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.
EDWARDSVILLE — A Parkinson’s support group at the Edwardsville YMCA has been providing resources, activities, and social connection for people living with the disease and their caregivers since summer 2019. The group meets at 2 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Edwardsville...
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Fallyn Sanders, a rising senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been named a Midwest Members Credit Union Athlete of the Month for her achievements in cheerleading and soccer. Sanders has been involved in cheer since sixth grade and has played soccer throughout her...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Fairview Heights Police officers recently participated in a full day of in-service training focused on constitutional policing and officer safety, officials said. The training began with classroom instruction on constitutional requirements related to traffic stops,...
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO. — A 64-year-old man from St. Charles, Mo., drowned Saturday afternoon, June 21, 2025, after an incident in the Mississippi River at the 2 Branch Island Sandbar, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on June 21, 2025. The Missour...
JENNINGS, MO. — Alicia Leach, 24, of the 7200 block of Calvin Avenue, was identified as the victim in a homicide investigation after she was found fatally shot inside her residence early Saturday morning, June 21, 2025, St. Louis County Police said on Sunday, June 22, 2025. At 3:59 a.m.,...
HOLIDAY SHORES - Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to a single-vehicle rollover crash on Illinois Route 140 at Illinois Route 159 in Madison County at approximately 9:05 a.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2025, ISP said later in the day. ISP said the driver was injured and transported by helicopter to...
MADISON COUNTY — A vehicle fire on Interstate 270 eastbound near State Route 159 near Glen Carbon in Madison County late Friday night, June 20, 2025, resulted in the deaths of several dogs being transported in a van, the Illinois State Police said. Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded...
TROY, IL. - The Troy Police Department marked a night of promotions, new appointments, and farewells to longtime commissioners at a Monday night, June 16, 2025, city board meeting. Justin Christ was promoted to lieutenant, while Jessica Callahan and Austin Cripe were elevated to the rank o...
EAST ST. LOUIS - Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary School kicked off its summer session with a popcorn-themed celebration aimed at fostering community and creativity among students. Summer School Principal Alecia Johnson shared details about the first week’s activities, which took place this...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The Critical Incident Brief for an incident on May 10, 2025, in the 9800 block of Green Valley Drive has been released by the St. Louis County Police Department. The brief can be viewed at https://youtu.be/s-_SSm3pH7I . A 37-year-old man suspect was charged on May 11...
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