
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
Terrill Haigler plans to host a series of one-on-one interviews with mayoral candidates about illegal dumping and sustainability.
3 months ago
Neighbors, sanitation workers prep for ‘wall-to-wall’ trash if Eagles win
The sea of trash Eagles fans leave behind is “totally unacceptable,” one resident said. But the city’s sanitation force is “happy” to clean up after wins.
4 months ago
Amid a rise in white nationalist plans to attack energy systems, Philly’s electric utility says it’s working to prevent similar threats.
4 months ago
Listen 1:05Warm forecast could bring early spring blooms to Philly area, experts say
“It looks like things are trending … a good solid two weeks early,” one expert said.
4 months ago
Listen 1:07Zoning overlay for Cobbs Creek Golf Course passes despite community concerns
Opponents worry the bill could lead to more tree loss and flooding. “Please listen to us, man,” one activist pleaded.
4 months ago
Listen 1:03Advocacy coalition unveils ‘zero waste platform,’ challenges Philly mayoral candidates to commit
An agenda advocacy organizations launched Wednesday includes restructuring the city’s waste operations and rebuilding public trust around recycling.
4 months ago
Listen 1:03Groups challenge Philly’s next mayor: End illegal dumping by 2028
A coalition of advocacy groups wants candidates running for mayor to commit to a platform of policies to end litter, illegal dumping, and other waste.
4 months ago
Listen 5:33Proposed zoning overlay for Cobbs Creek Golf Course changed again
The bill, which would exempt the golf course from rules meant to prevent erosion, was amended again to further address environmental concerns.
4 months ago
Delaware students Zoom to Antarctica to learn about penguin research
Students at Caesar Rodney High School got a taste of a career in research, amongst penguins and seals on the West Antarctic Peninsula.
4 months ago
SEPTA gas plant in Nicetown up for permit renewal
The first permit approval sparked intense opposition from residents and activists. Now some are calling for more air monitoring.
4 months ago
Cobbs Creek Golf Course zoning exemption gets commission approval despite opposition
Residents fear the zoning overlay could worsen flooding downstream of the golf course, but a state official and a developer’s contractor say that’s not likely.
4 months ago
‘Port Richmond Strong’: Community members raising money to help families devastated by explosion
“When you have nothing and you've lost everything, anything is more than nothing,” said one organizer.
5 months ago