John Kopp

John Kopp is the Chief Health Reporter/Assistant Editor at PhillyVoice. He joined the newsroom after spending five years reporting for the Delaware County Daily Times. He spent the prior year covering state and local politics, including a $4 million Pennsylvania state Senate race. He previously covered Chester city government, the Chester Upland School District and high-school sports. A Temple University graduate, John enjoys long-distance running, watching baseball and exploring new places.

john@phillyvoice.com

July 13, 2016

Drugs

DEA analysis: Drug overdose deaths increased dramatically in Pennsylvania last year

by John Kopp

Drug-related overdose deaths increased by 23.4 percent across Pennsylvania last year, according to an annual analysis conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

July 13, 2016

Emergency Services

Philly aims to upgrade 911 system to receive text messages

by John Kopp

Philadelphia is in the process of overhauling its antiquated 911 system to not only enable text-to-911 services, but also upgrade existing capabilities. One day, the system might also be able to accept images and videos submitted by people facing emergencies.

July 12, 2016

Courts

Kathryn Knott released from prison after serving minimum sentence in Philly gay-bashing case

by John Kopp

Kathryn Knott will be released from prison after serving five months for her role in assaulting a gay couple in Center City two years ago.

July 11, 2016

Immigration

As sanctuary city, Philly could lose grant funding under new DOJ guidelines

by John Kopp

New guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Justice could prevent Philadelphia and other so-called "sanctuary cities" from receiving federal grant funding. Municipalities that fail to adhere to federal immigration orders could have funding withheld – or be denied future funding – from the Justice Assistance Grant Program and State Criminal Alien Assistance Program.

July 8, 2016

Transportation

SEPTA: It's 'unlikely' trains can be repaired; new modified schedule to be released Sunday

by John Kopp

SEPTA: It's 'unlikely' trains can be repaired; new modified schedule to be released

July 8, 2016

Police

Philly police patrolling in pairs following Dallas shootings

by John Kopp

Philadelphia Police are doubling up during patrols following the killings of five Dallas police officers Thursday night.

July 8, 2016

Police

Philly protest group on Facebook: '... when they shoot us we shoot back'

by John Kopp

A Philadelphia group that plans to protest during the Democratic National Convention seemingly affirmed the shootings of 12 Dallas police officers in a Facebook post early Friday morning. But an organizer from the Philly Coalition for REAL Justice says the organization does not condone police killings.

July 7, 2016

Investigations

Councilman Bobby Henon warns of alleged deed scam in Philadelphia

by John Kopp

An entity posing as the City of Philadelphia Department of Records allegedly has been offering deed copying services – and charging hundreds of dollars in fees.

July 5, 2016

SEPTA

At rush hour, Regional Rail passengers say they'll ride out SEPTA storm

by John Kopp

Tuesday marked the first workday since SEPTA pulled its entire fleet of Silverliner V railcars after discovering cracks in the equalizer bars in all but five of the 120 cars. The loss of about one-third of SEPTA's Regional Rail cars caused rescheduled and crowded trains. It also had some passengers rethinking their options.

July 5, 2016

Education

Temple University student who fled Syria has designs on helping refugees

by John Kopp

Maryam Hallaj, a Temple University senior, fled Syria with her family in 2011 as the country descended into civil war. But her family's hardships did not end upon returning to the United States. They lived from a car, a garage and an unfinished basement for months before finding a permanent home in Montgomery County. For overcoming adversity, Hallaj will receive a GSK Opportunity Scholarship.