Leah Hope
Prior to joining ABC 7, Hope worked at KATU-TV, the ABC affiliate in Portland, Oregon. At KATU-TV, she anchored weekend evening newscasts and reported during the week. Previously, she held the same positions at WISH-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana. Hope began her broadcasting career as a general assignment reporter at WBOC-TV in Salisbury, Maryland.
Hope's work covering issues in the African American community has been honored on both national and local levels. In 2003, she won two awards from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for reports on a group of "Lost Boys" attacked by a Chicago gang and changes in the cosmetic industry that reflect the changing face of America. The NABJ Chicago Chapter awarded Hope the 2003 Russ Ewing Excellence in Journalism Award and recognized her again with the 2004 Excellence in Enterprise Journalism Award for a series of reports on affirmative action.
Hope received an Emmy award for the half-hour primetime special, "9/11/02 The New Homeland." She contributed to "People, Places, and Things You Should Know: Women in Science and Technology," which won the 2001 Gracie Award from American Women in Radio and Television. Hope has been awarded several Peter Lisagor Awards, given by the Society of Professional Journalists, for stories ranging from breaking news coverage to consumer and business reporting. She was honored by the Chicago chapter of the Council on Islamic American Relations with the 2007 Media Award for ethical reporting. Hope was honored as the 2013 recipient of the Diogenes Award for Excellence in media from the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois. In addition to that she won an Emmy for reporting during the 2012 NATO Summit.
Hope is as a visiting faculty member at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in St. Petersburg, Florida. She is a Journalism Advisory Board member at Columbia College and belongs to several journalism organizations including: Investigative Reporters and Editors Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, American Women in Radio and Television, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Outside journalism, her community involvement includes work in the arts. She is a member of the Leadership Advisory Council at the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art and Instituto Cervantes of Chicago. Hope's charitable work took her to Minneapolis on bicycle to participate in the 2001 Chicago AIDS Ride. She has been involved in several breast cancer awareness campaigns to promote early detection.
Hope received her B.S. degree in Broadcast Journalism/Political Science from Syracuse University in New York. She is the great-granddaughter of John Hope; the first African American president of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Hope lives in the Chicago area.
Leah's Stories
Motorists trying to cut costs as gas prices surge during peak summer travel season: What to know
Rising gas prices are prompting some drivers to rethink travel spending, though many motorists say they still plan to hit the road during the busy summer travel season.
Mayor Johnson names Dr. Garth Walker to lead Chicago Department of Public Health
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has named Dr. Garth Walker as his choice to lead the Chicago Department of Public Health, putting the current chief medical officer of Rush Health in line to become the city's next public health commissioner.
Chicago officials break ground for memorial honoring police torture survivors
There was a groundbreaking Wednesday morning for a memorial.
Proposal to rename Northerly Island in honor of Pope Leo is put on hold
Chicago officials continue to consider ways to honor Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a Chicago native, but a proposal to rename Northerly Island in his honor was put on hold Tuesday.
South suburban residents still cleaning up after weekend storms, flooding; many without power
The sunshine is a welcome sight Monday after a holiday weekend super soaker.
Rep. Danny Davis, Chicago community leaders reflect on America's promise ahead of July 4
On the eve of the Fourth of July holiday, community leaders and advocates gathered at the Chicago History Museum to reflect on America's promise and discuss whether that promise has been fulfilled for all Americans, particularly African Americans.
Anti-Cruelty opens resource center on Far South Side to provide ongoing support for pet owners
Anti-Cruelty has opened a permanent resource center in Roseland, providing pet owners with access to free pet food and transportation for veterinary visits on the city's Far South Side.
Extreme Heat Warning in effect for Chicago area
Dangerous heat is affecting the Chicago area, with heat index values over 100 in the forecast.
Chicago police, organizers prepare for large crowds, heightened security for 2026 Pride Parade
Chicago officials and organizers are preparing for large crowds and heightened security ahead of the 55th annual Pride Parade this Sunday in Lakeview, where hundreds of thousands of attendees are expected to gather along Halsted Street and surrounding areas.
Mayor Johnson signs order establishing Chicago Office of Gun Violence Reduction
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson established the Office of Gun Violence Reduction on Thursday.