
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
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 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months 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.
2 months ago
Last week, the EPA announced that it plans to repeal a rule expected to curb climate pollution from power plants.
2 months ago
West Philly’s Summer Winter Community Garden will be preserved through land trust
The Powelton Village community garden is located in an area facing development pressure, says Jenny Greenberg of Neighborhood Gardens Trust.
2 months ago
Listen 0:56Philadelphia area expected to see a warmer and wetter summer than normal
Thursday is forecast to be Philly’s first day of the season that tops 90 degrees. It comes with a Code Orange air quality alert.
2 months ago
Philadelphia plans to buy more solar power for municipal operations, inching closer to climate goals
The planned solar farm could be finished in 2026, officials say. But it comes as Congressional Republicans seek to slash tax credits for solar.
2 months ago
Fire that damaged multiple decommissioned SEPTA buses at Philly storage yard now under control
City health officials said Friday that nearby residents can resume their normal routines after several dangerous air pollutants spiked Thursday.
2 months ago
U.S. House budget bill would slash Pennsylvania schools’ savings from planned solar projects
Upper Darby School District is planning six Solar for Schools projects. Without federal tax credits, the district says they wouldn’t happen.
2 months ago
Listen 0:56