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

May 19, 2016

Courts

Gay-bashing victims file civil lawsuit against Kathryn Knott, co-defendants

by John Kopp

Andrew Haught and Zachary Hesse filed an assault and battery lawsuit Tuesday in the Court of Common Pleas against Kevin Harrigan, Kathryn Knott and Philip Williams. The couple seeks more than $500,000 stemming from 10 counts against the three defendants.

May 18, 2016

Public Safety

Mount Airy woman found guilty of harboring dangerous dogs

by John Kopp

A group of West Mount Airy residents hope their issues with a pair of troublesome pit bulls are finally over, after Judge Joffe C. Pittman III found Ada Brooks guilty of harboring dangerous dogs.

May 17, 2016

Amtrak 188 Crash

NTSB: Radio conversations about SEPTA incident distracted Amtrak 188 engineer prior to crash

by John Kopp

NTSB: Radio conversations about SEPTA incident distracted Amtrak 188 engineer prior to crash

May 6, 2016

Higher Education

Now at White House, Community College of Philadelphia alum is commencement speaker

by John Kopp

Deesha Dyer, who ascended from college dropout to serve as the White House social secretary, will speak at the Community College of Philadelphia's 50th Commencement ceremony. Dyer, who is responsible for planning all White House social events, graduated from CCP in 2012.

May 4, 2016

Government

Pennsylvania House committee advances legislation that would legalize Uber, Lyft in Philly

by John Kopp

The Consumer Affairs Committee voted, 23-2, to approve Senate Bill 984, which effectively grants Uber and Lyft permanent licenses to operate throughout all 67 Pennsylvania counties, including Philadelphia. The legislation now moves to the full House.

May 4, 2016

History

300-year-old letter tells of treasure buried beneath Society Hill

by John Kopp

A mysterious 18th century letter provides detailed instructions on where to find, in Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhood, a treasure chest filled with Spanish coins commonly associated with pirate tales.

May 3, 2016

Government

State House committee to consider legalizing Uber, Lyft in Philly

by John Kopp

The state House Consumer Affairs committee is expected on Wednesday to consider amended legislation that effectively grants Uber and Lyft permanent licenses to operate their popular ridesharing services across Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia.

May 2, 2016

Bicycling

Montco man to honor father by biking across Pennsylvania

by John Kopp

Edward Blumenthal is bicycling from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia to raise money for the Anti-Defamation League and pancreatic cancer research. But it also is a way for him to reflect upon the impact of his late father, Ernie, who found a home in Philadelphia after fleeing Europe during World War II.

April 28, 2016

Education

SRC votes to hand three Philadelphia district schools to charter operators

by John Kopp

In a marathon meeting on Thursday, the School Reform Commission approved measures paving the way to transform three low-performing School District of Philadelphia schools into charter schools.

April 27, 2016

Courts

Lawsuit claims SEPTA hiring practices violate law

by John Kopp

A class-action lawsuit alleges SEPTA's hiring practices violate the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and the state Criminal History Record Information Act.