Dan Brannan is Content Director of RiverBender and EdGlenToday.com. Dan started at Riverbender.com/Edglentoday.com in December 2014. He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL with degrees in Journalism and Psychology. Having previously served as the Executive Editor of The Telegraph in Alton, his 17-year tenure led the paper to over 350 awards including several General Excellence awards in the Illinois Press Association, Illinois Associated Press, Freedom Communications, Southern Illinois Editorial Association and Journal Register Company contests. Brannan was chosen to lead Freedom Communications' national pilot on social media.
He is the author of eight nonfiction books including: "The Courage to Live," a biography about Donna Gustavel, a young woman with multiple disabilities; "Everyday Angels," an inspirational book of moving human interest stories; "Live Life to the Fullest: Stories of People Coping With Diabetes" which is endorsed by the American Diabetes Association; "Boy Giant: The Story of Robert Wadlow The World's Tallest Man;" "Damn Cold and Starving" written with Sgt. Marion Ray; "You Can't Kill the Dream" co-written with fellow journalist Ande Yakstis; and "A Life in Parts," the story of Loretta Goebel and endorsed by Beatle Paul McCartney.
Dan, an avid exercise enthusiast, is a member of the American Diabetes Association and lives in Maryville. Dan has two children in college - Savannah and Sierra.
ST. LOUIS — A winter weather system is set to move through the St. Louis area from Thursday night into Friday morning, Jan. 10, 2025, bringing light snow to southern Missouri and the Interstate 44 corridor. The Metro East area should also see some snowfall. Melissa Delia, a meteorologist with...
EAST ST. LOUIS - Danea Gathing is spearheading a fundraising effort to cover the funeral expenses for her uncle, Kavin Gathing, who was murdered alongside his roommate on New Year’s Day. The tragic incident has left the family seeking assistance as they navigate this difficult time. Kavin...
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family of 19-year-old Elijah Madison, who recently died tragically. The fundraiser, organized by Trenton Saettele, aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with funeral arrangements and memorial services. Elijah Madison's unexpected deat...
WOOD RIVER - Kaylynn Buttry, a junior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has garnered recognition for her exceptional performance in girls' basketball, specifically for scoring 32 points in a game recently against Bunker Hill, marking the sixth-highest scoring output in Oiler girls basketball history....
WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River junior Tamarion Marshall has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in basketball. Marshall, who has been immersed in the sport since childhood, credits his success to a combination of hard work, family support, and a passion for the game. Marshall is ...
ALTON — The community is coming together to support the family of Dreya Mackenzie Colley, a 16-year-old student who died following a severe car accident on Dec. 23, 2024. Jeralyn Colley is organizing a fundraiser on behalf of Bryan Colley, to help cover funeral expenses after Dreya's passing....
EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 has announced the opening of a community Warming Center at Mason/Clark Middle School that started at 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, and continues through Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The East St. Louis School District said this initiative aims to provide...
EAST ST. LOUIS — Volunteers are invited to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children by leading weekly story times in the East St. Louis School District 189 area. The initiative targets children under age five and aims to foster a love for reading through engaging storytelling....
MARION — Ameren Illinois is mobilizing approximately 800 personnel to restore power to customers affected by a winter storm that struck Southern Illinois over the weekend. As of Monday morning, Jan. 6, 2025, around 22,000 customers in Jackson, Williamson, Saline, and Gallatin Counties in Southern...
The National Weather Service reported significant snowfall across the Metro East region on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, with Godfrey recording the highest total of 12 inches. This information was confirmed by meteorologist Marshall Pfahler during an afternoon briefing. Lambert Airport in St. Louis had ...
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