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

November 18, 2016

Running

Sixteen years after premature birth, Philly girl ready for first marathon

by John Kopp

Destiny Lyda was born so tiny that her caretakers dressed her in doll clothes. Sixteen years later, she is ready to complete the Philadelphia Marathon.

November 17, 2016

Schools

Wolf administration develops 'response plan' for schools handling racist incidents

by John Kopp

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced his administration has developed a response plan for schools to follow during an incident involving racism or religious interolerance. It comes after several schools reported incidents of racism earlier this month.

November 17, 2016

Education

Five applicants seek charter schools in School District of Philadelphia

by John Kopp

The School District of Philadelphia received five new charter school applications by the Tuesday's deadline, the fewest it has received since ending a moratorium on new charter applications two years ago.

November 16, 2016

Courts

Fight to build mosque in Bensalem will continue, federal judge rules

by John Kopp

Litigation seeking to permit a Muslim organization construct a mosque in Bensalem Township, Bucks County, will proceed after a federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice.

November 16, 2016

Technology

Comcast launches 'major' expansion of Ethernet network in Philadelphia

by John Kopp

Comcast will invest more than $30 million to expand its fiber-based Ethernet network across Philadelphia, an effort expected to directly impact some 3,000 businesses in Center City and University City.

November 16, 2016

Crime

Skimming 101: FBI tells holiday shoppers what to look for

by John Kopp

Criminals have targeted ATM machines for years, installing skimming devices that steal card information. But now skimming devices are beginning to appear on point-of-sale terminals inside retail outlets. FBI Agent Brian Herrick explains how consumers can protect themselves.

November 15, 2016

Nonprofits

For Philly students, building boats provides a sturdy rudder – for life

by John Kopp

GSK honored the Philadelphia Wooden Boat Factory Monday with one of its IMPACT Awards, given to 10 regional nonprofits for "exceptional achievements in contributing to a healthier Philadelphia." The awards brought each nonprofit $40,000.

November 15, 2016

Legislation

Beer distributors will soon be allowed to sell six-packs in Pennsylvania

by John Kopp

The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation on Monday that paves the way for beer distributors to sell malt and brewed beverages for off-site consumption in any amount. That includes six-packs and growlers, an addition that will delight many consumers across the state.

November 11, 2016

Race

Southern Poverty Law Center calls on Donald Trump to denounce racially-charged incidents at schools

by John Kopp

Racially-charged incidents reported at schools across the country in the aftermath of a divisive presidential election have prompted the Southern Poverty Law Center to urge President-elect Donald Trump to disavow all forms of bigotry. In the Philadelphia region, incidents have been reported at the University of Pennsylvania and Council Rock North.

November 10, 2016

Neighborhoods