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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
A flurry of grant money is flowing to the Philly region for environmental projects
Grants for solar panels, turning tree waste into lumber and cleaning up litter are coming to the region. Some advocates say more is needed.
6 months ago
Listen 1:22In Philly, demand is ‘overwhelming’ for Pa.’s LIHEAP air conditioner program
With more than a month left of the program, over a dozen county agencies have waitlists. “Demand is outrageous,” one official said.
7 months ago
3 things to know about the new Pa. law that could help Philly gardeners own the land they steward
The law lowers the bar for “adverse possession.” It’s part of recent moves to improve garden land security.
7 months ago
Listen 1:07A massive N.J. wildfire is nearly contained. Here’s what to know about wildfire smoke
Scientists say forecasts don’t indicate a repeat of last summer’s wildfire smoke emergency in the Philly area.
7 months ago
Philadelphians are missing out on flood insurance discounts. The city could cash in next year
Climate change will bring increased flooding to the Philly region, but flood insurance can be a hardship for many homeowners. A FEMA program could help lower the cost.
7 months ago
Listen 4:02Don’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.
7 months ago
Listen 1:15New 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.
7 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.
7 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.
8 months ago
Listen 4:53Philly 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.
8 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.
8 months ago
Listen 1:27Philly 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.
8 months ago