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

February 10, 2016

Crime

Delco DA: Police-involved fatal shooting in Chester justified

by John Kopp

A preliminary investigation into a fatal police-involved shooting in Chester found six officers were justified for opening fire on a man who led police on a car chase, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan announced Wednesday at a press conference.

February 9, 2016

Industry

Delaware River dredging project to receive federal funding necessary for completion

by John Kopp

The $55 million needed to complete the Delaware River channel deepening project will be secured from the Army Corps of Engineers and the federal budget, according to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.

February 9, 2016

Government

Gov. Wolf proposes 2016-17 budget despite impasse on current one

by John Kopp

Gov. Tom Wolf submitted his 2016-17 budget proposal Tuesday that boosts school funding and raises the minimum wage. But Pennsylvania still has not finalized a budget for the current year.

February 9, 2016

Disease

CDC confirms two Zika virus cases in Pennsylvania

by John Kopp

Two Pennsylvania women contracted the Zika virus while traveling to countries affected by the outbreak, the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Tuesday.

February 9, 2016

Crime

Ex-Downingtown West High School teacher charged with sexting with student

by John Kopp

A former Downingtown West High School chemistry teacher was arrested earlier this month for allegedly sexting with a 16-year-old student, the Chester County District Attorney's Office announced Tuesday. Brandon Keith Mitchell, 30, of West Chester, Chester County, was charged Feb. 3 with unlawful contact with a minor, child pornography, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors.

February 8, 2016

Courts

Kathryn Knott gets 5-10 months in prison in gay-bashing case

by John Kopp

Kathryn Knott was sentenced Monday after being convicted of simple assault, conspiracy and reckless endangerment for her role in the 2014 beating of a homosexual couple in Center City.

February 5, 2016

Social Media

Facebook to Philly Art Museum: 'Ice Cream' painting contains 'suggestive content'

by John Kopp

A pop art image used by the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Facebook to market an upcoming exhibit was removed by the social media website for containing "suggestive content." "Ice Cream," a 1964 painting by Belgian Pop artist Evelyne Axell depicts a woman eating an ice cream cone. But the painting apparently was too sexual in the eyes of Facebook's moderators.

February 5, 2016

Courts

Knott to be sentenced Monday for role in Center City assault

by John Kopp

Kathryn Knott will be sentenced Monday for her actions in the 2014 beating of a homosexual couple in Center City that left Andrew Haught unconscious with broken cheekbones and a fractured jaw.

February 5, 2016

Crime and Courts

Man sentenced to 30-plus years for kidnapping, attempted Jewelers Row heist

by John Kopp

A Philadelphia man was sentenced Friday to more than 30 years in prison for his role in a kidnapping and attempted robbery of a Center City jewelry store. Salahudin Shaheed, 35, was sentenced to 365 months in prison and ordered to pay $9,983.97 in restitution. He pleaded guilty in October to kidnapping, attempted Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy.

February 4, 2016

Education

Abington High School beefs up security in response to #AbingtonFightWeek

by John Kopp

An influx of student fighting at Abington Senior High School has prompted the Abington School District to increase police presence across its main campus. Students have documented the fights on social media, using #AbingtonFightWeek.