Brandon Merano

Champaign

Articles

Parkland hosting C-U celebrity basketball game, senior showcase

3 weeks ago | sports.yahoo.com | Brandon Merano

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Parkland College is hosting a pair of basketball games this weekend, and one of WCIA’s own will be taking part. ‘Do-nut’ miss these deals: How to celebrate National Donut Day in Central Illinois AdvertisementWCIA’s Brandon Merano will be joining Champaign public officials and even a former Illini in a celebrity basketball game at Parkland on Sunday.
Parkland hosting C-U celebrity basketball game, senior showcase

3 weeks ago | wcia.com | Brandon Merano |Ethan Holesha

Posted: Jun 5, 2025 / 09:15 PM CDT Updated: Jun 5, 2025 / 09:16 PM CDT SHARE CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Parkland College is hosting a pair of basketball games this weekend, and one of WCIA’s own will be taking part.
300 people attend funeral of Springfield veteran with no known family

1 month ago | wcia.com | Brandon Merano |Bradley Zimmerman

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — They didn’t know him, and he didn’t know them, but that didn’t stop 300 people from attending a Vietnam veteran’s funeral last week. Robert Neff died at the age of 79 with no known family. The public was invited to his funeral on Friday, and Central Illinois showed up in force. As Neff was laid to rest, hundreds of people attended the funeral service, including active duty servicemembers, veterans, Honor Guard members, Patriot Guard riders and civilians.
Face of the Race: Jessica Davis

2 months ago | wcia.com | Danny Connolly |Brandon Merano

PONTIAC, Ill. (WCIA) — Christie Clinic Race Weekend is almost here and people throughout Central Illinois are getting ready to lace up their shoes. One of those athletes is Jessica Davis from Pontiac. Davis was in a UTV accident in 2018 which took her left arm. She’s also served in the Marine Corps. She said losing her arm was just the beginning of another journey.
Trial underway for teacher accused of battery against South Fork student

Feb 6, 2025 | wcia.com | Molly Sweeney |Brandon Merano

KINCAID, Ill. (WCIA) — A trial is underway for a former South Fork teacher accused of aggravated battery. WCIA obtained documents from the Kincaid Police Department’s investigations through a Freedom of Information Act request. According to the documents, a South Fork School District parent reported to police that Michelle Freligh, a South Fork High School teacher, “attacked” her juvenile daughter. The incident happened on Dec. 7, 2023. Kincaid Police went on to investigate the incident at the school.
Everyday Hero: Stranger saves woman’s life by performing CPR in Walmart

Feb 4, 2025 | wcia.com | Brandon Merano

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A quick errand turned into a tragedy at a Jacksonville Walmart. Sid Welles was waiting in the car while his wife Evelyn was picking up a gallon of milk. She collapsed — but luckily Steve Gilbreth, who knew CPR, was nearby. Evelyn experienced ventricular fibrillation, a quivering of the heart muscles, leading to blood stoppage in September. Thankfully, Gilbreth gave her lifesaving CPR until paramedics got there.
Everyday Hero: Stranger saves woman’s life by performing CPR in Walmart

Feb 4, 2025 | yahoo.com | Brandon Merano

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A quick errand turned into a tragedy at a Jacksonville Walmart. Sid Welles was waiting in the car while his wife Evelyn was picking up a gallon of milk. She collapsed — but luckily Steve Gilbreth, who knew CPR, was nearby. Evelyn experienced ventricular fibrillation, a quivering of the heart muscles, leading to blood stoppage in September. Thankfully, Gilbreth gave her lifesaving CPR until paramedics got there.
‘We thank you;’ Mt. Zion community honors two boys involved in ATV accident

Jan 8, 2025 | wcia.com | Brandon Merano

MT. ZION, Ill. (WCIA) — Mt. Zion was the place of a somber reflection on Tuesday when hundreds came together to mourn for one boy and pray for another as he fights for his life. 10-year-old Jack Brinkoetter was killed in a tragic accident on Sunday. A second boy his age was critically injured in the same accident, and he is currently hospitalized in Springfield. Both are fifth grade students at Mt. Zion Intermediate School, where a prayer vigil was held Tuesday night.
WATCH: Veterans Voices: Honoring Those Who Serve

Nov 12, 2024 | wcia.com | Brandon Merano

Posted: Nov 12, 2024 / 04:10 PM CST Updated: Nov 12, 2024 / 04:10 PM CST SHARE CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — In honor of Veteran’s Day 2024, WCIA 3’s Brandon Merano recognizes those who have served across Central Illinois in this special half-an-hour show.
WATCH: Veterans Voices: Honoring Those Who Serve

Nov 12, 2024 | yahoo.com | Brandon Merano

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — In honor of Veteran’s Day 2024, WCIA 3’s Brandon Merano recognizes those who have served across Central Illinois in this special half-an-hour show. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.