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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Water safety tips after busy weekend on Connecticut's waterways
It’s been a busy weekend for first responders on Connecticut’s waterways. A man died in a Jet Ski accident in Chester, a boat hit something in the New London area of Long Island Sound, and a teenager died after having a medical emergency and falling off a paddleboard on Crystal Pond in Eastford. The teen was pulled out of...
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Rocky Hill restaurant reopens nearly a year after fire
The Saybrook Fish House in Rocky Hill has reopened its doors to customers after suffering a destructive fire last August. The family-owned restaurant welcomed customers back Thursday after a laundry machine fire destroyed the building 11 months ago. “We’ve been suffering. I told them I’d get in the back and work on construction to help them get it done...
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Memorial grows in honor of 12-year-old found dead in Enfield home as investigation continues
Nearly four months have passed since the death of a 12-year-old girl in Enfield. Some newly released documents are shedding light on the case, but there are still many unanswered questions. As time continues and investigators keep working, community members say they are looking for ways to keep the 12-year-old girl’s story alive. “We don’t want the little girl...
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Farmington River popular place to beat the heat this holiday weekend
The Farmington Valley is thriving on Friday, packed with people looking to cool off on the river. On a hot holiday weekend, there’s only one reason why these tubers are going down the river. “The best way to cool off,” said Avery Beadle of Bridgeport. “Too hot not to,” said Clay Cowee. “The cold water is just so refreshing,”...
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Connecticut's Catholic community remembers beloved priest killed in West Hartford crash
“His gift in my mind was the gift of attention,” David Cinquegrani of the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center said. That’s how David Cinquegrani describes his longtime friend and colleague, Father Terry Kristofak. He said that Kristofak was a priest for the people, guiding parishioners of all ages, classes and identities. Kristofak was as much an animal lover as...
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Historic Hindinger Farm in Hamden up for sale
After more than 130 years, a community staple in Hamden is for sale. Hindinger Farm is the latest in Connecticut to move onto a new chapter, and as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. But, it will be open for the rest of the year. “We’re looking forward to a new chapter in our lives,” said Elizabeth...
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DPH confirms state's second measles case, first in a vaccinated adult
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has confirmed the state’s second case of measles in 2026, this time in a vaccinated Hartford County adult following testing conducted over the weekend. DPH said the individual had already received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which combines vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella into a single injection. DPH said the testing yielded…
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Kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals now available at Connecticut state parks
If you’ve ever wanted to try kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding, but don’t want to commit to buying the equipment, this summer is the perfect time to try. The state is offering rentals for these vessels at state parks throughout Connecticut. On a sunny summer day, Mt. Tom State Park is packed with people looking to cool off. “I’m gonna...
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QU Women's Rugby seeking an injunction as lawsuit gets underway
143/80 characters The legal battle between the Quinnipiac Women’s Rugby team and the university is now underway. In April, Quinnipiac demoted the varsity team to a club team and announced it would be replaced with a men’s distance track team. They cited Title IX compliance and fiscal sustainability as their reasons for the choice. In response, a lawsuit was brought...
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Goose sells shirts to benefit family of Niantic man who died after fall at concert
The band Goose is selling t-shirts to raise money for the family of a Niantic man who died after falling from a balcony at Madison Square Garden during the band’s concert Saturday night. In an Instagram post, the Connecticut-based band said its “BIG LOVE” t-shirt is available for pre-order on its website and that all proceeds will benefit a...
