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
South Philly residents’ lawsuit against FDR Park renovations can continue, judge rules
After a three-day hearing, a judge disagreed with the city that the residents waited too long to sue. The residents want the judge to halt renovations.
4 days ago
Listen 1:12
Arctic temps are returning to Philly. When will the snow finally melt?
Snow and ice still cover some street corners in Philly. Single-digit temperatures this weekend won’t help.
4 days ago
Protesters arrested after disrupting construction of CHOP parking garage in Grays Ferry
Three protesters were arrested after standing on the site for more than an hour Thursday morning. They say the garage will worsen air pollution.
5 days ago
N.J. Gov. Sherrill wants to freeze rate hikes. Here’s what that means for your electricity bills
New Jersey customers’ electric bills increased by as much as 20% last summer. They could rise again this year.
1 week ago
Listen 1:04
Hundreds march in Philadelphia to protest ICE: ‘We’re not going to let this stand’
The protesters called for workers to join a general strike started in Minnesota against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:04
The surprising tie between global warming and heavy snow in the Philly region
Winter is still the fastest-warming season on the East Coast. “You're always going to see variable weather patterns,” one expert said.
2 weeks ago
Listen 0:52
Philadelphia region prepares for an expected major winter weather event
The storm could blanket the region with snow and ice and impact transportation services for a day or more.
3 weeks ago
New Jersey finalizes higher elevation standards for the shore
The new rules require development in coastal flood zones to be elevated 4 feet higher to account for future sea level rise.
3 weeks ago
Listen 0:54
From firewood to solar: This Philly rowhouse has seen over 250 years of energy transitions
A rowhouse built around 1760 in Old City was once heated with firewood. Now, it has solar panels on its roof.
3 weeks ago
Listen 1:22
‘Strawberries to collard greens’: The Original American Foundation grows free food in Kingsessing
Founders of the Original American Foundation say their goals are to lower food costs for neighbors and prevent gentrification.
3 weeks ago
Listen 0:55
‘Going to make my life much better’: SEPTA trolley riders react to tunnel reopening
The trolley tunnel has been closed since November. It reopened Monday, but will close again for shorter periods in January and February.
4 weeks ago
Philadelphians will see 15% discount on flood insurance starting in April
FEMA approved the city to join its Community Rating System, a program that rewards municipalities that take steps to reduce flood risk.
1 month ago
Listen 0:47