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 COUNTY, Mo. — An 8-year-old boy died Sunday evening, Sept. 21, 2025, after a backyard swing set collapsed and trapped him beneath a crossbar in the 11300 block of Larimore Road, authorities said. St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating...
EDWARDSVILLE — Erin Hamilton-Foley, a former assistant principal at Edwardsville High School, was convicted Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and sentenced to four years in prison. The 53-year-old pleaded guilty in Madison County Circuit Court to a Class 1 felony charge...
COLLINSVILLE - Extreme Baseball & Softball Club (Extreme BSC) announced a three-year plan to reduce player fees, aiming to make club sports more financially accessible for families in the Metro-East community. The initiative was unveiled by club leaders this past week, highlighting the organization’s...
FAIRMONT CITY - Two people died in a fiery crash Friday night, Sept. 19, 2025, on Illinois Route 162 near Pontoon Beach in Madison County, authorities said. The collision occurred on Sept. 19, 2025, between Interstate 255 and Route 157. Witnesses reported that both victims were trapped inside the...
EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 recognized its security team at Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence and celebrated a milestone at Dunbar Elementary School with the induction of its first fourth-grade National Beta Club members this past week. The district, located in Eas...
GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic edged Columbia 1-0 in a tightly contested boys soccer match Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at McGivney, with Will Rakers scoring the decisive goal in the second half. The victory improved Father McGivney’s record to 8-3-0, while Columbia fell to 9-4-1. Patrick...
EDWARDSVILLE — The Midwest Open beach volleyball tournament brought 25 professional men’s and women’s teams to Plummer Family Park on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, offering the community a chance to experience high-level competition at the city’s new beach volleyball courts. T...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Belleville West Maroons played well overall on the night despite a 48-30 loss to Edwardsville at Edwardsville, and head coach Ken Turner was happy with his team’s effort. "We’ve played better in the last couple of years, and hopefully, we’re closing it," Turner...
EDWARDSVILLE – It was an explosive night for the Edwardsville offense, as quarterback Yale Weaver and running back Brandon Houston, Jr. combined on the ground to help the Tigers pick up their badly-needed first win of the season 48-30 over Belleville West Friday night, Sept. 19, 2025, at Tiger...
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