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
Camden scrap metal facility completes new fire suppression system
The new heat sensors and water cannons were part of an agreement EMR signed with the city after a four-alarm blaze at its facility in 2025.
4 months ago
Listen 1:02Need a hoe, nut wheel or corn shucker? Philly’s new farm tool library has community gardens covered
The Agriculture Resource Center in West Fairmount Park will lend tools and offer free skills workshops.
4 months ago
Listen 1:0157 Philadelphia schools go virtual Wednesday due to May heat wave
Dozens of Philly public school buildings lack sufficient air conditioning. The record-breaking heat is forcing students to learn from home.
4 months ago
PECO signs agreements with data centers requiring them to pay for their own grid upgrades
The utility says its transmission security agreements ensure data centers pay their “fair share” of the infrastructure costs required to serve them.
4 months ago
Listen 1:19Customers, advocates and experts outlined the limited tools the city has to control costs during a hearing on rising utility bills.
4 months ago
Listen 0:55Former Southwest Philly refinery site will become home to nuclear life science facility
The company plans to manufacture a rare, radioactive isotope for use in cancer treatment trials starting in 2029.
4 months ago
Listen 1:17Philadelphia launches ‘Alleygators’ program to help residents clear trash and vegetation from alleys
The new program will help residents keep their alleys clear with a once-a-year cleaning by request.
4 months ago
Listen 0:57‘Devastated’: Lankenau slated for closure after tense Philadelphia school board vote
A sophomore at Lankenau said she’d rather graduate early or take a GED test than transfer to a different school for her senior year.
4 months ago
Listen 1:10Straight ‘F’s: Philadelphia region’s air quality ranking worsens in annual lung health report
The American Lung Association says the Philly area is among the worst in the country for levels of a pollutant that can cause lung and heart issues.
4 months ago
Listen 1:08N.J. lawmakers look to toss out higher coastal elevation rules
Lawmakers held a hearing Wednesday on a resolution that pits the state Legislature against Gov. Mikie Sherrill over climate-driven flood rules.
5 months ago
Listen 1:07School District of Philadelphia revises facility plan again, sparing one more school from closure
The update raises the plan’s price tag by $200,000 and spares North Philadelphia’s Ludlow Elementary School from recommended closure.
5 months ago
Listen 0:58Philadelphians who care for vacant side yards form group to push for easier land-acquisition process
The coalition wants the Land Bank to give neighbors preferential rights to apply for vacant side yards and expand eligibility.
5 months ago
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