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
City nears settlement with disability rights advocates in suit over sidewalks
The city of Philadelphia and advocates report “significant progress” toward settling a suit that claims city sidewalks violate the Americans With Disabilities Act.
3 years ago
New federal flood insurance pricing system brings big savings to flood-prone Eastwick
FEMA’s “Risk Rating 2.0” more accurately reflects flood risk and the cost to rebuild after a flood. This means some owners will no longer overpay.
3 years ago
Listen 4:08After frost hits Philly’s cherry blossoms, ‘fingers crossed’ for a full bloom
Horticulturists say bloom times are creeping earlier as the climate warms — possibly putting the blossoms at greater risk of frost.
3 years ago
‘Legendary’ Camden soul food restaurant owner gets key to the city
For more than 30 years, Corinne’s Place has been a beloved mainstay of Camden. The latest honor for its award-winning owner: a key to the city.
3 years ago
The money coming from the state could pay for infrastructure repairs or home buyouts — but it’s not yet clear how exactly it will be spent.
3 years ago
Pennsylvania law currently puts a $500,000 limit on total damage claims per break, leaving residents, businesses, and PECO scrambling for their shares.
3 years ago
City in settlement talks with disabled Philadelphians in suit over dangerous sidewalks
The class-action suit claims Philly’s broken curb cuts and dilapidated sidewalks violate the ADA. We may know by the end of March if a deal can be struck.
3 years ago
Pennsylvania is revising its environmental justice policy. Here’s what’s changing
Pennsylvanians have until May to comment on the state’s policy for engaging with communities that face disproportionate environmental hazards.
3 years ago
‘There should not be forgiveness’: immigrant advocates protest ‘false promises’ during Biden visit
Biden’s visit to Philly on Friday drew dozens of protesters, who say the President has broken his promises on immigration reform.
3 years ago
Excitement, but also ‘range anxiety,’ over electric vehicles at Philly Auto Show
As gas prices hit record highs, visitors are testing electric vehicles at the Philly Auto Show. But worries persist over where drivers will be able to charge them up.
3 years ago
The legislation, if passed, aims to speed up the process of installing filtering hydration stations, but doesn’t earmark funds to help pay for them.
3 years ago
Tree removal and a campaign donation shine light on Cobbs Creek Foundation’s $1 lease agreement
The Cobbs Creek Foundation drew scrutiny for chopping down hundreds of trees and making an improper political donation. What’s inside its lease with the city?
3 years ago