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.
EAST ST. LOUIS – A jury has convicted Nirav B. Patel, a 44-year-old illegal immigrant from India, for his role in a fraudulent scheme that targeted elderly victims across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, defrauding them of more than $400,000. The verdict was reached after a trial that...
WOOD RIVER — Avery Huddleston demonstrated her skills on the basketball court as the Civic Memorial High School girls' basketball team secured a significant victory against Pleasant Plains on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. The Eagles triumphed with a score of 49-41, bringing their season record to 2...
WOOD RIVER — Civic Memorial High School's girls basketball team showcased a strong performance on Saturday, February 8, 2025, defeating Pleasant Plains 49-41 in the Mike Fahnestock State Farm Shootout at East Alton-Wood River Gymnasium. The victory marked the team's 22nd win of the season,...
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville High School's boys basketball team secured a victory against MICDS, winning 64-60 in the Mike Fahnestock State Farm Shootout held at East Alton-Wood River High School on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. The Kahoks started strong, leading 11-6 at the end of the first quarter. Their...
ROXANA — In a closely contested matchup on Friday night, East Alton-Wood River's girls' basketball team fell just short against rival Roxana, losing 47-46 at Roxana High School. The game, held on February 7, 2025, was highlighted by a dramatic finish, with Roxana's Lily Daughtery sinking two...
EAST ST. LOUIS - A 17-year-old male was shot and killed Saturday evening, Feb. 8, 2025, in East St. Louis, marking a tragic incident that has prompted an ongoing investigation. Parker A. Bujnak, a resident of the 600 block of Fulton Street in Belleville, was pronounced dead at 9:30 p.m. at Memorial...
CARLINVILLE - The Cavaliers secured a spot in the sectional competition by finishing second at the ACES Regional, formerly known as WYSE, hosted by Carlinville High School at Blackburn College on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. The team, which was edged out by Roxana, will advance to compete at Southwestern...
EDWARDSVILLE - At a birthday party on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, a quick response by a trained employee at Altitude Trampoline Park in Edwardsville helped save the life of an unconscious man. Taylor Smith, a senior at Edwardsville High School, was working on Saturday when she was alerted to the situation....
ROXANA - Lexi Chamberlain and Macy Hart, two senior cheerleaders from Roxana High School, have made significant strides in their sport under the guidance of Coach Stephanie Palen. Both athletes have demonstrated commitment and excellence in cheerleading, achieving numerous accolades during their...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville wrestler Levi Wilkinson reached 100 wins for his career in winning the 126-pound division at the Tigers advanced 11 wrestlers to the individual sectional next week in winning their own IHSA Class 3A regional tournament Saturday, Feb. 8, 2024, at Lincoln Middle School...
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