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
Philly’s first ‘slow zone’ aims to curb traffic deaths in Fairhill
The lower speed limit, new speed cushions and corner buffers were chosen with the involvement of community members.
3 years ago
Philly ‘spraygrounds’ open a week early ahead of possible record temps
Temperatures in several places are expected to break daily records, with high humidity. Remember to stay hydrated and be careful working outside.
3 years ago
City Council passes bill to require more asbestos inspections in Philly schools
The school district opposes the bill, saying asbestos is already tightly regulated, and the bill will only complicate things.
3 years ago
FDR park renovation officially begins with Welcome Center groundbreaking
One official called the project’s planned public restrooms “the culmination of a dream.”
3 years ago
Oz campaign supporters put victory hopes on hold as vote count tightens
As the votes were counted in the Pa. GOP Senate primary, Mehmet Oz supporters watched the race tighten into a virtual tie — with a recount upcoming.
3 years ago
Years after shutdown, cancer-causing chemical still detected at former refinery site
Nearly three years after the PES refinery closed, levels of cancer-causing benzene found at its property line are still higher than many operating refineries.
3 years ago
Fees proposed for Philly developers who don’t replace trees they take down
Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson proposes a sweeping ordinance to increase the city’s tree cover and cool down neighborhoods.
3 years ago
For these young trainees, careers in solar look like Philly’s future
While Pa. primary candidates continue to support fossil fuels in the name of jobs, some young Philadelphians see a brighter future in the solar industry.
3 years ago
Listen 4:24After scathing report on Philly’s child welfare system, DHS head describes efforts to improve
Friday’s hearing came weeks after a City Council committee report accused Philly’s child welfare system of separating families without cause.
3 years ago
Shapiro, only Dem running for Pa. governor, vows to veto abortion restrictions
If elected, Shapiro could be key to maintaining abortion protections in Pennsylvania. Every Republican candidate supports banning or limiting abortions.
3 years ago
Hey nature nerds, you could help all of us understand climate change in the Philly area
Since 2019, Philadelphians have competed in the City Natural Challenge by logging species of plants and animals. The records are quite useful for scientists.
3 years ago
Listen 4:00Philly’s carbon emissions are dropping — but the city has a long way to go
Citywide emissions have dropped 20% since 2006, mostly thanks to a cleaner electrical grid. But emissions from cars, trucks, and planes are going up.
3 years ago