Samantha Chatman
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Anchor/Reporter @ABC7Chicago | Emmy Award Winner | Talk Show Host |
IG: Samantha.Chatman | AKA | #TheLinks| Children’s Book Author | Likes/RT≠endorsements
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Articles by Samantha Chatman
Suspect missing after being released by Cook County judge in $73K Chase bank scam case
PALATINE, Ill. (WLS) -- Police are once again searching for a man accused of taking part in an alleged bank impersonation scheme that cost a Mariano's worker $73,000 after authorities say he failed to appear in court this week. Breider Iriarte Campomar was located in Pennsylvania earlier this month and extradited to Cook County last week. He was charged with theft by deception, a Class 2 felony, and released by a Cook County judge under pretrial conditions.
Suspect missing after being released by Cook County judge in $73K Chase bank scam case
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Police are once again searching for a man accused of taking part in an alleged bank impersonation scheme that cost a Mariano's worker $73,000.
Suspect missing after being released by Cook County judge in $73K Chase bank scam case
Police are once again searching for a man accused of taking part in an alleged bank impersonation scheme that cost a Mariano's worker $73,000 after authorities say he failed to appear in court this week. Breider Iriarte Campomar was located in Pennsylvania earlier this month and extradited to Cook County last week. He was charged with theft by deception, a Class 2 felony, and released by a Cook County judge under pretrial conditions.
Suspect missing after being released by judge in $73K in bank scam
Suspect missing after being released by judge in $73K in bank scam Thursday, October 15, 2026 10:35PM Police are once again searching for a man accused of taking part in an alleged bank impersonation scheme that cost a Mariano's worker $73,000. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Police searching for 2 men accused of stealing $2K outside Jewel through alleged tap-to-pay scam Original
South Elgin police are searching for 2 men accused of stealing $2K outside a Jewel-Osco through an alleged tap-to-pay scam. WLS SOUTH ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) -- South Elgin police are searching for two men accused of stealing $2,000 from a suburban grocery store customer through an alleged tap-to-pay scam. Chris Louangrath said he was walking into a Jewel-Osco in South Elgin when he was approached by a group asking for donations to help a young relative who was a gun violence victim.
Police searching for 2 men accused of stealing $2K outside Jewel
Police searching for 2 men accused of stealing $2K outside Jewel Thursday, October 1, 2026 10:44PM South Elgin police are searching for 2 men accused of stealing $2K outside a Jewel-Osco through an alleged tap-to-pay scam. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
3 men wanted after Mariano's worker tricked out of $73K in alleged Chase bank scam Original
Palatine police searching for Jose A. Luis Mateo, Fredduar A. Escobar Bautista, Breider A. Iriarte Campomar of NY, NJ Palatine police have obtained nationwide arrest warrants for three men in connection with an alleged bank impersonation scheme. WLS PALATINE, Ill. (WLS) -- Palatine police have obtained nationwide arrest warrants for three men in connection with an alleged bank impersonation scheme. This comes after a local grocery store worker lost $73,000 from his savings.
3 men wanted after Mariano's worker tricked out of $73K in alleged Chase bank scam
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Palatine police have obtained nationwide arrest warrants for three men in connection with an alleged bank impersonation scheme. Palatine police have obtained nationwide arrest warrants for three men in connection with an alleged bank impersonation scheme.
3 men wanted after Mariano's worker tricked out of $73K
3 men wanted after Mariano's worker tricked out of $73K Friday, September 18, 2026 10:11PM Palatine police have obtained nationwide arrest warrants for three men in connection with an alleged bank impersonation scheme. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Chicago homeowners who fought alleged squatters now face foreclosure: 'I can't sleep at night' Original
Chicago homeowners who fought alleged squatters on the South Side are now facing foreclosure; Shermaine Powell-Gillard was charged in the case. WLS BySamantha Chatman Thursday, September 10, 2026 10:45PM CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago couple whose battle to remove an alleged squatter from their South Side property helped spur a change in Illinois law now say they are at risk of losing the same home to foreclosure.
Chicago homeowners who fought alleged squatters now face foreclosure
Chicago homeowners who fought alleged squatters now face foreclosure Thursday, September 10, 2026 10:44PM Chicago homeowners who fought alleged squatters on the South Side are now facing foreclosure; Shermaine Powell-Gillard was charged in the case. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Michelle Obama's Girls Opportunity Alliance awards $500,000 to Chicago nonprofits serving girls Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Michelle Obama and the Obama Foundation's Girls Opportunity Alliance are providing $500,000 in funding to Chicago nonprofits that serve girls, an investment aimed at supporting young people in the former first lady's hometown. The funding will be distributed to 10 Chicago-area nonprofit organizations serving girls ages 10 to 19. According to the Obama Foundation, the grants are expected to reach more than 2,200 girls.
