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.

Students at Boys' Latin of Philadelphia Charter School sing together in memory of a lost friend

Made by students, ‘Our Philadelphia’ offers a look at how boys talk about gun violence

A group of West Philly teens who lost friends to shootings created a must-watch documentary.

Parkway Central Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia

Free Library board mostly silent as workers demand involvement in selecting new leader

In a meeting Tuesday, only one board member committed to anti-racism efforts. Others have resigned in solidarity with their former director.

Spotted lanternfly sightings are up 500% in PA compared to last year

Summertime brings the "nymph" phase of the invasive insect, a prelude to mature bugs this fall.

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Former President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia Siobhan Reardon at the Parkway Central Library in 2019

Free Library director Siobhan Reardon has resigned

The leadership change comes after intense pressure from Black workers to end a culture of discrimination.

Vannah Banana founder Kianu Walker and his vegan ice creams

Philly food and drink scene

This rose ice cream with 24k gold is the perfect summer 2020 escape

Vannah Banana's vegan treats are available at pop-ups and via Instagram.

Free Library director expected to resign within the week over discrimination allegations

Many board members “were unaware of the true climate" at the library, a diversity consultancy found.

Coffee Creams & Dreams on Fairmount Avenue. Hospitality workers have had to file for unemployment in record numbers.

Philly’s coronavirus response

What happens after the $600 expires? Here’s the situation with unemployment benefits in PA

Economists say ending the boost could trigger a downturn that would cost Pennsylvania another 250k jobs.

Philly food and drink scene

Workers demand changes as Rittenhouse restaurant V Street closes for good

Former and current staff say they want fair pay and a culture shift.

Secret Philly

This Philly park was the country’s first botanical garden

Started by a Quaker farmer, Bartram's Garden is now embedded in the fabric of Southwest Philadelphia.

Philly’s coronavirus response

Philly’s allowing fitness centers to reopen, but some gym owners are wary

"I wish they had given us more time," said one operator.

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