Samantha Kummerer
Investigative reporter/Producer
Samantha Kummerer joined the WMBF News team in June 2018 as an investigative reporter and producer. She can be seen on newscasts throughout the week or around town looking for stories to bring to our viewers.
Her interest in storytelling began at a young age in Chicago and led her to earn a bachelor’s and master’s in journalism from the University of Missouri (M-I-Z!).
Samantha has held a variety of different roles in the field of journalism including anchor, digital producer, graphic artist and reporter - all of which have given her the skills to approach stories from multiple different angles.
Before joining WMBF, Samantha worked with the investigative team at CNBC in New York City and NBC 5 Chicago. Prior to that, she reported for Reuters in Brussels, Belgium, and produced digital videos for PolitiFact. Her current role is a dream opportunity and she is beyond thrilled to combine her love for reporting with her research skills and interest in data analysis.
When she’s not in the newsroom, Samantha is always looking for the next adventure. You’ll likely find her exploring local hiking paths, trying a new restaurant or planning her next travel expedition.
Despite an increase in testing in recent weeks, South Carolina still ranks in the bottom half of the country for COVID-19 tests performed based on population.
"It’s probably never been more crucial for us to have a complete count,” SC Counts project manager Mary Dell Hayes said explaining COVID-19's impact on 2020 Census efforts.
The test involves taking a patient's blood to determine if they are infected, if they've been exposed or even if they are immune to coronavirus.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) predicts COVID-19 deaths will peak in South Carolina on April 25, later than much of the nation.
Eight counties across the state have no general hospital and a third of the state's counties report less than 100 general hospital beds, according to data on licensed health facilities by SCDHEC.
After weeks of not disclosing the number of COVID-19 negative tests, the state's health department begins disclosing the true number of patients tested throughout the state.
Around 96,000 initial unemployment claims were filed in South Carolina during the last two weeks.
The S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs said consumers are not automatically entitled to a full refund if they cancel their reservations.
The Strategic National Stockpile distributed more than 300,000 medical supplies to South Carolina to help health professional combat COVID-19 on March 26-27. Here's how the supplies were allocated by county.
Center of Hope experienced an overflowing parking lot and long lines of patients earlier this week.
Unemployment claims in South Carolina last week rose by 1,600% over the previous week, according to figures released Thursday by S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.
WMBF Investigates obtained emails between Myrtle Beach leaders that reveal discussions over coronavirus preparations.
Some fishermen were out at sea last week when sweeping changes were implemented across the state to combat coronavirus.
COVID-19 tests and confirmed cases increase dramatically but some people are still frustrated by unable to be tested despite symptoms.
States across America are reporting dramatic increases in unemployment claims filed days after many businesses were forced to shut down over COVID-19 concerns.
Multiple consumers across the Grand Strand and state have spent thousands of dollars for a pool project that was never finished, now some state lawmakers want to stop that.
One Myrtle Beach barber shop owner says he thinks the announcement of COVID-19 cases in Horry County over the weekend has scare some customers.
As officials from across the United States point to the need for more coronavirus test kits, South Carolina officials report they have supplies to test 2,000 samples.
Wear a mask, shave your beard, the flu is deadlier...these are all things you may have heard about coronavirus, but how much is true and really keeps your family safe? WMBF sorts out facts from fiction.
Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders and Pete Buttigieg raised the most money from individual donations in South Carolina.
The couple has owned their timeshare for nearly 20 years and said they've run into multiple roadblocks, even lost money, in their attempts to get out of their timeshare contract.
Potholes are more than just a bump in the road for South Carolina drivers; the road hazard can cause major damage to cars and injuries to drivers.
The South Carolina congressman visited the Rosewood area in Horry County to discuss what the state is doing to address flooding concerns.
The city employed a local company to study the current and future infrastructure needs in downtown before it goes forward with major plans.
Businesses can now get money back for renovation projects and workforce housing developments inside city limits.
The South Carolina Insurance Reserve Fund reported paying around $6 million to more than 30 entities from July- December 2019 for hurricanes damages.
The shooting on October 12, 2019 killed Matthew Graham, 32. The 15th Circuit Solicitor's office did not find the two Myrtle Beach officers guilty of any criminal wrongdoing.
Data from the first half of 2019 reveals some of the most commonly prescribed opioids decreased by 14% in South Carolina.
The Horry County School District is moving forward on a nearly $1 million project to repurpose the former Myrtle Beach Intermediate School.
Complaints from Horry County accounted for 22% of total statewide complaints, according to a new report released by the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.
Tornadoes touching down without warning is rare in South Carolina. WMBF Investigates dives into the January 13 tornado to answer why no warning was issued and what officials can do to better prepare residents the next time disaster strikes.
The proposed plan would generate millions of dollars for economic development and the Myrtle Beach mayor is already calling it a 'win-win,'
Police reports, criminal charges and social media posts show a string of complaints tied to one man advertising HVAC services on Facebook. Former customers are speaking out.
A proposed bill in South Carolina would establish the Resilience Revolving Fund to assist communities who participate in FEMA buyout programs.
Horry County police report homicides decreased by 50% in 2019, reaching a six-year low.
More than 1,800 single-family homes, retail spaces and an RV park are just some of the things the owner is hoping to build on the property.
South Carolina police departments are able to seek help from out-of-state agencies during big events after the South Carolina Attorney General issued a legal opinion.
Horry County jumped from 2nd to 1st place in its ranking for reported human trafficking cases in South Carolina. The Human Trafficking Task Force's 2019 report found a 360% increase in victims across the state.
The SC Coastal Region Task Force on Human Trafficking is hoping to increase partnership with Georgetown County to help decrease the number of victims.
Horry County added 12 new correction officers over the last three years but 21 more officers may be needed in the future if the inmate population begins to increase.
Dozens of people took a step into the new year together in downtown Myrtle Beach on Wednesday.
The Horry County Coroner's Office reports the latest data on overdoses deaths are on pace to surpass 2018.
2019 has been quite the year, from HOA complaints to property scams to construction issues.
South Carolina lawmakers dedicated $4.75 million for opioid response in the last year and a half.
Since Coastal Carolina University made the switch to the Sun Belt Conference, the university has spent millions on upgrades and reportedly increased its game attendance by thousands, but empty stands remain.
Hundreds of voters in Horry County cast their vote in November elections, WMBF Investigates breaks down the election expense to each municipality.
A lack of trained nurses can impact the collection of evidence that can make or break a sexual assault case.
A Myrtle Beach property manager says he's never encountered this violation before in 15 years and it goes beyond the scope of what an HOA is in place to do.
Councilman Harold Worley’s donation of $25,000 to the center will make waiving adoption fees possible.
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture inspects gas pumps across the state each year to ensure consumers are getting the amount of gas they paid for.
