
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
Pennsylvania expected to follow CDC relaxation of mask guidance
The CDC loosened its mask guidelines Friday — and Pennsylvania’s Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter says the state will likely follow.
2 years ago
Why the Philly Peace Park sees a string of devastating burglaries as an ‘opportunity’
The nonprofit is not pressing charges after essential farming equipment was stolen, opting instead for a community-based solution to a string of burglaries.
2 years ago
The city’s Law Department is weighing its options on speeding up repairs, but a City Council member wants action sooner.
2 years ago
Researchers cite widespread lead contamination in water at Philadelphia schools
Parents can now check a map revealing levels of lead contamination in Philadelphia schools, although the District says it “mischaracterizes” the problem.
2 years ago
Some Kingsessing residents are looking for the city’s help to recover after their homes were flooded last week in a massive water main break.
2 years ago
Philadelphia airport sees surge in passengers bringing guns to TSA checkpoints
It’s never OK to bring a gun on a plane in your carry-on. But the Philly airport saw a record number of passengers try to do so last year.
2 years ago
It’s too soon to say how Washington Avenue will ultimately look, and what impact it will have on the neighborhoods surrounding it.
2 years ago
City, facing criticism, says Washington Ave. pivot was a ‘matter of equity’
City officials sparked outrage when they reversed course on a planned “road diet” for one of the city’s most dangerous thoroughfares.
2 years ago
‘Everyone should have heat’: Interfaith leaders allege PGW left vulnerable families in the cold
Advocates claim delays caused by the gas utility left some Philadelphians without heat. Philadelphia Gas Works calls the group’s claims “fabricated.”
2 years ago
‘Poison is in the dose’: Philly aims to limit environmental hazards with new legislation
Philly Councilmember Helen Gym plans to introduce legislation Thursday that could protect already overburdened communities by keeping additional pollution out.
2 years ago
Meet the 17 Philadelphians on the city’s new Environmental Justice Advisory Commission
The residents who will help push the city to address issues like extreme heat and air pollution bring a wide range of experiences and expertise.
2 years ago
As Hilco tears down former PES refinery, questions remain about the site’s future
Owners of the former Philadelphia refinery are ahead of schedule demolishing the hulking facility. But there is no guarantee the tank farm won’t reopen.
2 years ago