
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
Mayor Parker says white-collar workers’ union deal keeps the city ‘living within its means’
The tentative deal between the city and AFSCME District Council 47 still needs to be approved by union members.
10 hours ago
Listen 1:08New Jersey modifies proposed building elevation rules along the shore by 1 foot due to new science
The state’s latest proposal would require new buildings in coastal flood zones be elevated an additional 4 feet, rather than 5 feet.
2 days ago
Listen 1:20Composting and feeding food waste to animals have big climate benefits, study finds
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found composting and feeding food waste to animals would cut carbon emissions.
1 week ago
Listen 1:14Why heat waves often bring air quality warnings to the Philadelphia area
When temperatures spiked last month, so did air pollution. Here’s why.
2 weeks ago
The district’s agreement with DOJ to delay prosecution of criminal charges describes asbestos issues at 31 schools.
2 weeks ago
Day 8: Philadelphia’s largest city workers’ union is on strike. Here’s the latest
AFSCME District Council 33 represents 9,000 employees ranging from sanitation workers to crossing guards. Trash pick-up, pools and 911 calls are among the services impacted.
2 weeks ago
DOJ files criminal charges against School District of Philadelphia over asbestos management
Under a deferred prosecution agreement, the federal government may drop the criminal charges if the district complies with federal law.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:02How Philly communities and city government are tackling climate-driven flooding
Three takeaways from a panel moderated by WHYY’s Maiken Scott about flooding in Germantown and beyond.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:13Thousands of PECO customers still without power as dangerous heat wave intensifies
PECO is working to fix outages from last week’s storm. But thousands of customers are without power for A/C as temperatures soar.
3 weeks ago
Philly cooling centers open, water shut-offs pause Sunday for dangerous heat wave
The National Weather Services is predicting a high temperature of 97 degrees Sunday, with the heat index expected to be above 100 degrees.
4 weeks ago
Philly will be hit by a high heat and humidity wave. Here’s what to expect and how to stay safe
The heat index will soar above 100 degrees early next week. Older adults, people with heart issues and those without A/C are at highest risk.
4 weeks ago
Last week, the EPA announced that it plans to repeal a rule expected to curb climate pollution from power plants.
1 month ago