Leslie Moreno
Leslie Moreno is an Emmy Award–winning journalist and proud first-generation Mexican American from Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. A Columbia College Chicago graduate, she is honored to report in the city that raised her—calling it a full-circle moment and a dream come true.
Leslie began her career in Lima, Ohio, where she covered the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic. She then moved to Springfield, Illinois, anchoring and reporting on state politics. From there, she headed to North Carolina, covering the COVID-19 pandemic, conditions inside nursing homes, and multiple hurricanes. Most recently, she reported in Washington, D.C., where she covered the presidential election, major national stories, and the tragic plane crash in January that claimed dozens of lives. Her housing coverage in D.C. led to critical repairs for families after holding government officials accountable.
Leslie believes deeply in the power and responsibility of journalism. She is driven by a commitment to serve her community, telling stories that matter and representing voices from all walks of life.
When she’s not reporting, Leslie enjoys traveling, discovering new coffee shops and spending time with her family and her dogs.
The latest from Leslie Moreno
Harvey City Council fails to elect acting mayor
Harvey city leaders met Monday night for the first time since the death of Mayor Christopher Clark but did not appoint an acting mayor as planned.
13-year-old BMX rider dies after accident at Northwest Indiana track
A Northwest Indiana BMX community is mourning the loss of a young rider.
Hundreds rally at Daley Plaza for National Shutdown Day
Hundreds of people gathered at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago on Friday as part of National Shutdown Day, a nationwide protest calling for changes to immigration enforcement.
Pregnant woman stabbed 70 times in deadly Downers Grove apartment fire: court docs
Authorities have released new details in the investigation of an apartment fire in Downers Grove that left a pregnant woman dead and led to murder charges against a 19-year-old man.
Family disputes officials’ account after Bolingbrook immigration arrest
Authorities say a man rammed a parked federal law enforcement vehicle during an immigration operation in Bolingbrook early Tuesday, an account his family disputes.
Illinois taking action as sexual assault survivors face ER delays
More than 400,000 people experience sexual violence in the U.S. each year, but many survivors face delays or are turned away from emergency rooms that lack specially trained nurses. A Unit 32 special report examines the nationwide shortage of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, the impact on survivors, and how new Illinois laws aim to improve access to timely, trauma-informed care.
Suburban Chicago vigil honors Alex Pretti, calls for accountability after fatal shooting
Despite the bitter cold, dozens of people gathered in Arlington Heights Monday night to honor the life of Alex Pretti and stand in solidarity following his death.
Chicago man released after 22 years as detective's credibility crumbles in murder case
Antonio Porter spent more than two decades in prison for a murder he’s always said he didn’t commit, and on Tuesday, he was released.
Evergreen Park woman dies of cold exposure amid extreme temperature plunge
A suburban woman died from cold exposure this week as Chicagoland is dealing with an extreme temperature plunge.
Volunteers hit the streets overnight to ensure Chicago’s unhoused are counted
Hundreds of volunteers are spreading out across Chicago tonight in freezing temperatures for a federally required effort to better understand homelessness in the city.