Lauren Melendez has spent the majority of her career at NBC affiliate stations serving the Midwest, starting as a weekend anchor and investigative reporter in Peoria, Illinois, followed by anchoring at WOWT NBC Omaha.
A Philadelphia native and Syracuse University graduate, she is an Associated Press Award-winning journalist who has moderated political panels, hosted primetime specials on race relations, emceed fundraisers and volunteers regularly in the community.
The Latest
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Rain is on the way but we're still dry for now as 20+ brush fires continue burning
We’re finally expecting some much-needed rain in the forecast Thursday, but we remain dry Wednesday as Massachusetts continues to experience many brush fires statewide.
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Brockton enacts $200-a-day fine for homeless encampments
City councilors in Brockton, Massachusetts, voted to crack down on homeless encampments Tuesday after a heated public meeting. In a 7-to-4 vote, they approved a new ordinance that would fine people camping on public property $200 a day. The council also voted to punish loitering in public places with a $50 fine. During the meeting, some councilors emphasized that Salisbury…
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Defense, prosecution argue motions as Karen Read's new trial draws nearer
Attorneys in the Karen Read case returned to the Norfolk Superior Court Wednesday to discuss a series of motions ahead of the upcoming trial, including a request from both sides to push the trial start date back. Karen Read was represented Wednesday by attorneys Alan Jackson, David Yanetti and Elizabeth Little. The Commonwealth was represented by special prosecutor Hank Brennan,…
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Election Day arrives: What Harris, Trump had to say in their final pitch to voters
The race for the White House has finally reached the finish line. Voters across the nation will head to the polls Tuesday to pick our new president. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are off the campaign trail and preparing to settle in the locations where they will spend election night. For Harris, it will be Howard…
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Battleground blitz: Harris, Trump make final push ahead of Election Day
It is the final day of campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. With a race this close, neither candidate can afford to lose steam, which is why we saw each of them rallying support in battleground states over the weekend. Harris spent Sunday in Michigan, traveling to three major areas. One of them was East…
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Salem launches guaranteed income pilot project
The City of Salem, Massachusetts, is preparing to launch a new guaranteed income program that will grant qualifying residents $6,000 over the course of a year. The program is called Uplift Salem, and 100 eligible residents will be given $500 a month over a year. Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said that he wants to show people that guaranteed income initiatives…
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Biden delivers eulogy at Ethel Kennedy memorial service in DC
As the Bay State continues to honor the life of Ethel Kennedy, our nation’s leaders paid their respects on Wednesday. A memorial service for the late Kennedy matriarch was held in Washington, D.C. President Joe Biden delivered the final eulogy, while former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton also spoke. Other speakers included former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Martin...
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Some surgeries at Mass General Brigham remain on hold amid IV fluid shortage
Some surgeries at Mass General Brigham remain on hold as an IV fluid shortage continues. This is happening nationwide and there are growing concerns about how long this will continue. It’s only certain non-emergency elective surgeries that are being put on hold. Massachusetts General Hospital leaders said they had to take this drastic step in order to prioritize patient...
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Stop & Shop prices vary store to store, and Mass. lawmakers want to know why
A study found that some Stop & Shop locations in Massachusetts charged higher prices in areas with a lower median income and now state lawmakers are demanding answers about the company’s practices. U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and Reps. Jim McGovern and Ayanna Pressley sent a four-page letter to Stop and Shop leaders after a group of...
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Man held anew on murder charge in Lawrence mother's death
The man accused of murdering a Lawrence, Massachusetts, woman, after being previously arrested on a lesser charge in the case, appeared in court Wednesday for a brief hearing. No new details were revealed on Carol Flaz-Burgos’ death — in fact, the Lawrence District Court judge allowed an Essex County Assistant District Attorney Jessica Fleet’s request that a police report containing…
