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.
July 4, 2021
Protests
Patriot Front — the hate group that marched through Philly — has defaced several George Floyd memorials
Patriot Front, a white supremacist group that evolved from Vanguard America following the 2017 "United the Right" rally in Charlottesville, has increased its activity in Philadelphia over the last month. The racist group marched through Center City on July 3, 2021, carrying flags and fighting with bystanders. That came a month after its members defaced a George Floyd mural in Olney.July 1, 2021
Arts & Culture
Rare signers' copy of Declaration of Independence fetches $4.42 million at auction
An 1823 printing of the Declaration of Independence sold for $4.42 million at Freeman's Auction in Philadelphia. The print is one of 201 copies produced by engraver William J. Stone and was presented to Charles Carroll, the last surviving member of the original document. The estimated value of the document prior to the auction was $500,000 to $800,000.June 20, 2021
Parenting
Einstein's DadLab helps new fathers navigate the transition to parenthood
DadLab, a support group run by Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia, provides a safe space for new dads to discuss the challenges they face as first-time parents. The group meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. and is open to any fathers-to-be, new fathers and their partners.May 24, 2021
Mental Health
CHOP to provide mental health services to Girard College students
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will provide telehealth services for Girard College as part of an effort to improve access to mental health services for students with undiagnosed anxiety, depression and other conditions. The effort is being funded by the Independence Blue Cross Foundation.May 14, 2021
Health Stories
Temple patient 'counting his blessings' after near-fatal COVID-19 battle ends with lung transplant
Thomas Williams is one of several COVID-19 patients who have received organ transplants at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. The South Jersey resident received a new lung four days after being placed on the lung transplant list – an unusually quick turnaround partially prompted by his severe condition.May 14, 2021
Health Stories
Lung transplants saving severe COVID-19 patients on death's doorstep
Health systems increasingly are turning to organ transplants to save some of the most severe COVID-19 patients — and Penn Medicine and Temple Health are at the forefront. Both systems have performed several lung transplants on coronavirus patients since Fred Rahmanaian became the first in Pennsylvania to receive one.April 22, 2021
Women's Health
Blue Cross Blue Shield pledges to cut maternal health disparities in half by 2026
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is establishing a new strategy aimed at reducing racial health inequities in maternal health, behavioral health, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. It first seeks to reduce the disparity in the maternal mortality rate — Black women are 2.5 times more likely to die while pregnant or in childbirth than white women.January 7, 2021
Protests
Pa. Congresswoman details 'frightening' evacuation scene at U.S. Capitol
Rep. Susan Wild, of Pennsylvania, was one of the last lawmakers evacuated from the U.S. Capitol when a mob of pro-Trump supporters breached security Wednesday as Congress was certifying the Electoral College results.December 18, 2020
Prevention
FDA authorizes Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine Friday for adults ages 18 and over. That will give the United States two coronavirus vaccines. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently being administered to health care workers across the country.December 15, 2020
Prevention
Who gets the COVID-19 vaccine first in Philly? Eligibility based on three key factors
Philadelphia's COVID-19 vaccines will be given first to health care workers exposed to the coronavirus and nursing home residents and staffers, according to a prioritization order released by the city. Next up are critical infrastructure workers, like teachers and transit workers. It will take months before vaccines are available to the general public.Just In
- Philly hits 100 degrees for first time since 2012
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- MLB Rumors: Phillies linked to several relief pitchers, outfielders as trade deadline nears
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- Fishtown's Under the El Bazaar returns Saturday and has 2 other summer dates
- Flyers release 2025 preseason schedule
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