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
Philadelphia launches ‘Alleygators’ program to help residents clear trash and vegetation from alleys
The new program will help residents keep their alleys clear with a once-a-year cleaning by request.
1 month ago
Listen 0:57‘Devastated’: Lankenau slated for closure after tense Philadelphia school board vote
A sophomore at Lankenau said she’d rather graduate early or take a GED test than transfer to a different school for her senior year.
1 month ago
Listen 1:10Straight ‘F’s: Philadelphia region’s air quality ranking worsens in annual lung health report
The American Lung Association says the Philly area is among the worst in the country for levels of a pollutant that can cause lung and heart issues.
1 month ago
Listen 1:08N.J. lawmakers look to toss out higher coastal elevation rules
Lawmakers held a hearing Wednesday on a resolution that pits the state Legislature against Gov. Mikie Sherrill over climate-driven flood rules.
2 months ago
Listen 1:07School District of Philadelphia revises facility plan again, sparing one more school from closure
The update raises the plan’s price tag by $200,000 and spares North Philadelphia’s Ludlow Elementary School from recommended closure.
2 months ago
Listen 0:58Philadelphians who care for vacant side yards form group to push for easier land-acquisition process
The coalition wants the Land Bank to give neighbors preferential rights to apply for vacant side yards and expand eligibility.
2 months ago
Listen 0:58Goats, salamanders and ziplines: Your guide to free Earth Week events in Philly
There are plenty of free opportunities to learn about nature, get active outside and volunteer to clean up your community.
2 months ago
‘Fingerprint of climate change’: April heat wave could break a record in Philadelphia
Climate change makes balmy April temperatures twice as likely, according to a research nonprofit.
2 months ago
Listen 0:48Pennsylvania residents have an extra month to apply for heating assistance
Households faced higher heating bills this winter, as natural gas prices rose faster than inflation over the past year.
2 months ago
Listen 0:50Philadelphia could extend its controversial trash incineration contract amid criticism
The city is still evaluating the environmental impacts of burning trash versus landfilling it, the Office of Clean and Green director said.
2 months ago
Listen 1:04Pa. data centers: How lawmakers are responding, from electricity and water use to tax breaks
Dozens of data centers are planned for the Philly region. Some lawmakers want to put up guardrails, while others want to speed their development.
2 months ago
Listen 1:02New Jersey air monitoring project measures toxic air pollution data on Camden streets
The mobile air monitoring project aims to identify hot spots of pollution in four overburdened communities in New Jersey, including Camden.
2 months ago
Listen 1:08











