camden’s mayor said the city is “undertaking all necessary legal research to move forward” with revoking EMR’s city licensure.
2 days ago
Listen 1:03Camden plans to revoke an EMR business license after latest fire, city councilman says
The statement comes days after a fire at one of EMR’s scrap metal facilities — one of more than a dozen over the past five years.
2 days ago
Camden scrapyard to pause operations after 2-alarm fire. County officials want it shut down
The company’s statement came after city and county officials called on EMR to “fully cease” operating due to the latest fire.
6 days ago
Listen 1:09PECO bills will rise by about $5 on average starting June 1
The increase comes as rising demand and infrastructure costs continue pushing electricity bills higher.
6 days ago
Listen 1:01Camden scrap metal facility completes new fire suppression system
The new heat sensors and water cannons were part of an agreement EMR signed with the city after a four-alarm blaze at its facility in 2025.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:02Need a hoe, nut wheel or corn shucker? Philly’s new farm tool library has community gardens covered
The Agriculture Resource Center in West Fairmount Park will lend tools and offer free skills workshops.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:0157 Philadelphia schools go virtual Wednesday due to May heat wave
Dozens of Philly public school buildings lack sufficient air conditioning. The record-breaking heat is forcing students to learn from home.
2 weeks ago
PECO signs agreements with data centers requiring them to pay for their own grid upgrades
The utility says its transmission security agreements ensure data centers pay their “fair share” of the infrastructure costs required to serve them.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:19Customers, advocates and experts outlined the limited tools the city has to control costs during a hearing on rising utility bills.
3 weeks ago
Listen 0:55Former Southwest Philly refinery site will become home to nuclear life science facility
The company plans to manufacture a rare, radioactive isotope for use in cancer treatment trials starting in 2029.
4 weeks ago
Listen 1:17Philadelphia launches ‘Alleygators’ program to help residents clear trash and vegetation from alleys
The new program will help residents keep their alleys clear with a once-a-year cleaning by request.
1 month ago
Listen 0:57‘Devastated’: Lankenau slated for closure after tense Philadelphia school board vote
A sophomore at Lankenau said she’d rather graduate early or take a GED test than transfer to a different school for her senior year.
1 month ago
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