Portfolio

Mikayla Melo

Carnegie-Knight News21 Investigative Fellow | News Writer for the Maxwell School

Articles

Explore some of my newest work!

13 October 2025

Between stories, I’m learning to be still

After years of building my identity around my career, I stepped away to study abroad in Florence — and found myself rethinking what it means to tell stories, to grow and to find my balance.

News21 • 5 September 2025

Communities wrestle with expanded immigration detention under Trump

President Donald Trump’s administration has launched a massive expansion of immigration detention, a crucial step toward fulfilling Trump’s pledge to carry out mass deportations.

Federal officials want to increase the number of beds from 41,500 to 100,000 nationwide by awarding billion-dollar contracts to private prison companies, primarily GEO and CoreCivic. Both companies’ stock prices surged by more than 60% after Trump’s reelection.

News21 • 5 September 2025

‘Sí se puede’: Hundreds march across California for immigrant rights

More than 100 people gathered in a circle in the shade of Andrews Park. They were Christian faith leaders, Native American elders, toddlers, activists with decades of experience and first-time protesters, all bound by the same goal: to walk almost 40 miles in three days to advocate for immigrant rights.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle • 1 August 2025

Hurt by revenge porn, a Rochester girl told police. She didn't expect what came next.

With her counselor and assistant principal by her side, a high school senior walked into Officer Moses Robinson’s office at Early College High School in Rochester. She turned to Robinson for help, her school resource officer, a policeman who has long been praised for his work in the community.

The teen had been victimized by a revenge porn posting by her ex-boyfriend; the boy had secretly filmed and shared their sexual encounter online.

“I'm going to get the shame, he's going to get the glory,...

The NewsHouse • 10 October 2024

Students feel unsafe amid rising crime in Westcott Neighborhood

A student at SU woke to find her car keys missing. She reported a burglary and Syracuse Police responded. The next day, her car was stolen.

NCC News • 2 December 2024

New York's Clean Slate Act offers hope for formerly incarcerated individuals

The new law’s automatic sealing of criminal records paves the way for 2.1 million New Yorkers to overcome barriers to employment, housing and education.

NCC News • 28 September 2024

Illegal ATV driving in Syracuse escalating: What police are doing to crack down

While illegal motorbike/ATV driving in Syracuse may sound far-fetched, it is becoming a serious issue. Not only does it keep neighbors awake, tear through parks, and destroy city property, but it can have a dangerous outcome.

NCC News • 12 November 2024

Forensic Nurses Week highlights critical roles in supporting survivors of sexual violence

The initiative emphasizes the importance of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) in providing trauma-informed care, while addressing the nationwide shortage of professionals needed to support survivors.

The NewsHouse • 21 May 2024

I'm with … him? Gen Z voters don't like their options

The students’ lack of enthusiasm is shared by many in their generation. According to the 2023 Harvard Youth Poll, 69% of young people who plan to vote for President Joe Biden are doing so to avoid another term for former President Donald Trump. In contrast, two-thirds of young Trump supporters will cast their vote with enthusiasm for their candidate.

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