Obama Foundation awards $500K to Chicago nonprofits serving girls
Obama Foundation awards $500K to Chicago nonprofits serving girls Thursday, September 3, 2026 11:34PM Michelle Obama and the Obama Foundation's Girls Opportunity Alliance are awarding $500,000 to Chicago nonprofits that are serving young girls. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Chicago chef says nonprofit owes him thousands of dollars after missed catering payments Original
Chicago Chef Sean Myers, owner of Blaxican Chi Catering, said Unity Parenting and Counseling owes him thousands after missed payments. WLS CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago chef says a local nonprofit stopped paying him for catering services, leaving him owed thousands of dollars and prompting him to file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General's Office.
Chicago chef says nonprofit owes him thousands of dollars
Chicago chef says nonprofit owes him thousands of dollars Thursday, August 27, 2026 10:48PM Chicago Chef Sean Myers, owner of Blaxican Chi Catering, said Unity Parenting and Counseling owes him thousands after missed payments. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Class-action lawsuit filed against NIPSCO as storm power outages continue in NW Indiana
Thousands spent another day without power Friday in northwest Indiana. Meanwhile, a class-action lawsuit against Northern Indiana Public Service Company has been filed. The lawsuit claims NIPSCO inadequately performed vegetation management in and around power lines and that fallen trees led to power outages that impacted people's lives.
NIPSCO responds to lawsuit as NW Indiana storm power outages continue
NIPSCO responds to lawsuit as NW Indiana storm power outages continue Friday, August 21, 2026 10:23PM NIPSCO responded to a class-action lawsuit amid ongoing power outages in northwest Indiana as communities continue to recover from storm damage. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
2026 Bud Billiken Parade celebrates 97 years of excellence on Chicago's South Side
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ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago broadcast the 97th annual Bud Billiken Parade, which kicked off the Back-to-School Festival. The two-hour special, featuring the country's largest African American parade, aired live on ABC7 and abc7chicago.com on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. Part 1 The Bud Billiken Parade steps off. Part 3 Terrell Brown and Karen Jordan cover the parade's action and excitement from the ground. Part 4 The ABC7 team has the latest from the parade route.
By Cheryl Burton Verified, Hosea Sanders Verified, Val Warner Verified, Terrell Brown Verified, Karen Jordan Verified, Samantha Chatman Verified, Jasmine Minor Verified, Sarah Schulte Verified
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MSN
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What to expect from 2026 Bud Billiken Parade
What to expect from 2026 Bud Billiken Parade Saturday, August 8, 2026 1:25PM The back-to-school parade will feature heart-pumping performances. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Surviving son of Dennis Deer, Chicago political family opens up after devastating loss
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Kanaan Deer is speaking publicly about the loss of his mother and twin brother and using his family's tragedy to raise awareness about mental health and the need for additional resources for people in crisis. He lost his mother, Barbara Deer, and twin brother, Kaleb Deer, in April. Barbara Deer was killed by her son, who then took his own life. According to Kanaan, his brother had recently been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
Surviving son of Chicago political family opens up on devastating loss
Surviving son of Chicago political family opens up on devastating loss Thursday, August 6, 2026 9:51PM Kanaan Deer, the surviving son of the late Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer and Chicago political family, is opening up after a devastating loss. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
31st annual Black Women's Expo at Chicago's McCormick Place features Keke Palmer, Joy Reid, more
The nation's longestrunning exposition celebrating Black women, their families and their communities returns this summer as The Black Women's Expo (BWe) hosts its highly anticipated 31st annual threeday event, Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2, at McCormick Place - North Building, Hall C1. This year's theme - We Matter - highlights an extraordinary line-up of cultural icons, thought leaders, and entertainers who will inspire, empower, and energize attendees throughout the weekend.
31st annual Black Women's Expo underway at Chicago's McCormick Place
31st annual Black Women's Expo underway at Chicago's McCormick Place Saturday, August 1, 2026 1:16AM The 31st annual Black Women's Expo is underway at Chicago's McCormick Place, featuring Keke Palmer, Joy Reid and Le'Andria Johnson. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
ABC7 I-Team tracks down wedding photographer who brides say did not show up or refund them Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Rubi Salgado and Matt French have been counting down the days until they say "I do" next year. They booked Grace Avalos Sanchez, a wedding photographer they found in a local Facebook group, because they were excited to work with her. "Her deal was amazing," Salgado told the ABC7 I-Team.
