Melissa Cooney joined NBC Connecticut in July 2024 as a weekday dayside reporter.
She began her career at WCAX in Burlington, Vermont, where she covered the education beat on topics such as developments in the state surrounding standardized testing, restraint and seclusion, school safety, and COVID-19.
Melissa has also covered severe weather, including the historic July 2023 flooding that tore through Vermont and was on site to cover the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine.
Melissa is originally from Long Island, New York, and is a proud alumna of Wake Forest University. She holds a B.A. in communication media studies and has a strong foundation in journalism and studio art. Her academic background has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to excel in her reporting career.
She is thrilled to be in Connecticut and is eager to explore the state while indulging in her love for running and skiing.
The Latest
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Conn. National Guard deploys to NC; residents reflect on Helene's impact
The Connecticut National Guard have been tapped to help in storm Helene recovery efforts. Soldiers are on their way to North Carolina in a CH-47 helicopter. The National Guard says they’ll be there for one week. “Moving personnel around disaster area, if the need arises, as well as moving around commodities like food water supplies things of that nature,” said...
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Police investigating money stolen from Torrington church
Torrington Police are investigating a larceny report at St. Maron Catholic Church. The church says at least $500 to $1,000 dollars of donations from the weekend’s services is missing. St. Maron Catholic Church’s priest, Rev. Fadi Khawand, says they went to count the collections Tuesday and realized all the money was gone. “This is my first reaction, ‘why’?”, Rev....
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Norwich Public Schools begins enforcing years-old walking to school policy
Some students in Norwich no longer get a bus to school, so they need to get a ride or walk up to 1.5 miles. That’s because a policy is being enforced this year that does not provide students within a 1.5-mile radius of Norwich Free Academy a bus. The policy, which formally indicates people within a two-mile distance don’t...
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CT farms report strong fall harvest despite localized weather problems
The pumpkins at March Farm in Bethlehem are waiting to be picked. They’re the bounty of a harvest that still had some twists along the way. “Summer was a lot of wet weather, followed by heat,” Shane Collett, of March Farm, said. Overall, though, Collett said this year’s harvest turned out strong. While the wet weather caused minor damage...
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Connecticut Sun to play Indiana Fever in predicted highly viewed playoffs round
The Connecticut Sun are in the playoffs for the 8th consecutive year, taking on the Indiana Fever on Sunday. “What if Marina Mabrey hits a half court three, what if DiJonai Carrington hits a really good three?!” said Kaylen Shepard. Anything can happen in basketball. That’s why Kaylen, Laconia, and mom Kelly Shepard of Clinton are Connecticut Sun superfans. “We...
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Connecticut gas prices drop, interest rates to decrease
Consumers in Connecticut might have noticed some lower priced gas costs lately. This comes as the federal reserve lowered interest rates for the first time in four years — which has the potential to help your wallet, too. According to AAA, the average price of gas in Connecticut today is $3.16 per gallon. But GasBuddy shows you can find gas…
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Durham parents concerned by Connecticut school threats
Regional School District 13 said police have charged two students for making threats against the Strong Middle School community in Durham over the weekend and Monday. In a statement to families, superintendent Doug Schuch said one threat was made by a student over the weekend who did not attend school Monday or Tuesday. He said the student is facing criminal…
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Connecticut adult sex trafficking cases likely underreported
The indictment of hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs alleges he manipulated women to participate in sexual activity, even using narcotics and other tactics to control them. Sex trafficking happens all over the country — including here in Connecticut. “Our cultural narrative is that it’s happening somewhere else, but the reality is that it’s happening in Connecticut,” Amy Hayashida of...
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Connecticut dance community remembers Michaela DePrince
Trailblazing ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince died at age 29 on Friday in New York City. She was born as an orphan in Sierra Leone during a time of war and turmoil. She was adopted by Americans when she was four years old. DePrince became a well-respected and well-known ballerina with many principal roles and celebrity projects. Most recently, she was…
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Waterbury looks to turn closed church into community health center
There is $5 million worth of federal funding going to Waterbury to turn an old church into a community health center. This chunk of funding is what officials say is the first step in making this plan a reality, which is just now beginning. “I think that would definitely turn things around for this neighborhood,” Charlene Edmond, of Waterbury, said….
