Sam Shapiro
Reporter/MMJ
Sam has a passion for storytelling and leaving a positive impact on viewers. Growing up in New York City and watching NBA Highlights before leaving for school every morning influenced Sam to pursue a career in the television broadcasting industry.
Prior to moving down to the Midlands, Sam enjoyed two years at WENY-TV in Elmira, New York as an MMJ, fill-in anchor, and sports reporter. Starting in August 2021, Sam had the opportunity to cover a variety of news and sports in the Twin Tiers, sharing stories from NASCAR racing at Watkins Glen International, to honoring the replica of a national Vietnam War memorial traveling to the area.
Sam graduated from Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications in May of 2021 with a degree in Sports Media. In addition to anchoring sports on Ithaca College Television, Sam produced an award-winning 3-part documentary series, Pride and Poise: Journey to the Meadowlands, that gave an inside look into the 2019 Ithaca College Football season. He was also a part of Ithaca College’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams, where he raced 3k, 5k, 8k and 10k races.
You can typically watch Sam reporting news on WIS News 10 on weekdays. During his free time, Sam enjoys watching a good movie, going on long hikes, and spending time with friends and family.
A soldier from Columbia died while stationed at Camp Humphreys in South Korea, according to a spokesperson for the 8th Army.
It was a 911 call the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t get every day.
The City of Columbia now has the green light to move forward with revitalizing Mays Park.
Many parents in one Midlands school district are concerned about the safety of their high school athletes heading into the 2024-25 school year.
As the nation continues to grapple with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump last night in Pennsylvania, officials in the Palmetto State are condemning political violence, saying violence has no place in our politics.
A multiple sclerosis diagnosis inspires a Columbia police officer to give back. Those efforts, taking shape Saturday with The Corey Mitchell Multiple Sclerosis Foundation’s 3rd Annual Build-A-Backpack Back to School Bash, where backpacks and tons of other school supplies were given out on Saturday.
Pawmetto Lifeline has spent the last week trying to keep its animals cool after its air conditioning went out on Sunday.
Former Sumter Assist. Fire Chief Brian Christmas says he was defamed by the city of Sumter and forced out of his position.
Coach Jamar Goodwin, also known as Coach Jah, uses his track club Elite Speed to make sure young athletes put their best foot forward in life and on the track.
A cat in the Midlands is starting to feel better Sunday, after it was found with its eyes sealed shut Thursday.
People down south are preparing for Beryl and the trail of damage it’s expected to leave behind.
With Friday’s heat index exceeding 100 degrees, people in the Midlands are not the only ones who must worry about beating the heat.
Thousands of people are expected to flood Hilton Field on Thursday, July 4, as they celebrate Fort Jackson’s Fourth of July Celebration.
Former Olympic Wrestler and Silver Medalist Jamill Kelly shared his wrestling knowledge with kids of all ages across the Midlands.
Meals on Wheels in Richland County has seen a 500% increase in the number of seniors on its waitlist compared to June in 2023.
Dozens of people gathered at the Restoration Worship Center Thursday afternoon to celebrate the life of 31-year-old Chandreka White-Graham.
Aiken native Ellen Geddes was 22 years old when she broke her back in a car accident. The former horseback rider, now a para fencer, found a silver lining in her tragedy, using the situation to become a Paralympian.
Coroner Naida Rutherford and the Richland County Coroner’s Office held its Death with Dignity Service Sunday, in collaboration with Eastminster Presbyterian Church.
A loving mother expecting her second child was killed in her home on Northfield Court earlier this week, her family said.
A flight instructor is now a hero after saving the life of her student on Thursday night.
A midlands native went head-to-head with some of the best swimmers in the country.
A house fire happens every 86 seconds in the United States, according to data given by Richland County School District One.
A lakefront development known as the Retreat at Lake Murray is causing a stir among the community.
A 28-year-old man who was stabbed and shot at a Lake Murray boat launch Saturday night is expected to survive, according to Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster.
After the passing of his father, Bill Wells, in 2011, Willie Wells has worked to keep Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor alive as a means to spread his father’s love of bluegrass music with anyone willing to listen.
Four Democrats are competing against one another for former Representative Russell Ott’s seat as he takes a chance at run for the newly-redrawn District 26.
The event helps Columbia Animal Services make some room in their shelter while collecting donations that will help some of their furry friends.
Dozens came out to the South Carolina State Museum on Saturday for a special event marking the pivotal World War II battle.
On Friday, many gathered to celebrate the life of 16-year-old Julian Keel as his funeral in Columbia Friday afternoon.
Democrats Johnny Felder, Phillip Ford, Jerry Govan, and Chris Roland, are all running for State Representative Russell Ott’s current seat in House District 93.
A Capital Waste Service sanitation driver named Jermaine continues to leave a smile on people's faces, one garbage pickup at a time.
People across the nation are reacting to the first former president being convicted of a felony. Former President Donald Trump was found guilty Thursday on all counts in the hush money trial in New York.
Many gathered alongside the Sumter County Veteran’s Association Monday to honor those who have served.
Third Army Commanding General George S. Patton, Jr. continues to have his memory preserved at Patton Hall at Third Army Headquarters on Shaw Air Force Base.
People joined Sumter VFW Chapter 3034 Saturday morning to place hundreds of flags at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery
While high temperatures in the 90s are being forecasted for the 2024 Memorial Day holiday weekend, experts are projecting record high numbers will be set nationwide.
The South Carolina Steel Guitar Convention rolled back into the Palmetto State Sunday, as musicians, and really anyone with the urge to play some tunes, banded together.
Columbia police are investigating a drive-by shooting that happened Wednesday evening in the Vista.
Before earning her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia, Lauren Morris was just a sophomore at Spring Valley High School when she decided to drop out.
Honoring one of their peers who passed away tragically nearly a decade ago, the Sumter community laced it up Saturday for some hoops and the 10th Annual Diamond Stackz Classic.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department continues to honor the late Deputy Jacob Eric Salrin, who died in the line of duty, following a crash on Bluff Road in September 2023.
On Friday, Deputy Jacob Salrin, who lost his life in the line of duty last year, is being honored by RCSD.
Bond has been set for a former Lexington School District Two Special Education bus driver facing multiple charges.
An out-of-this-world Orangeburg tourist attraction was destroyed Thursday morning.
Jacqueline Pitt of Crayton Middle School and Suzonne Williams of John P. Thomas Elementary School were surprised with the DAISY Award at their respective schools on Tuesday.
The West Columbia community is now rallying around one local Church, that was vandalized with graphic images and messages of “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine” amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office has identified the 3-year-old girl who died after being found in a hot car in northeast Columbia Friday afternoon as Armani Shoemaker.
A group of students who had the opportunity to work closely with the Carolina Panthers is walking across the stage on Friday, as they graduate from the University of South Carolina.
Kershaw County Fire and the Camden City Fire Department responded to a fire at the Midway General Store on the 1700 block off Highway One around 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
A local minister is using his story to empower others to make a change in their life. Following his 30+ year battle with addiction, Ron Perryman is using his faith to share those values everywhere he goes.
