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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Former Hartford police officer granted criminal protection order against 2018 attacker
A new law was put to the test Monday, granting former Hartford police officer Jill Kidik a criminal protection order against the person who stabbed her in the throat in 2018. Once Chevaughn Augustin was found not guilty by reason of mental defect from that 2018 incident, Kidik no longer had a protection order against her. That changed when the…
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Connecticut farmers to benefit from federal disaster relief package
Funding to help farmers impacted by disaster is on the way for those who have been seeking help. That’s one aspect of what came out of a vote in Washington D.C. that in part prevented a government shutdown. A 13 minute hailstorm in August destroyed William Dellacamera’s crops and cost him $400,000. He was only able to receive a little...
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Connecticut travelers hit the roads and the shopping centers
Whether you’re getting last minute shopping done or hitting the roads for the holidays, it was a busy Friday night. Nearly a million people in our state will be hitting the road this holiday season to see family and friends, but before they can do that, they’re getting some last-minute holiday shopping done. It’s hard to have the season...
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Portland community remembers fallen firefighter, selectman
Portland is grieving an unthinkable loss after one of their firefighters and selectmen was hit and killed while crossing the street. We’ve learned that Shaun Manning, of Portland, was on his way to a town meeting where he was going to be celebrated as the next first selectman when he was struck and killed by a car. Since this loss...
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CT businesses and organizations share impact of potential TikTok ban
Do you have TikTok on your phone? The social media app has grown in popularity with some using it to watch videos, and others to create content. But that could all go away next month. TikTok is asking the Supreme Court to block a law that would require its owner to sell the platform to an American company or get…
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Connecticut organizations help people in need during cold months
The holiday season is about helping others, but many organizations in our region help people year-round. “Any and everybody is welcome,” said Charles Brown, who works at Grace and Mercy Church’s warming shelter in Middletown. For him, working at the warming shelter is all about giving back. He says helping others reminds him of the life he once had,...
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Torrington community rallies behind destroyed bakery
Torrington police are investigating a car driving into, and subsequently destroying, Rosa Vega Bakery on Main Street. The crash injured three people inside the building, as well as the driver. Torrington police say they are looking into reports of the vehicle operating erratically just before the crash. However, they say they are looking into all possible reasons as to how…
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Reward offered for info about crash that left city clerk dead in Colchester
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of whoever struck and killed a city clerk on Route 2 West in Colchester. Noel McGregor, 74, was serving as Town and City Clerk for the city of Hartford. On Oct. 22, he sustained serious injuries after being hit by a car, which fled the scene. He died…
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Day-long storm downs power lines and trees across the state
A storm is on its way out of Connecticut. As of 11 p.m., Eversource showed about 1,700 power outages. In Haddam, fire crews say a power line came down on a school bus on Maple Avenue West with 13 students and a bus driver inside. Eversource was called in to remove it, so the students could evacuate and reunite with…
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Communities in Connecticut prepare for heavy rain and strong winds
Our state is getting ready for heavy rain and winds tomorrow — from a storm that’s expected to cause power outages. This storm might put new emergency management equipment in West Haven to the test. “We’ll make sure we have all hands ready to go,” said Rick Fontana, the Emergency Management Director of West Haven. Newly implemented this summer...
