Layla A. Jones

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.

Philly kids practice gaming at Pro Am Live while learning about the esports industry

As Philly becomes a hub for the $1.1 billion esports industry, can these founders close the racial gap?

A tournament venue on North Broad, a giant gaming center in Bucks and a build-your-own PC program all have goals to diversify the pipeline.

Secret Philly

The Great Philadelphia Balloon Race, and that time a crash landing ended in a $1,000 robbery

Launched at the Bicentennial, the annual airborne event petered out in the '90s.

Forgiven Wine's first offerings: a sparkling rose and a CBD-infused red

Philly food and drink scene

New Philly label makes sweet, fruity and CBD-infused wine

Forgiven Wine, launched by two women, fills a blind spot in the industry.

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A haze of high-atmosphere smoke obscured the sun over Boathouse Row on Sept. 16

When will the sun return? Philly skies could be hazy until California gets some rain

The smoke might get pushed south this weekend, weather experts say, but it’s likely to return.

Chef Elijah Milligan speaks on the Season 2 debut of Eli Kulp's CHEF podcast

Philly food and drink scene

How can Philly better spotlight and support Black chefs? Eli Kulp’s podcast opens the discussion

At issue: culinary stereotypes, lack of access to capital and uneven press coverage.

Philly’s coronavirus response

PA unemployment update: Extra $300 Lost Wages Assistance to be paid in one lump sum

If you are eligible and haven't yet applied, do that ASAP.

Mari-Sal’s offers the flavors of Puerto Rico, sourced from the island and born of Philly

With her popular new food biz, a North Philadelphia native is living her dream.

The Philadelphia Inquirer headquarters on Market Street in Center City

Inquirer journalists of color demand action on diversity and culture in public report card

A new website details institutional inequities and lists demands for change.

Tape left near 10th and Brown in North Philadelphia, where 5 were wounded in a shooting after a block party

Neighbors beg for 24-hour patrols at violent North Philly corner, but police cite lack of resources

Research backs up the plea from leaders at Richard Allen Homes, who desperately want shootings to stop.

Alexis Akarolo (left) and Zelnnetta Clark founded Rebuild the Block in June

Philly’s coronavirus response

Rebuild the Block, started by two 23-year-olds, raises $200k for Black-owned businesses

Started at a moment's notice in Philadelphia, the grassroots fundraiser has gone national.

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