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.
O'FALLON - Curtis Newcomb was sworn in as the new Council Member for Ward 4 recently, bringing over a decade of public safety experience and a deep commitment to public service to the O'Fallon City Council. Newcomb, a lifelong resident of O’Fallon who now raises his own young family...
O'FALLON - O’Fallon Township High School’s girls soccer team clinched the 2025 Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Championship with a 1-0 overtime victory over Naperville North on June 7, 2025, solidifying their status as a top-ranked team nationally. To honor their achievement,...
EDWARDSVILLE — A fatal crash at the intersection of Troy Road and Goshen Road claimed the life of a Glen Carbon man Monday evening, June 23, 2025, Edwardsville Police said Tuesday morning, June 24, 2025. The Edwardsville Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 7 p.m. on Jun...
ALTON - Johnny Salinas, a 26-year-old union worker and father from Alton, is seeking financial support after a severe arm injury left him unable to work. The injury occurred while Salinas was flipping storage units for extra income when a glass panel from a picture frame sliced through his left arm,...
EDWARDSVILLE — Authorities have closed the intersection of Troy Road and Center Grove Road on Monday evening, June 23, 2025, due to a traffic incident involving a vehicle and a motorcycle, according to the Edwardsville Police and Fire Departments. The departments reported the incident on Monday...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — Charges have been filed in St. Louis County against Ivyon Houston, 22, of St. Louis, in connection with a shooting, home invasion, and police pursuit that ended in a crash and the death of Brian Sonnier, 27, who lived in the 4800 block of Northland Avenue, St. Louis,...
EDWARDSVILLE — Alyssa Bivens, a key defensive player for Metro East Lutheran High School’s girls soccer team, has been recognized as a BJ’s Printables Female Athlete of the Month for the Knights. B ivens, who plays center on defense and is considered "a sweeper," provided a strong...
ST. LOUIS - Calista Stahlhut, a standout two-way player at St. Louis Community College (STLCC), has announced her commitment to continue her softball career at the University of Illinois-Springfield. Stahlhut made the announcement recently, expressing gratitude for her time at STLCC and excitement...
ST. LOUIS - A heat advisory remains in effect through Thursday evening, June 26, 2025, for the Alton area and the Metro East region, following a heat warning that lasted until Monday night, June 23, 2025, according to National Weather Service in St. Louis meteorologist Brad Charboneau. Residents ca...
CENTRALIA - Friends, family and supporters of Staff Sergeant Josh Melton have launched a fundraiser to repair a memorial statue honoring the fallen soldier in Centralia, organizers announced Monday, June 23, 2025. The campaign, created by Alex Pracht, a former Army comrade of Melton’s, and Mik...
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