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 - On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Steven Martin, Jr., 18 years of age, of St. Louis, for Murder 1st Degree, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon - Subsection 9 - Shoot At/From...
GODFREY - St. Ambrose Catholic School in Godfrey is expanding its middle school curriculum with accelerated mathematics classes and new foreign language and personal finance instruction for eighth-grade students, Principal Bob Baird announced. Baird said the changes, set to take effect in the...
GRAFTON - Christina Petrea is organizing a fundraiser to support her son Dawson’s participation in an international medical program aimed at high school students. Dawson, a junior at Jersey Community High School, has been recognized for his academic excellence and dedication to pursuing a career...
MEDORA – A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family of Taylor Cummines, who died in a recent car accident. The fundraiser was organized by Emily Jackson to assist Taylor's fiancé, Drew, and their three young children as they adjust to life without her. Taylor was...
ALTON – As the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division continues to leave no stone unturned in the investigation into the tragic July 4, 2025, homicide of 17-year-old Shabrya L. Hudson, additional charges have been filed against two more individuals connected to this...
EAST ST. LOUIS - Recently, James Avant Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189 held its Fifth-Grade Promotional Ceremony to honor students moving on to middle school. The event celebrated the achievements of the graduating fifth graders and marked an important transition in their academic...
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School has welcomed Dan Cichlar as its new Career & Technical Education teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. Cichlar will lead the Construction, DIY, and Introduction to Technology & Engineering classes, bringing real-world experience and a hands-on teaching approach...
RANDOLPH COUNTY — Curtis Scott Sheeler, 65, was found deceased near his home in Randolph County on Tuesday morning, July 8, 2025, following a multi-agency search prompted by his family’s missing person report. Sheeler had been reported missing on Sunday, July 5, 2025, when family members...
O'FALLON - Lauren Jackson, a woman who says she can't wait to make a difference in her students' lives, has accepted a position with the O’Fallon School District as a new Autism teacher at Estelle Kampmeyer Elementary. Jackson also said she has "always wanted to be a teacher ever since I wa...
GRANITE CITY — President Donald Trump announced in late May 2025 a revised partnership agreement between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel, reversing earlier opposition to the acquisition that officially closed June 18, 2025. The deal includes commitments to keep U.S. Steel’s headquarters in...
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