Layla A. Jones

Billy Penn 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.

Recent Articles

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A whimsical typewriter garden in Mt. Airy boosts sales and spirits

Pam Rogow of W.P.M. Typewriter Shop creates custom exhibits for each appointment.

George Floyd protests

‘Both sides’ were agitators, says Fishtown police captain at tense community meeting

Earlier in the day, neighborhood organizations attended a training on alternatives to policing.

Philly’s coronavirus response

Mask vending machines launch in Suburban Station, with more PPE dispensers coming soon

You can get hand sanitizer and wipes too, and all cost $3 apiece.

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George Floyd protests

‘It’s unbelievable’: Philly’s Black-owned businesses see boost thanks to worldwide social justice protests

Three woman entrepreneurs say they’re thrilled with the trend — and hope it lasts.

She turned a bus into a luxe mobile nail salon, and Philly customers are loving it

As a Black woman business owner, Keesha Brown said, the surge of support is not the norm.

George Floyd protests

Everything we know about the feds’ case against the Philly protester charged with torching police cars

Lore-Elizabeth Blumenthal is currently being held without bail.

Philly’s coronavirus response

At this Germantown hub, the groceries are free — as long as the community keeps giving back

Mutual aid has a long history among oppressed groups, and is embraced by many modern Indigenous societies.

George Floyd protests

The Philly artist decorating dozens of boarded-up storefronts is creating a lasting nonprofit

Walls for Justice founder Samuel Rodriguez feels like his whole life was leading up to this moment.

George Floyd protests

‘There’s gonna be looting,’ police warned white Fishtowners, showing a close-knit relationship that plays out across Philly

The city has received a high volume of misconduct complaints since the protests began.

Philly’s coronavirus response

Michelle Obama partners with Roots Picnic for virtual concert and voter registration drive

The original 2020 festival is still pending, organizers said, with updates expected by early August.