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
Washington Avenue planning chaos ends with city choosing hybrid design
The city’s final design to narrow a busy section of Washington Avenue will be a mix of three, four, and five lanes.
3 years ago
Alarms raised after hundreds of trees removed from city-owned Cobbs Creek Golf Course
A nonprofit promises to restore the public golf course to its historic design, but park users and flood advocates are crying foul over the removal of trees.
3 years ago
After two-year hiatus, Philly’s Dining Out For Life fundraiser for those affected by HIV relaunches
The annual night of dining out in Philadelphia to support services for people living with HIV is back in person this year after a hiatus during the pandemic.
3 years ago
The Penn initiative has produced projects including a giant Brita filter for the Schuylkill River and a kids book about friendly river creatures.
3 years ago
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.
3 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.
3 years ago
The city’s Law Department is weighing its options on speeding up repairs, but a City Council member wants action sooner.
3 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.
3 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.
3 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.
3 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.
3 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.
3 years ago