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.

Recent Articles

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Ex-employees and ex-trustee accuse Please Touch Museum leadership of abusive culture

Former staff said they tried to alert board members to problems at the storied Philadelphia children’s institution.

Headlines from 9/11: How Philadelphia news covered the attack that changed the U.S. forever

On this date in 2001, there were more questions than answers.

Germantown’s new Black-owned photography gallery aims to be a portal away from the trauma of everyday life

Ubuntu is more than a name for Steven CW Taylor’s spot — it’s an ethos.

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Philly lawmakers: PA should tap COVID relief funds to help flooded businesses

The GOP-controlled legislature declined to comment on the request from Democrats.

Made in America forges ahead despite Philly floods — and vax cards or negative COVID tests are a must

Tens of thousands still plan to descend on the Parkway for the festival, where they'll have to show vax proof or a negative test to get in.

MOVE victim remains

Penn anthropologists used ‘extremely poor judgement’ with MOVE victim remains but didn’t violate any policies, says university report

Investigators also looked at museum best practices, and offered cultural competency recommendations for the future.

West Philly residents to city officials: Get money to grassroots startups, do job training in the neighborhoods

Community members shared suggestions at a panel discussion on anti-violence funding.

What happened to all the spotted lanternflies? The Philly insect invasion is at a low point 

It’s not your imagination — but the bugs aren’t gone entirely, experts say.

A new tool from the controller’s office lets you break down Philly’s anti-violence spending for yourself

The web app helps sort through the bureaucracy.

A new app lets you change the colors at the center of the Philly skyline

An upgrade added animation to the crown of One Liberty Place, now outfitted in easily-adjusted LEDs.