Simone McKenny

Digital Anchor/MMJ

Savannah, Ga

Simone McKenny started as a digital anchor and multimedia journalist for WTOC in June of 2023.

Born and raised in Philadelphia (GO BIRDS), she went on to attend George Washington University and started her career as a multimedia journalist and anchor at WHSV in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Alongside daily reporting, Simone worked on a number of special projects including an award-winning Black History Month series.

In her new role at WTOC, Simone will be focusing on virtual content. She will also continue working on special projects that cover a range of topics from local history to helpful health information. Simone is excited to explore the Savannah area. If you have any restaurant recommendations (vegetarian friendly) please do not hesitate to reach out!

News

Out of Darkness Walk held to raise awareness to suicide

Out of Darkness Walk held to raise suicide awareness

Updated: Sep. 16, 2023 at 9:41 PM EDT

By Simone McKenny

People traveled from all over Georgia to participate in the Out of the Darkness Walk at Lake Mayer to raise awareness about suicide Saturday.

Health

FILE PHOTO - Someone preparing to administer a COVID vaccine.

Updated COVID-19 vaccine coming to the Coastal Health District soon

Updated: Sep. 13, 2023 at 5:12 PM EDT

By Simone McKenny

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Education

Biden-Harris SAVE Plan aiming to create affordable options for student loan borrowers

Updated: Sep. 6, 2023 at 6:28 PM EDT

By Simone McKenny

There is now less than a month before student loan payments resume.

Community

Plant Riverside hosting Farewell to Summer celebration

Updated: Sep. 1, 2023 at 4:47 PM EDT

By Simone McKenny

The Plant Riverside District is having one final summer party.

Hurricane Center

‘We had a lot of downed trees’: Strong winds from Idalia impact McIntosh County

Updated: Aug. 30, 2023 at 10:00 PM EDT

By Simone McKenny

Idalia made her way to McIntosh County bringing high winds throughout the community.

Hurricane Center

GEMA shares what you can do to prepare ahead of Hurricane Idalia impacts

Updated: Aug. 29, 2023 at 5:21 PM EDT

By Simone McKenny

WTOC’s Simone McKenny spoke with Lisa Rodriguez-Presley from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to learn more about how people can prepare for Hurricane Idalia.

Hurricane Center

Georgia insurance commissioner urging residents to take inventory of property before Idalia

Updated: Aug. 28, 2023 at 4:34 PM EDT

By Simone McKenny

Georgia governor Brian Kemp activated the state operations center Monday ahead of Idalia.

Community

History of Susie King Taylor as Savannah square gets renamed

Updated: Aug. 25, 2023 at 6:00 PM EDT

By Simone McKenny

A historic moment during Savannah City Council’s Thursday meeting.

Community

WTOC+ : Celebrating Black Business Month - Bynes-Royall Funeral Home

Updated: Aug. 21, 2023 at 7:33 PM EDT

By Simone McKenny

August is recognized as Black Owned Business Month.

Back 2 School

Back to School 2023: The price tag of back-to-school shopping

Updated: Jul. 26, 2023 at 9:09 AM EDT

By Simone McKenny

This year, 80 percent of families plan to see higher prices when shopping for the first day of school, according to the National Retail Federation.

Back 2 School

Back to School 2023: Grownups go back to school

Updated: Jul. 26, 2023 at 9:07 AM EDT

By Simone McKenny

From classes to workbooks you can prepare for the GED or general education development test or GED in numerous ways.

Back 2 School

Back to School 2023: Learning from the best

Updated: Jul. 26, 2023 at 9:06 AM EDT

By Simone McKenny

Dr. Laverne A. Stewart will be starting her 24th year of teaching for the 2023-2024 school year. Mauriana Sciullo will begin her second year this year.

Back 2 School

Back-to-School 2023: Inside the lunch box

Updated: Jul. 26, 2023 at 9:04 AM EDT

By Simone McKenny

“Most kids, they are willing to do green beans, steamed broccoli even if we have to put a little cheese on top so that plate method for dinner really helps with portion management and really emphasizing a balanced meal,” Chloe Paddison-Eddleman said.

Back 2 School