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.
SPRINGFIELD/EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — Alton High School’s girls tennis team showcased strong performances across two varsity tournaments this past weekend, competing in Springfield and Edwardsville with notable success. At the Sacred Heart Griffin Central Illinois Invite in Springfield on Saturday...
GODFREY — Mathew David Fields, a 37-year-old man from Godfrey, died this past Wednesday evening after being struck by a vehicle on Martin Luther King Boulevard, according to Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich. The incident occurred around 9:22 p.m. Sept. 3, 2025, approximately a hal...
BELLEVILLE — Three young Belleville area men were recently honored with the Eagle Scout rank, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America. Sultan Al-Uqdah Jr., 15, a sophomore at Althoff Catholic High School, and twins Khalil and Khalif Morehead, both longtime Scouts, received...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Officers Cody Randolph and Slater McView graduated from the Police Academy on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, marking the beginning of their careers serving the community in Fairview Heights. Both Fairview Heights Police officers bring military experience to their new roles. Offic...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Human remains were discovered Monday morning, Sept. 8, 2025, in the 800 block of Strodtman Road, located within the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, prompting an ongoing investigation by the St. Louis County Police Department. Officers from the North County Precinct...
EAST ST. LOUIS — A team of eight dedicated staff members from East St. Louis School District 189 recently completed a weeklong Social Emotional Learning (SEL) training aimed at enhancing wellness and collaboration across the district’s schools. Known as the “PULSE 8 REGULATORS,”...
CLINTON COUNTY - A 65-year-old woman from Swansea died Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in a head-on collision on U.S. 50 at St. Rose Road in Clinton County, authorities said. Margaret Smith was pronounced dead at 1:43 p.m. on Monday at the scene, according to the Clinton County Coroner's Office. The Illinois...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District #9 received a $5,000 donation from United States Steel Corporation to support student hygiene needs for the 2025-26 school year. The contribution was announced recently at Granite City, where district and company representatives gathered to mark the occasion...
ST. LOUIS - Daniel Tossey, a 17-year-old senior at Edwardsville High School, began his first season with the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra by performing at the ensemble’s inaugural concert in the newly renovated Powell Hall on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. Tossey, who plays clarinet, joined the...
EDWARDSVILLE - Ian Kim, a 10th grader and violist, and an Edwardsville student, joined other young musicians in the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra at the newly renovated Powell Hall on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in St. Louis. The event marked a significant milestone for the youth ensemble, showcasing...
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