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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Rain's impact on drought and long-term fire concern is yet to be determined
It has probably been awhile since you’ve noticed the pitter patter of rain on your windows. “I’m happy it’s here, it’s been a long dry spell,” Kevin Meehan, of Southington, said. “Thankful it’s here and I’m not complaining about it today,” Jacie Munson, of Southington, said. The drought has been building since the end of August, after one of...
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Vape stores reminded to ID customers to avoid selling to underage teens
Teen vaping is a continued concern in Connecticut with youth finding many ways to access nicotine, even though it is illegal to sell to those under 21. The state does compliance checks at stores all over Connecticut year-round. One of the most recent inspections happened in Southington, where six out of 12 stores were found to sell vapes to underage…
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Enfield police to increase presence to deter shoplifters during holiday season
It’s that time of year! Thousands of shoppers from Connecticut and Massachusetts will be heading to Enfield’s big box stores to get presents for the holiday season. But in doing so, you might see more of a police presence. Enfield police say shoplifting is a year-round problem, but it increases every holiday season due to the number of shoppers...
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Plainville woman honored for helping police after trooper was fatally struck on I-84
A Plainville woman is being honored for helping police after the death of a state trooper earlier this year. Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 84 in May when police say a truck fatally hit him, and continued driving. Police say a passerby saw it happen and helped track that driver down. “I feel like I didn’t...
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Boxes to Boots volunteers prepare for Operation Cares 2024
NBC Connecticut, Comcast and Telemundo are partnering with Boxes to Boots. They’re getting ready to send care packages to service members overseas. In Berlin, dozens of volunteers are taking donated supplies and getting them ready to be sent overseas at Operation Cares 2024. What may seem like a small act of kindness can make a big impact. “Anything that comes…
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Connecticut launches hotline for legal advice about abortions
Legal advice about access and providing legal abortions in Connecticut is now one phone call away. Connecticut Attorney General Tong announced a partnership with the organization Reproductive Equity Now. They’re launching a hotline in response to the election, which they say is creating uncertainty in the national abortion access landscape. The hotline is: 833-309-6301. “It’s our fight. It’s our shared responsibility. We...
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How well did local polling predict the 2024 presidential election?
Donald Trump is the 2024 president-elect, and he was declared the winner earlier than some expected. Many polls leading into Election Day rated the race too close to call, including Quinnipiac University. Their final election poll showed Trump receiving 48% of support, and Kamala Harris receiving 47%. It’s hard for anyone to predict the outcome of the presidential election. “We’re in...
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Connecticut voters react to Trump win
Donald Trump is the 2024 president-elect, defeating Democrat Kamala Harris with over 50% of the vote. NBC News projects 55.3% of Connecticut voters supported Harris, while 42.8% voted for Trump. “I’m very satisfied with the outcome of the president,” said Bill Baer of Wolcott, who voted for Trump. “Just very, very disappointed,” said Nancy Minardi of Waterbury, who voted for…
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Middlebury animal rescue temporarily waives adoption fees
Animal rescues are struggling statewide, with too many animals coming in and not enough people adopting. In Middlebury, Brass City Rescue Alliance is waiving adoption fees until Nov. 10, with the goal to incentivize more people to consider adopting. “It’s been a long time, nobody’s coming in, there’s no interest,” Lauren Tucker, a volunteer at Brass City Rescue Alliance,...
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Crews work to extinguish brush fire in Oxford
Crews are keeping an eye out on multiple brush fires in the state, including one at Seymour Reservoir #4 in the Naugatuck State Forest. “We’ve been pumping water on it all afternoon,” said Oxford Fire Chief Scott Pelletier. He says they arrived around 1 in the morning, left around 6:30 in the morning, and returned shortly after, when the fire…
