Layla A. Jones

Reporter

Layla A. Jones (she/her) is a general assignment reporter for WHYY's Billy Penn. She's previously worked as a communications director for Councilwoman Cindy Bass, as a political reporter for the Philadelphia Tribune, and as an arts and entertainment web producer at the Inquirer.

She has a journalism degree from Temple University, back when Klein College was called the School of Communications and Theater. Layla's written everything from breaking news to feature-length artists profiles, but has a special focus on covering Black life, culture and politics.

Philly’s coronavirus response

Flying into Philly from abroad? You’ll need to prove you don’t have COVID

The airlines are running point on the new CDC requirement, which will be enforced at PHL Airport.

Artists Tisha Golafaie (left) and Symone Salib (right) with their 'We Did That' mural

New Philly mural shouts out Black and queer organizers’ role in getting Biden elected

"We Did That" is up near the Pa. Convention Center, at the spot that felt like the center of the universe during ballot counting.

‘Draw to Action’ coloring book features Philly artists and supports Philly nonprofits

When you buy a copy, you can choose which org gets the proceeds.

Stay abreast of the latest happenings in Philly neighborhoods, politics, culture and everything else with our free morning newsletter.

Sign me up!

Billy Penn is powered by our members. If our stories make you feel more connected to Philadelphia, will you chip in?

I support local news!

“I read you daily, so you deserve my support.” — Judith W., Billy Penn newsletter subscriber

If you value our updates, be like Judith and become a member today.

Join Billy Penn now!

Reader support powers our coronavirus reporting. A monthly membership helps lock it in.

Can we count on you as a Billy Penn sustainer?

Yes, I'm in!

Test your local knowledge — join us for the next Philly Quizzo virtual event, or take the quiz online.

I'm a Philly wiz

Jeff Whittingham, founder of Growth, Love, Success

Temple alum’s martial arts program aims to pull kids away from gun violence

“You never see a Black man or Black kids do jiu jitsu,” said Jeff Whittingham, who is trying to change that.

Andre Brown, editor of Black Philadelphia Magazine

Say hello to Black Philadelphia Magazine, a new publication covering culture and community

The first issue of the glossy mag is out now, from the same publisher as the Uptown Standard newspaper.

Trump supporters gesture to U.S. Capitol Police in the hallway outside the Senate chamber

After Capitol breach, Philly terrorism expert warns of coming ‘paramilitary’ insurgency — led by Trump

The first step to quelling an insurrection is installing a competent government, said author and Navy veteran Malcolm Nance.

Election 2020

Pennsylvania’s role in Trump allies’ doomed effort to disrupt Biden’s Electoral College win

The majority of Republicans are not on board with the move to delay certification.

A tribute to Breonna Taylor at Graffiti Pier in June 2020

These street art projects tell the story of Philadelphia in 2020

In a year that cried out for it, artists created hope, spread awareness, honored victims, and added beauty to the city.

A sign at the celebration in front of Philly's vote-counting center on Saturday

12 times Philly made national headlines, and what everyone got wrong

When will people learn to keep the city’s name out of their mouth?

Thousands gathered near the Art Museum steps during a protest against police brutality

George Floyd protests

10 inspiring moments from Philly’s 2020 social justice protests

Artwork, engagements, basketball, and solidarity.

Reporter

Local news in your inbox

This site runs on reader support

Hey there, valued reader

Powered by you

Thanks for supporting Billy Penn!