I-Team tracks down wedding photographer who brides say did not show up
I-Team tracks down wedding photographer who brides say did not show up Wednesday, July 29, 2026 3:43AM A local couple says the photographer they hired to capture their unforgettable moment was a no-show. WLS Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Wedding No-Show
Wedding No-Show Tuesday, July 28, 2026 7:41PM A local couple says the photographer they hired to capture their unforgettable moment was a no-show. WLS A local couple says the photographer they hired to capture their unforgettable moment was a no-show. And they're not alone. ABC7 Chicago's Samantha Chatman tracked down the photographer to get answers. Watch at 10 p.m. Tuesday. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
31st annual Black Women's Expo at Chicago's McCormick Place features Keke Palmer, Joy Reid, more Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The nation's longestrunning exposition celebrating Black women, their families and their communities returns this summer as The Black Women's Expo (BWe) hosts its highly anticipated 31st annual threeday event, Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2, at McCormick Place - North Building, Hall C1.
Nolan Wells' independent autopsy says cause, manner of death 'undetermined'
Nolan Wells' independent autopsy says cause, manner of death 'undetermined' Wednesday, July 22, 2026 9:24PM Christine and Elmore Wonsley, were desperate for answers and sent the teen's body to Washington, D.C., for the private autopsy. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Attorney releases autopsy findings for Nolan Wells
Attorney releases autopsy findings for Nolan Wells Wednesday, July 22, 2026 4:19PM Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family of Nolan Wells, released autopsy findings in the death of the Mississippi teen. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Illinois takes action against new business promoted by Chicago businessman 'Brandon Mr. Finance' Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning consumers about a new business being promoted by Brandon Ellington, also known as "Brandon Mr. Finance," and has issued a cease-and-desist order against the venture. The action comes after the secretary of state's office received more than 300 complaints about Ellington since a previous ABC7 I-Team investigation aired, according to Giannoulias.
Illinois takes action against new business promoted by 'Mr. Finance'
Illinois takes action against new business promoted by 'Mr. Finance' Friday, July 17, 2026 3:46AM Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Common returns home to headline Taste of Chicago with free Grant Park concert: ABC7 EXCLUSIVE Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Taste of Chicago is in full swing, and thousands are expected to gather in Grant Park Friday night for a performance by Chicago-born rapper and actor Common. The Grammy Award-winning artist is set to headline the festival for the first time, marking a return to an event he said was a significant part of his childhood on the city's South Side. "Just as a teenager, taking the bus down to the taste, hanging out with my friends, eat as much as we could.
Common headlining Taste of Chicago with free concert: ABC7 EXCLUSIVE
Common headlining Taste of Chicago with free concert: ABC7 EXCLUSIVE Friday, July 10, 2026 10:22PM Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
StubHub customers say missing World Cup tickets left them stranded despite refunds Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Fans across the country say they spent thousands of dollars on World Cup tickets through StubHub, only to learn they would not receive the tickets they believed they had purchased, leaving some unable to attend matches after making travel plans and booking accommodations. Among them was Bucktown resident Alex Williams, who had waited all year to attend his first World Cup match. Last fall, he and a friend spent more than $3,000 to attend the U.S. vs.
StubHub customers say missing World Cup tickets left them stranded
StubHub customers say missing World Cup tickets left them stranded Friday, July 10, 2026 3:30AM Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
I-Team: World Cup Ticket Turmoil
I-Team: World Cup Ticket Turmoil Wednesday, July 8, 2026 3:38PM Some soccer fans came to the I-Team after spending thousands of dollars on World Cup travel, only to be denied the game tickets they bought on StubHub. Consumer investigators Samantha Chatman and Jason Knowles teamed up to get answers and results; wat at 10 p.m. Thursday. Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Son of Spencer Leak Jr., late vice president of Leak and Sons Funeral Homes, speaks about his legacy Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- In his first one-on-one interview, the son of Spencer Leak Jr. is opening up about his father's life and legacy. Leak Jr. passed away suddenly last week. He was the vice president of Leak and Sons Funeral Homes. Leak Jr. recently led and planned the funeral of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Jesse Jackson Jr. called Leak Jr.'s impact immeasurable. He said Leak Jr. brought a unique compassion to his work, regardless of where you came from or what you could afford.
