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.

Meet the North Philly-raised Marine veteran who forced the city’s hand on gun violence

The activism of hunger striker Jamal Johnson is known nationwide.

The Rail Park sits above street level in the middle of Philadelphia

5 places to soak up sun in Philadelphia

We’ve never been more ready to get outside.

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Philly’s coronavirus response

What the new stimulus means for Philly

Lawmakers in DC are close to approving funding for housing, schools, public transit, groceries, and more.

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W.P.M.'s Pamela Rogow launched a 'typewriter takeout' rent-to-buy program during the pandemic

Pandemic typewriter boom: Sales double at Philly shops as the clickity-clack goes viral

It’s not just antique collectibles — faux typewriter keyboards are a hot TikTok trend.

‘Fresh Air’ archives have the ~content~ you crave for Women’s History Month

Check out Terry Gross interviews with everyone from Gloria Steinem to Lizzo, Alice Walker to Geena Davis.

Jamal Johnson resumed his hunger strike on March 1

Jamal Johnson is back on hunger strike, demanding Kenney take action on gun violence

The mayor’s office says regular public safety briefings are coming “soon.”

'Destruction by Fire of Pennsylvania Hall,' by J.T. Bowen, 1838

Black history: Philadelphia’s explosive and violent 19th century race riots

The city was home to the largest free African American population in the country, but racism led to destructive clashes.

The creators say the sticker has even spread beyond Philadelphia

The ‘Anti Flower Show Movement’ and the black and white photo sticker all over Philly streets

Who's behind the viral image, and are they trolling for a reason?

Members of the Richard Allen, Penn Town and Harrison housing communities held a 'Put the Guns Down' peace walk through their neighborhood in October 2020

North 11th Street

North Philly neighbors finally get patrols on violent corner known for shootings

Richard Allen residents have been pushing for the change for years.

Jamal Johnson ended his hunger strike after 26 days when Mayor Kenney agreed to move on efforts to better address on gun violence in Philadelphia

26-day hunger strike ends after activist extracts Kenney promise to act on gun violence

Philly radio host Purple Queen facilitated the truce with Jamal Johnson, though the mayor stopped short of declaring gun violence a citywide emergency.

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