Layla A. Jones

Reporter

Layla A. Jones (she/her) was a general assignment reporter for Billy Penn from 2019 to 2021. Her work has helped underserved community organizations, earned free repairs for property owners who sustained damages in a police shootout, and brought increased attention to a particularly dangerous North Philadelphia corner. She focuses most on covering Black life, subculture, social politics, and workforce issues.

Previously, she 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.
Layla has a journalism degree from Temple University, with a specialization in magazine writing and a minor in political science.

Recent Articles

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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.

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.

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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.

Philly’s coronavirus response

How to get more people vaccinated? In Philly, by hosting a parade down Broad Street

A brass band, a rap emcee — and free vax clinics along the way.

Philly’s first NFT gallery abruptly closing in Brewerytown, looking to reopen in Fishtown

There’s a final bash to raise funds for the unexpected move.