
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 will start enforcing plastic bag ban next year. Many stores aren’t ready
The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections has issued 120 warnings to 84 businesses believed to be operating in violation of the ban.
3 years ago
White Christmas? Philly instead expects a wet Christmas as the planet warms
It looks like Philadelphia will not get a white Christmas tomorrow. A wet Christmas is more likely — and with climate change, this may not be a surprise.
3 years ago
Leadership of the strike-prone SEPTA union has changed. Don’t expect much difference
Former SEPTA union president Willie Brown won raises and parental leave — and led two disruptive strikes. His successor promises to follow in his footsteps.
3 years ago
Philly launches COVID test giveaways at Saturday vaccine clinic. 9 more are scheduled next week
Participants were limited to two free kits, each of which contains two tests. The goal is to increase testing amid the current COVID surge.
3 years ago
D.C. is sending $30M to fast-track cleanup of toxic soil in Philly
The federal dollars will allow the EPA to move forward with remedying an environmental injustice.
3 years ago
Fairmount Park’s iconic maple tree is gone. Arborists cite climate change
Officials suspect a few things are behind the tree’s decline: its age, compaction around its roots where people walked around and had picnics, and climate change.
3 years ago
Listen 4:13Philly’s warm weekend broke records. Here’s what climate scientists say about it
Saturday’s warm weather broke records in several places throughout the Philadelphia region — and climate change likely contributed, scientists say.
3 years ago
Philadelphia Police Foundation board member steps down over sexual misconduct allegations
A member of the Philadelphia Police Foundation’s board has resigned over allegations that he pressured two young people to have sex with him.
3 years ago
Following NYC, Philly may require proof of vaccination for indoor dining
Cities such as New York and San Francisco have required proof of vaccination to eat inside a restaurant for months.
3 years ago
Philly’s next crop of city buildings will be greener under bill passed by Philly Council
Many new municipal buildings in Philadelphia will need to meet a higher standard of sustainability, under a bill City Council passed Thursday.
3 years ago
Rumblings of a community benefits agreement at PES refinery site have Hilco listening
A coalition of community organizations wants the new owner of the South Philly complex to protect residents from pollution and gentrification.
3 years ago
Philly to test new tech in bid to stop delivery drivers from parking illegally
The delivery vans blocking Philly streets may soon find themselves under the management of a new tech tool.
3 years ago