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 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
Philadelphia to declare a snow emergency. Blizzard forecast for the shore
The Philadelphia region is expecting heavy snow and winds later today into Saturday. Meanwhile, New Jersey’s coast is under a blizzard warning.
2 years ago
New Jersey declares emergency ahead of coastal winter storm
A state of emergency will begin at 5 p.m. Friday in New Jersey. State offices to close at 3 p.m
2 years ago
‘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.
2 years 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.
3 years 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.
3 years ago