Samantha Chatman
Chatman grew up in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side, and joined Chicago's No. 1 news station in September 2019. Chatman says she is thrilled to work at the station she grew up watching, and ABC7 inspired her to pursue a career in broadcast journalism.
Prior to joining ABC7, Chatman was an Emmy award-winning consumer investigative reporter for the NBC-owned station in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
Before moving to the DFW, Chatman was the business reporter at WDRB-TV in Louisville, Kentucky. She started her career at WEEK/WHOI-TV in Peoria, Illinois, where she worked as a multimedia journalist, fill-in anchor and weather anchor.
In 2022, Chatman published her first children's book, "Mia Gets Sick, But Doesn't Quit," a story that was developed during the pandemic to help inspire and remind kids to never give up. A portion of the proceeds was donated to Make-A-Wish Illinois, an organization she has supported for several years.
Chatman attended Kenwood Academy's Academic Center for middle school, Lincoln Park High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a minor in African American studies.
Chatman is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated and the National Association of Black Journalists. Chatman also serves as an Associate Board member for After School Matters.
Follow Chatman on social media:
Instagram: @samantha.chatman
Facebook: @samantha.chatman
Twitter: @SamChatmanABC7
Samantha's Stories
Proposed law to crack down on squatting passes Illinois Senate; lawmakers form squatter task force
A bill that would make it easier for police officers to remove squatters from someone's home is one step closer to becoming law. The ABC7 I-Team has heard from multiple homeowners who say strangers moved into their property.
Chicago leaders transforming South Side corridor into 'Black Wall Street' for national movement
A Chicago pastor and alderman are joining forces to strengthen the Black dollar and drive more business into Black communities, starting with 75th Street and King Drive. It's part of a movement called "Spend in the Black."
5 ways to protect your home, vacant property from squatters: 'Don't want to make a home a target'
The ABC7 I-team has heard from several people who said strangers moved into their homes and refused to leave. There are some tips that could make a huge difference if a squatter shows up at a home.
South suburban property owner says squatters living in his home for months, takes them to court
The ABC7 I-Team continues to hear from homeowners who say squatters have cost them time, money and frustration. A south suburban property owner says complete strangers have been living in his house rent free for months.
'Next-level squatting': Couple says squatters moved into South Side home, lawmaker taking action
In this ABC7 I-Team exclusive, a Chicago couple says a family of three and their dog are living inside their property, and a woman is posing as the new owner with bogus mortgage documents.
Man connected to alleged south suburban squatting charged with burglary, forgery in Evergreen Park
A man accused of squatting in homes in the south suburbs has been charged with burglary and forgery in Evergreen Park.
Hazel Crest homeowners say squatters who took over Tinley Park home moved in, asked for cash
In an ABC7 Chicago exclusive, the I-Team is hearing from another homeowner, who says squatters moved into her home and would not leave.
Chicago man says Bank of America denied his claim after he was robbed, money stolen from account
The ABC7 I-Team is investigating after thieves stole thousands from a Chicago man's bank account through Zelle transactions during a Gold Coast robbery. When he reported the theft to Bank of America, his claim was denied twice.
Tinley Park man says squatters moved into for-sale home, wouldn't leave: 'They took over the house'
A Tinley Park man said squatters moved into his property without permission, and refused to leave.
Free eggs: Chicago pastor hosting 'nation's largest egg giveaway' after report shows prices up 59%
Inflation cooled down more than expected last month, but some experts say this is not the time to celebrate. A Chicago pastor on the South Side told the ABC7 Consumer I-Team he is taking action to help with soaring egg prices.