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.
MADISON COUNTY — Deputy Michael Metzler has joined the Madison County Sheriff’s Office after retiring from the Alton Police Department, officials announced this week. Metzler, who brings several years of law enforcement experience, was recently sworn in as a deputy with the Madison...
MARYVILLE - Maryville Christian High School’s varsity boys soccer team secured a 3-0 victory over Metro East Lutheran High School on Tuesday night, Sept. 30, 2025, at Maryville Christian. The game took place at Maryville Christian’s home field. Seth England and Brody Nimmons each...
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO. — A custodian at Francis Howell High School was placed on leave and arrested Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2025, after allegedly writing racist graffiti in the school’s bathrooms last week, authorities said. Tyler Carter was charged by the St. Charles County Police Department...
BETHALTO — Civic Memorial High School will host a Pink Out Night at Hauser Stadium on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, to support Nicole Parris, a local teacher and football mom currently battling breast cancer. The event aims to raise awareness and funds to assist Parris with medical expenses while honoring...
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2025, that members of the Missouri National Guard will assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facilities in the state starting Oct. 1, 2025. Kehoe said the National Guard will provide administrative,...
BELLEVILLE — Senior Carson Jones led the way for the Explorers in the 18-team Crusaders Golf Invite Tournament at the St. Clair Country Club in Belleville on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, shooting a 69 to finish a remarkable second overall individually. The Marquette Catholic High School boys golf...
O'FALLON, IL. - The O'Fallon Marching Band and Drill Team capped off a spirited homecoming week with a memorable halftime performance at the Panthers-Alton Redbirds football game on Friday night, Sept. 26, 2025, showcasing their talent and school pride. Throughout Homecoming Week, the band...
BELLEVILLE — A student was taken into custody Tuesday morning, Sept. 30, 2025, after being found with a firearm at Belleville East High School, authorities said. At approximately 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, a Belleville Police Department School Resource Officer and school staff were alerted b...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 34-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle early Saturday morning, Sept. 27, 2025, near the intersection of West Florissant Avenue and Northport Hills Drive, according to St. Louis County Police. Officers from the North County Precinct responded at 2:37...
EAST ST. LOUIS — A 26-year-old East St. Louis man has been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery following a multi-year investigation into a deadly 2021 robbery, Illinois State Police announced Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Montel Harkins faces a Class M felony charge for first-degree...
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