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 – Lakeatra E. White, a 32-year-old postal carrier from Granite City, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for stealing credit cards from the mail and using them for personal expenses. The sentencing took place in a Southern Illinois district court after White pleaded...
Snow continued to fall heavily across the region on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, creating challenging conditions for commuters and prompting local authorities to deploy snow removal trucks throughout the Metro East Illinois area. As of 7 a.m. Friday, the snowfall had intensified, with officials predicting...
ALTON - The wildfires in Los Angeles have taken on pretty deep meaning over the last few days for my family. Sierra Brannan, my 24-year-old daughter, has been in the middle of much of the chaos. Last night she had to evacuate her apartment because of close-by explosions and fire mayhem. She stayed...
ST. LOUIS — Residents of the St. Louis Metro area should prepare for a light snowfall early Friday morning, Jan. 10, 2025, with accumulation expected to reach between 2 to 3 inches. The snowfall is anticipated to begin around 3 to 4 a.m. from the west, impacting the western fringes of the Metro...
ALTON — Frances “Mary Jo” Goree, known for her unwavering support and kindness to those in need, died on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, following complications from a stroke. She was 68 years old. Mary Jo’s family announced her death with a heartfelt tribute, highlighting her commitment...
BETHALTO - Jacob Cranford, a Civic Memorial High School junior runner, is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month for his efforts in boys cross country and his performance at the recent Great River Road Run in Alton in November. Cranford showcased his talent in the annual 10-mile...
MADISON – Four individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their alleged roles in an armed robbery of a Brink’s truck in Madison, according to a statement released on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred on Dec. 5, 2024, involved two Brink’s employees who were reportedly...
EDWARDSVILLE - The James and Sherrie Brown family hosted a Sausage and Pancake Breakfast with Santa at The Knights of Columbus Hall in Edwardsville in December that was a big hit. The Brown family exhibited they are true Difference Makers in their community with both this effort and one at Thanksgiving....
DETROIT — Sam LaPorta, 23, a graduate of Highland High School, played a pivotal role in the Detroit Lions' decisive 31-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, Jan. 5, 2025, securing home-field advantage for the upcoming NFL playoffs. The tight end recorded seven receptions for...
ST. LOUIS — A winter storm impacting the St. Louis area has led to significant changes in local transit services, with limited bus operations and adjusted MetroLink schedules. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency and Metro Transit provided updates on service disruptions due...
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