Leslie Chapman
Leslie Chapman(she/her/hers)
News Reporter, Phoenix

Leslie Chapman expects to graduate in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. Chapman has interned as a producer at Arizona PBS and anchored for Blaze Radio and The Cut Network.

Latest from Leslie Chapman

From page to pixel: Valley libraries embrace digital evolution, serving tech-savvy generations with virtual offerings

GOODYEAR – In 2023, the Greater Phoenix Digital Library, which includes library systems across Maricopa County, saw a staggering 6 million digital checkouts. Area libraries are transforming from spaces filled with printed books and quiet study spaces to resources that embrace technology to better serve patrons of all ages, especially younger generations.

Computers at the Litchfield Park Library are available for library visitors to use on April 18, 2024. (Photo by Kayla Mae Jackson/Cronkite News)

‘We’re not in this alone’: How an Arizona program gives support, mentorship to dads

PHOENIX – Dad Together is a program where dads of all backgrounds and stages meet up, share their experiences and support each other through their parenting journeys.

Edward Casillas, program and services development manager at the Family Involvement Center, speaks about his experience as a dad at the Phoenix Families First Resource Center in the Burton Barr Central Library. Photo taken in Phoenix on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Emily Mai/Cronkite News)

Pretty in pink: Phoenix Barbie exhibit highlights cultural, fashion icon

PHOENIX – Despite the “Barbie” movie’s snubs at Sunday night’s Academy Awards, the doll franchise has continued to influence the current cultural climate. Even prior to the movie’s release in 2023, Barbie has influenced fashion for decades since the doll’s launch in 1959. Phoenix Art Museum has an exhibit representing Barbie’s impressive collection and history.

A display case at the “Barbie: A Cultural Icon” exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum shows off some of the many career Barbies, including a camerawoman Barbie and an award-winning actress Barbie. Throughout her existence, Barbie has taken on more than 250 different careers. Photo taken in Phoenix on Feb. 21, 2024. (Photo by Emily Mai/Cronkite News)

As animal shelters exceed capacity, groups seek to keep pets with families

PHOENIX – As Maricopa County animal shelters work to handle more dogs than they can handle, local organizations seek to remind current and future pet owners of resources to help them keep their pets.

Kennels at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control's West Valley Animal Care Center are over capacity, and several hold two animals. “It's not the shelter's fault. They get a lot of heat from the community around these choices. But what do you do when you've got more animals coming in than you have kennels and adopters?” said Leanna Taylor, CEO of the Arizona Pet Project. Photo taken in Phoenix on Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Emily Mai/Cronkite News)

Our Ode to You nonprofit offers older adults in memory-care communities free therapeutic music, art programs

PHOENIX – Two Arizona high school seniors are using their talents to give back to older adult memory-care communities. Through free therapeutic music and art programs, Aani Nagaiah and Gage Samaddar are helping them evoke memories and de-stress.