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
Don’t be fooled by these common flood insurance myths in the Philly region
Philly-area insurance officials break down three common misconceptions around financial protection from flood damage.
3 months ago
Listen 1:15
New tax breaks, grants and assistance: Pa. task force makes recommendations on flood insurance
With less than 2% of insured Pennsylvania properties carrying flood insurance, a task force has made recommendations to make it more affordable.
3 months ago
Chester County hayfields can be traps for baby birds. A collaboration aims to make them havens
Chester County farmers, conservationists and landowners are working together to help baby birds successfully leave the nest.
3 months ago
Listen 4:56
‘This is how I’m gonna die’: Former employees remember the PES refinery explosion, 5 years later
A series of explosions in 2019 shuttered the largest oil refinery on the East Coast. Here’s a look back at that day.
4 months ago
Listen 4:53
Philly region under Excessive Heat Warning amid ‘dangerously hot conditions,’ poor air quality
Heat index values could reach up to 107 degrees this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
4 months ago
Residents suing over FDR Park tree clearing accuse judge of potential bias
One expert on judicial ethics said the connection is too indirect to require the judge to recuse herself.
4 months ago
Listen 1:27
Philly home repair program seen as climate resilience tool gets its first city funding
Built to Last, which staff say helps “future-proof” Philly homes, got $5 million in the budget City Council passed Thursday.
4 months ago
Extreme heat in Philly: Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and cool
Confused about extreme heat terminology? Curious how climate change factors into soaring temps? The WHYY News Climate Desk has you covered.
4 months ago
Free air conditioners available again in Pa. through utility assistance program
The A/C units and repairs are available only to people who received LIHEAP or weatherization assistance in the past year.
4 months ago
Listen 1:09
The cleanup of every Philly block has started. Here’s what to expect
The cleanup started this week in the River Wards neighborhoods. North Philly is next, followed by West, Southwest and South Philly.
4 months ago
Listen 0:47
Flood risk is increasing in the Philly region. Here’s what you need to know
Here’s what to do if you’re caught in a flash flood, how you can protect yourself from increased flood risk and how climate change factors in.
4 months ago
Philly City Council passes Land Bank acquisition bill considered key to garden land security
Advocates say the bill preserves an important tool for protecting garden land from development.
4 months ago
Listen 1:08