Melissa Krull

Utica

Multimedia Journalist at Spectrum News 1 Central NY

@SPECNews1CNY Award-winning Multimedia Journalist based in the Mohawk Valley • Wife of a Combat Marine Veteran • RTs ≠ endorsements

Featured in: Favicon

spectrumlocalnews.com Favicon

ny1.com

baynews9.com Favicon

mynews13.com Favicon

spectrumnews1.com Favicon

utpjournals.press Favicon

cannabisculture.com Favicon

lucianne.com Favicon

newsbreak.com Favicon

flipboard.com

Articles

Looking at ways to improve community and police relations

3 weeks ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Melissa Krull

Last summer, 13-year-old Nyah Mway was killed by Utica Police. Following a stop, the teen fled on foot and displayed what appeared to be a handgun, but was actually a pellet gun. Amid a struggle, an officer shot Mway, causing his death. New York state Attorney General Letitia James’ Office found the officer’s actions were justified under the law. The fatal shooting caused tension between many community members and the police.
Work zone speed enforcement making a difference, New Yorkers say

1 month ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Melissa Krull

In New York state, you don’t have to get pulled over to be fined for speeding. The violation notice could come in the mail. In 2021, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation creating the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program. It’s a five-year program designed to make work zones safer on New York state roads. It seems to be working. Officials said 155,000 violations have been issued.
Report finds large racial disparities in New York parole releases

2 months ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Melissa Krull

A 22-day prison strike and the multiple deaths of those incarcerated during that time has reignited conversations about reforms in the state prison system. A report last fall claims white people were offered parole at higher rates than people of color — and the gap has widened in the last three years.
Flood watches issued for parts of upstate New York

Mar 5, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Melissa Krull

Western New York areas, the northern Finger Lakes, parts of Central New York and the North Country are all under flood watches.
CO strikes preventing prisoners from connecting with N.Y. legal advocacy group

Mar 4, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Melissa Krull

As correction officers strike, people behind bars are facing a slew of challenges, including a lack of communication. The no-visitation policy in place apparently also applies to an organization providing legal representation and help to prisoners.
Survey documents mental health toll on first responders in N.Y.

Feb 12, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Melissa Krull

First responders are our strength on our worst days, but a recent survey outlines and documents the stresses they face. It’s a stressful job serving a first responder – a rescuer. “It's the nonstop phone calls. It's the not knowing what's going to come next. It's the pressure of performing it. It's the stress of making sure you make the right decisions, the right time for the right people and include everybody there is," said Matt Franklin, director of the state Office of Emergency Management.
'We are not bad people, we are immigrants': Family in New York seeks asylum

Feb 6, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Melissa Krull

Confusion and concern are widespread following implementation of President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Many people residing both legally and illegally in Central New York are fearful of deportation.
Report: Marcy inmates distrust state prison grievance process, fear retaliation

Feb 3, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Melissa Krull

Following the death of inmate Robert Brooks, various aspects of prison life in New York state are coming under new criticism. Brooks died in December after correction officers attacked him while he was restrained at Marcy Correctional Facility.
State lawmakers join calls for New York state to pause climate goals

Jan 31, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Melissa Krull

Pushback continues as New York state takes steps toward a mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040. State lawmakers from the Mohawk Valley met with several business owners and municipal leaders who said the deadlines and efforts are unrealistic. What You Need To KnowState Sen.
Upstate New York church among those bracing for potential ICE visits

Jan 24, 2025 | spectrumlocalnews.com | Melissa Krull

As President Donald Trump's first full week in office nears an end, his executive orders and presidential actions are already affecting communities in upstate New York and beyond. One is a change allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to detain people while in places of worship and schools. For some, that raises the spectre of ICE agents making arrests in churches.