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 COUNTY, Mo. (AP) — Yahya Maly, a 28-year-old resident of Ballwin, Mo., faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree rape and seven counts of second-degree rape, following a series of alleged sexual assaults involving five women. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’...
CHICAGO — Michael Madigan, the former Illinois House Speaker and longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, was convicted of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in a high-profile corruption trial that has drawn significant attention. A jury found him guilt...
EDWARDSVILLE – Alandyn Simmons led with 18 points, while Mia Semith added 16 points as Edwardsville took charge from the outset, taking a 64-16 win over Rochester in a girls' basketball game played Tuesday night at Lucco-Jackson Gym. It was also the annual Senior Night game, where th...
TROY - Hannah Schlemer is leading a fundraising effort to support the ongoing needs of 6-year-old Ace Waldeck, of Troy, who faces numerous health challenges due to complications from a premature birth. The campaign aims to raise funds for essential items not covered by insurance, including a ramp,...
MASCOUTHAH - Ryan Cann is rallying support for his sister, Hannah Cann, and her boyfriend, Sebastian, who are facing a challenging situation as they prepare for the birth of their son. The couple, from Mascoutah, is navigating the complexities of a medical condition known as Congenital Diaphragmatic...
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Kahok Special Olympics athletes showcased their skills at an individual basketball event held at Trenton-Wesclin High School this past weekend, earning recognition for their achievements. Seven athletes from the Kahok team received gold medals, qualifying them to participate...
BETHALTO - Jack Piening, a 6-foot-1 senior guard at Civic Memorial High School, has established himself as a notable athlete in multiple sports. With his team's strong basketball record of 17 wins and 10 losses last season, Piening has played a critical role in the success. He has performed substantially...
COLLINSVILLE - Kevin Young, manager of Ameren Illinois Electric Training and a former line worker, emphasized the evolving landscape of the utility industry during a recent discussion about career opportunities and challenges in the field. Young's visit to Riverbender.com was also especially...
ST. LOUIS - Residents in the St. Louis area can expect a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain starting early Wednesday morning, Feb. 12, 2025, and continuing throughout the day, forecasters predict. This could potentially impact travel conditions during the morning and evening commutes. The...
O'FALLON, IL., - The O'Fallon Police Department celebrated its annual awards dinner recently recognizing the contributions of officers and civilian staff for their service in 2024. The event highlighted milestone anniversaries for several members of the department, acknowledging their commitment...
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