Layla A. Jones

Reporter

Layla A. Jones 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.

Cocktails at The Twisted Tail in happier times

Philly’s coronavirus response

‘There is no bar business anyway’: Thanksgiving Eve booze ban disappoints, confuses Philly restaurant owners

Pa. suspended on-site alcohol sales for the pre-holiday party night — but to-go cocktails are allowed.

The in-progress storefront of the coming Aldi in early October 2020

Aldi on North Broad sets December 3 opening next to Divine Lorraine

Philly's pre-pandemic supermarket boom is slowly continuing to roll out.

People stood in line outside Sayre Health Center in West Philly for COVID testing a week before Thanksgiving

Philly’s coronavirus response

As demand surges, some Rite Aid and other free COVID test sites in Philly are closed

There are still dozens of options available, although many have long wait times and longer turnaround.

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conventioncenter-votecounting-rallies-2020nov-06

Election 2020

Philadelphia turnout for the 2020 election was the highest in 25 years

Pennsylvania also set a record for number of voters at the polls, with more than 6.9 million ballots cast.

Darlene Burton's 'mask tree' empties each time she restocks it

Philly’s coronavirus response

A ‘mask tree’ grows in Harrowgate: Philly resident provides free face coverings for the neighborhood

The day after Darlene Burton put up the popular installation, her daughter was diagnosed with COVID.

State Rep. Joanna McClinton in 2019, with constituents at the fall festival in her native Southwest Philadelphia

There’s a Black woman leader in Harrisburg: Joanna McClinton makes history

The new Pa. House minority leader is a ‘fierce’ criminal justice advocate — and an ordained preacher.

Iconic South Philly pretzel shop asks for help to reopen after power surge

After four decades in business, family-owned Center City Pretzel Co. is fighting for survival.

Philly’s world-famous sneaker brand Ubiq is gone, but Atmos has arrived

With founder John Lee’s blessing, the shop that originated in the Gallery Mall is now part of a Japanese global chain.

Reporters from around the world covered the election week rallies at the Pa. Convention Center

Election 2020

Expecting ‘danger’ and ‘drama’ in Philly, international reporters find a street party instead

“That's what democracy should be like,” said a TV correspondent from Brazil.

The scene outside the Convention Center Saturday afternoon

Election 2020

Philly erupts in massive party as Biden wins PA and presidency, while Harris makes history

Along with an Eagles fan, a Black and South Asian woman is headed to the White House.

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