
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
‘Who’s benefiting?’: As Chinatown gentrifies, Rail Park begins equitable development plan
In the shadow of the Rail Park, neighborhoods are changing. The park’s backers hope to shape the area’s evolution and curb displacement.
1 year ago
Busted water mains flood Philly streets as city fails to hit pipe replacement goals
Philadelphia Water Department officials defended a 2018 rate increase by saying it would help the city meet water main replacement goals.
1 year ago
Barrier-breaking Cobbs Creek Golf Course to reopen with $65M restoration
The shuttered course is more than a century old, with a rich history as an esteemed public course that welcomed players of color decades before other courses and the PGA.
1 year ago
Philly schools plan to dramatically scale down virtual learning after MLK day
This week, more than 100 district schools were virtual because of staffing shortages during the omicron surge. Next week, just eight are on the list.
1 year ago
High-volume COVID testing site opening in Delco next week
The Pennsylvania Department of Health says the site will be staffed by federal contractors and able to test about 1,000 people a day.
1 year ago
Buttigieg touts $1.6 billion for Pa. bridges as part of Biden infrastructure bill
The new Bridge Formula Program will distribute $26.5 billion nationwide over the next five years, helping pay for replacements and repairs of up to 15,000 bridges.
1 year ago
Philly community groups could get priority in sale of thousands of vacant city lots under new bill
The legislation introduced in City Council would change how vacant city land is sold. One affordable housing advocate described the bill as “almost revolutionary.”
1 year ago
Philly hits a ‘crossroads’ of environmental justice at ex-PES oil refinery
Hilco, the shuttered refinery’s new owner, is seeking permits to continue to store and sell petroleum — and surrounding communities feel betrayed.
1 year ago
What to know about fire safety rules for your Philadelphia home or apartment
Whether you live in an apartment building, rowhouse apartment, or single-family home, here’s what you should expect when it comes to fire safety.
1 year ago
Philadelphia Housing Authority CEO Kelvin Jeremiah said the deadly fire that engulfed a PHA apartment highlights the need for investment in public housing.
1 year ago
Investigators look at Christmas tree as cause of deadly Fairmount fire
The tragedy marked the city's deadliest single fire in at least a century, with eight children among those who lost their lives.
1 year ago
The best sledding hills in Philly and the suburbs
Philadelphia is home to hills large and small for sledders of all sizes. Here is a list of our top picks.
1 year ago