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.
EDWARDSVILLE — Lucas Abbott, a junior boys' cross country runner at Metro East Lutheran High School, concluded his 2025 season with a strong performance at the state meet in Peoria, finishing 54th in Class 1A with a time of 15 minutes, 36 seconds. Abbott’s season highlights include winning...
BETHALTO — Civic Memorial's Glenn Collins is preparing for a standout track and field season in 2026 after a notable cross country campaign in 2025 with the Eagles. Collins has earned recognition as the Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month following his consistent improvement...
ALTON - Allie Weiner, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, has been recognized for her achievements in basketball, highlighting a successful high school sports career marked by leadership and dedication. Weiner, who has played basketball since kindergarten, credits her early love for the sport...
SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, a new law named after Sonya Massey will require law enforcement agencies in Illinois to conduct more comprehensive background checks on prospective officers before hiring, State Senator Doris Turner announced. The legislation, Senate Bill 1953, was...
EDWARDSVILLE — Edwardsville police officers, retirees and family members joined about 28 children Saturday morning, Dec. 13, 2025, for the 16th annual Christmas with a Cop program, aiming to brighten the holiday season for local families. The event began with breakfast at Chick-fil-A...
GRANITE CITY — The Granite City Police Officers PBPA Unit 15 hosted the annual Shop with a Hero event on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at the Granite City Township Building, providing support and holiday cheer to 29 children from the community. Since its inception in 2017, the Shop with a Hero...
Gary and Christine Huelsmann are pleased to announce the engagement of their Daughter, Mariah, to Sean Miller. Mariah is a AHS 2013 grad with a BA in Anthropology from SIUE, an M.A. in History from UMSL and is an Archives Technician. Sean is the son of Gloria Weeces Miller of Jefferson City, MO.,...
ALTON — At 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, Wreaths Across America held its 19th annual ceremony at Alton National Cemetery, 600 Pearl Street, to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom (Photos by Mike Cruz ). The event centers on laying...
ALTON — Holly Kim, Lake County Treasurer and candidate for Illinois Comptroller, will host a Meet and Greet from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at the Alton Sports Tap, 3812 College Avenue. The event will include free light bites and offers an opportunity for voters to engage directly...
ST. CLAIR COUNTY — On Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, at 7:49 p.m., the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call reporting an active disturbance and potential robbery aboard an eastbound train near the Memorial Hospital Metrolink station. Two deputies o...
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