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.
LAS VEGAS — Dr. Taylor Marie Gerson, a microbiology Ph.D. candidate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, was named the 2025 UNLV Rebel Grad Slam 3-Minute Thesis Champion on Dec. 16, 2025, the day she also received her doctorate during the Graduate College Commencement. Carolyn...
ALTON — David Davis, a retired machine adjuster and group leader with 40 years of experience at Olin, was the head grandpa for this year’s Christmas Wonderland at Rock Spring Park. The annual holiday lights display, featuring more than 4 million lights, was held from Nov. 28, 2025,...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police responded to multiple reports of shots fired on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2025, during celebrations that prompted concerns over public safety. Officers investigated two incidents where individuals were recklessly discharging firearms into the air o...
GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Council has approved and activated red-light enforcement cameras at the intersection of Maryville Road and Pontoon Road to enhance traffic safety. The cameras, which monitor all four directions of the intersection, became operational recently and will...
EDWARDSVILLE — A 51-year-old man from Washington, Indiana, was taken into custody and charged in connection with a robbery at a local bank earlier this week, the Edwardsville Police Department announced Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Robert Neal was charged with financial institution robbery, possessio...
ST. LOUIS - The upcoming peak of the 2026 Quadrantid meteor shower in St. Louis is expected to reach its maximum activity late on Saturday, January 3, 2026, through the early hours of Sunday, January 4, 2026. The shower, known for producing bright fireballs, can deliver between 40 and over 100 meteor...
GRANITE CITY — Seven Granite City High School students earned Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) certifications through their Introduction to Cybersecurity course, the school district announced this week. The certifications, awarded by Cisco, a global leader in IT training...
SWANSEA — The Swansea Police Department announced the passing of retired Sergeant Greg Woolery on Christmas Day, 2025, at the age of 70, following a prolonged battle with an aggressive illness. Woolery served a total of 36 years in law enforcement, beginning his career with the St. Clair County...
BEARDSTOWN - Carrollton dropped a game to West Hancock on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in the Beardstown Tournament, 72-40, but Blake Driskill still had a standout overall game with a 16-point outburst. Hayden Mcmurtie added 9 points, and Chloe McAdams had 6 points for the Hawks. Hadley Lake had 4 points,...
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