
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
Cyanide found in Tookany Creek after SPS Technologies fire in Jenkintown
The creek is not used for drinking water, and officials say no other source of drinking water has been affected.
2 months ago
Camden metal recycler whose fire caused evacuations had a history of violations
Friday’s scrapyard fire caused roughly 100 people to evacuate their homes. It wasn’t EMR’s first.
2 months ago
Officials say the air is safe near the Jenkintown SPS fire. Residents remain on edge
Residents say officials should have communicated in “real-time” and released details about air monitoring and chemicals at the plant sooner.
2 months ago
Listen 1:01West Philly Tool Library lets you ‘test-drive’ a gas-less cooktop before taking the plunge
Induction stoves are healthier and more efficient than gas, but they can be pricey. This tool offers an affordable way to try them out.
3 months ago
Listen 1:49Philly children are exposed to dangerous lead more often than in other cities, analysis finds
An analysis by Drexel researchers found the highest-risk cities had higher rates of poverty, a higher percent of Black residents and more old homes.
3 months ago
Listen 1:14Environmental contractors removed dumpsters worth of contaminated soil from the crater, according to DEP reports.
3 months ago
Listen 1:01The governor’s energy proposals aim to encourage development of both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources.
3 months ago
Listen 1:03New Jersey board declines to award new wind energy contracts
The canceled solicitation for proposals is the latest blow to New Jersey’s offshore wind industry and the planned Atlantic Shores project.
3 months ago
Listen 1:29Injury count in Northeast Philly plane crash rises to 24, black box found
Friday’s crash of a medical transport jet in Northeast Philly killed seven people. The investigation into the cause is ongoing.
3 months ago
Shell pauses N.J. offshore wind project as industry faces ‘high level of uncertainty’
The Atlantic Shores wind project was expected to start construction this year. The remaining developer says it’s still committed.
3 months ago
Listen 1:45Trump wants to ‘overhaul’ FEMA. What to know about the agency’s role in the Philly region
The president issued an executive order Friday launching a year-long review of the agency’s recent disaster responses.
3 months ago
Listen 1:26Philly libraries are vital community hubs. Many struggle to keep their heat on
Data provided by the Free Library of Philadelphia shows 29 branches closed at least once in 2024 due to heating issues.
3 months ago
Listen 1:17