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/CHICAGO - Theta Hughes, 27, was reported missing after last being seen at the St. Louis Amtrak station on the morning of Dec. 3, 2025. Authorities say Hughes boarded a train at 6:35 a.m. on Dec. 3, 2025, in St. Louis and was scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 11:40 a.m., but she never reached...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community Unit School District #9 delayed dismissal for some students on December 5, 2025, following an incident in the community earlier that day. A Granite City Police officer was shot around 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in an incident near Pizza World in Granite...
EAST ST. LOUIS – Four players scored in double figures for East St. Louis, led by 21 points from Alex Johnson, as East St. Louis came from behind to win its home opener over Edwardsville 68-60 in the Southwestern Conference curtain raiser for both teams Friday night at East Side’s gym....
GRANITE CITY — Granite City Police released photos of a potential person of interest in the shooting of an officer that occurred around 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in the vicinity of the Pizza World parking lot. Following the incident, officers established a perimeter on Madison Avenue...
ALTON - If you are looking for a smiling face along with energy, enthusiasm, and a great attitude, look no further than the most recent Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Remarkable Redbird, Sebastian Rezabek. Sebastian is one of the main students coming off the bus and in the hallway each morning, encouraging...
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department recognized Officer Brian Joy this week as its 2025 Officer of the Year during the annual C3 awards dinner. Joy, who has served with the department for four years, was recognized for his consistent contributions and dedication to proactive...
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS SCOREBOARD BOYS BASKETBALL Granite City 58, Metro-East Lutheran 39 Roxana 60, Maryville Christian 41 GIRLS BASKETBALL Marissa-Coulterville 59, Dupo 22 Breese Central 59, Salem 23 Alton 70, Collinsville 25 Belleville East 54, O'Fallon...
BARRY - Calhoun-Brussels defeated Western 44-26 Thursday night, Dec. 4, 2025, in a non-conference girls basketball game in Barry, overcoming early foul trouble and shooting difficulties to secure the win. The Lady Warriors (1-3) struggled through a sluggish first half, with foul trouble and a poo...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The two men who were fatally shot Wednesday night, Dec. 3, 2025, in the 12400 block of Horizon Village Drive have been identified by the St. Louis County Police Department. The St. Louis County Police identified the victims as 23-year-old Damarius Bolden of the 7200...
GRANITE CITY - Jalen Hall led Granite City with 16 points, while Evan Brewer added 12 points to propel the Warriors to a 58-39 boys basketball win over Metro-East Lutheran Thursday night, Dec. 4, 2025, at Granite City Memorial Gym. The Warriors used the run to overcome a sluggish first-half start...
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