
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
Your guide to Philly Pride 2024
This year’s festival includes live performances, an area celebrating the ballroom community, a kid zone and an accessible space to recharge.
1 year ago
Prepare for an ‘extraordinary’ hurricane season on the East Coast, forecasters say
NOAA is predicting up to seven major Atlantic hurricanes this year. Officials say now is the time to prepare.
1 year ago
Demonstrators protested a relatively flat budget proposal for Parks & Rec, saying more money for rec centers would help fight gun violence.
1 year ago
Cleanup of former oil terminal near Bartram’s Garden gets boost with EPA funds
The site is one of close to 200 nationwide receiving cleanup funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
1 year ago
Listen 1:06Expect a hot summer in the Philly region, NOAA forecasters say
Officials with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict 2024 could be the world’s warmest year on record.
1 year ago
A Philly concrete plant polluted without a permit. Now it’s paying to help stop dumping
A facility just feet from Frankford Creek lacked the proper stormwater permit. It agreed to pay for an anti-dumping project in a nearby park.
1 year ago
Listen 1:11After decades of pressure, Eastwick celebrates major milestone in Clearview Landfill cleanup
The EPA says the landfill cap will protect nearby residents from toxins. The cleanup was sped up with funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
1 year ago
Listen 1:20More large trees cut down at South Philly’s FDR Park
Forty-eight “heritage” trees have been cut down in the park’s former golf course to make way for athletic fields and courts.
1 year ago
Lawsuit fails to stop FDR Park renovations
A judge decided her court does not have jurisdiction to hear the suit to stop clearing trees. Petitioners plan to appeal.
1 year ago
Listen 1:16Federal money will help prepare 2 Philly bridges for climate-driven floods
The funding will go toward renovations of the Valley Green Road Bridge in Wissahickon Valley Park and the Bells Mill Bridge near Morris Arboretum.
1 year ago
After years of delays, Adams Solar Farm powers a quarter of Philly’s city buildings
A month after the Adams Solar Farm went online, Philly is seeking more renewable electricity to power the rest of its municipal buildings.
1 year ago
Listen 1:07Campus Gaza protests: Here’s what’s happening in Philly, N.J. and Delaware
Here’s the local view of the national outpouring of college students speaking out against America’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas war.
1 year ago