Son of late Chicago funeral home VP Spencer Leak Jr. speaks on legacy
Son of late Chicago funeral home VP Spencer Leak Jr. speaks on legacy Thursday, June 11, 2026 9:58PM Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Exhibit based on Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog' at Indiana children's museum
INDIANAPOLIS -- There's a Disney-themed exhibit not too far from Chicago for families to enjoy this summer. It's at the country's largest children's museum in Indianapolis. And it is based on the Disney movie "The Princess and the Frog." People from all over are going to see it, including a famous actress who toured the museum Friday.
Exhibit based on Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog' at Indiana children's museum
INDIANAPOLIS (WLS) -- There's a Disney-themed exhibit not too far from Chicago for families to enjoy this summer. It's at the country's largest children's museum in Indianapolis. And it is based on the Disney movie "The Princess and the Frog." People from all over are going to see it, including a famous actress who toured the museum Friday.
Exhibit based on 'The Princess and the Frog' at IN children's museum
Exhibit based on 'The Princess and the Frog' at IN children's museum Friday, June 5, 2026 11:42PM Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Tea party bus company pausing some expansion amid complaints over late cancellations, refunds Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A popular bus company that offers tea parties on wheels is responding after being accused of leaving customers stranded and not giving their money back. The ABC7 Chicago I-Team received hundreds of complaints about Tea Around Town since their first report. The owner of the company saw the story and said they're not shying away from accountability. Their regional manager flew into Chicago for an interview. They say they have a plan to turn things around, after hearing the complaints.
Tea party bus company pausing some expansion amid complaints
Tea party bus company pausing some expansion amid complaints Thursday, May 28, 2026 10:09PM Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Illinois secretary of state speaks out on businessman accused of swindling people with large loans Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- For the first time, the ABC7 I-Team heard directly from the Illinois secretary of state about a Chicago-area businessman accused of swindling people out of tens of thousands of dollars. Alexi Giannoulias is now speaking out about the alleged scheme involving "Brandon Mr. Finance" that the I-Team first reported on last week.
Illinois SOS speaks out on businessman accused of swindling investors
Illinois SOS speaks out on businessman accused of swindling investors Friday, May 22, 2026 3:34AM Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Investment resentment: Local businessman accused of cheating people with loans, stopping payments Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team is investigating a local businessman accused of cheating people out of tens of thousands of dollars. The Illinois Attorney General's Office has received several complaints about Brandon Ellington, also known as "Brandon Mr. Finance." In those complaints, he's accused of convincing people to take out loans and invest in his company, promising large profits in return. When the monthly payments stopped, his clients called the I-Team to investigate.
Traveler struggles to get refund for cruise after being forced to miss flight due to FAA mandate
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Consumers are often encouraged to buy travel insurance, especially for big trips in the event something happens. But what do you do when you think your travel insurance isn't backing you up? A Chicago woman says she couldn't go on a Caribbean cruise because of a federal mandate. She says neither the cruise line nor her insurance would reimburse her money. So, she called ABC7 I-Team consumer investigator Samantha Chatman, and Sam was on her side.
Women say Chicago tea party bus canceled last-minute, wouldn't provide full refund Original
CHICAGO (WLS) -- They were expecting the ultimate tea party experience, but women say they were ripped off. The company is called Tea Around Town. It takes passengers on a luxurious bus ride for tea, pastries and a tour around the city. But some customers say they were left stranded and couldn't get their money back. "Chicago is a city of beautiful ladies. They like to dress up and the thought of being at a tea party excites us," Thyressie Randolph said.
FBI investigating Chicago-area travel agent accused of taking money, not booking trips Original
SOUTH ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team is investigating a local travel agent who is accused of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from customers and never booking their trips. Alleged victims are coming forward nationwide, and now the FBI is getting involved. The travel agent is Ryne Vitug of South Elgin, who is also an attorney. He is is facing disciplinary action because of his alleged travel scheme. It's a case that has now reached the FBI.
Wisconsin sheriff suing local woman, Cook County commissioner over detention claims Original
DODGE COUNTY, Wis. (WLS) -- Law enforcement officials are saying a Chicago-area woman's claims of being detained for two days were a hoax. A Wisconsin sheriff is now suing Sundas "Sunny" Naqvi for defamation, claiming she lied to the public last month, when she said she was held in the Broadview U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility and transferred to Dodge County, Wisconsin. "Sundas Naqvi was not detained by ICE at anytime.
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