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.
BELLEVILLE/O’FALLON - O’Fallon and Belleville continue to have some of the lowest unemployment rates of cities in the entire region in the latest stats. St. Clair County’s unemployment in May 2024 was 4.8 percent. O’Fallon posted a 4.3 percent unemployment rate in May 2024,...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased have been identified in a double homicide in the 200 block of Roderick Drive in North County, St. Louis, as Tyrese Mosley, 25 years of age, of the 10500 block of Olney Drive in St. Louis, and Amea Robinson-Smith, 18 years of age, of the 11200 block of Old Halls Ferry...
EDWARDSVILLE - Adam Broekemeier just concluded his senior season at Metro East Lutheran High School in track and field. He was also a “phenomenal” boys cross country runner, posting a time of 17:22 at the sectional this past year. Adam was an excellent cross country runner in his career,...
EDWARDSVILLE - Izzy McLeod has been a Metro East Lutheran High School running standout since her freshman year. As a junior, she recorded a time of 20:28 for 2.92 miles in cross country. She posted a 20:42 in 2021, a 21:43.4 in 2022 and 20:44.8 in 2023 for three miles in cross country. Izzy is...
GRAFTON – Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow has a catchy saying about his city when he says it is a place where "everybody helps everybody else." In a sign of strong unity and cooperation and a prime example of the mayor's slogan, Grafton has resolved a long-time issue of a new dock at Lighthouse Par...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Detectives from the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 6200 block of Bailey Place in the City of Hillsdale, resulting in the death of Willie Thompson, 41, of the 2300 block of Kienlen Avenue...
EAST ST. LOUIS – A Missouri woman is facing federal charges for her alleged involvement in a robbery at the Best Buy in Edwardsville. Jakiaya T. McCoy, 21, of Florissant, Mo, has been charged by a federal grand jury with two counts of transportation of a stolen vehicle, one count of interference...
JERSEYVILLE — Amanda Terry of Jerseyville has been named the first winner of State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer's 2024 photo contest, capturing an impressive snapshot that highlights the beauty of the region. Rep. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) announced the winner on Thursday, June 27, 2024. “Amanda...
ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, announced Thursday it is closely monitoring river levels following heavy rainfall upstream along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The recent precipitation has led to higher water levels in various areas near Illinois. A...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Collinsville Swim Club Gators swept all three titles in the Southwest Illinois Swimming Association relays meet Monday evening at the Sunset Hills Country Club pool, taking the boys, girls, and overall championships. In the girls meet, the Gators edged out Montclaire Swim Club...
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