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. — Three suspects have been charged in connection with a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in the 1100 block of Rio Street, authorities said. On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed first-degree murder...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Three Fairview Heights police officers who were shot during an incident on Saturday, May 17, 2025, are currently recovering, Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson has said. The Fairview Heights Police chief described the injuries to the officers: "Fairview Heights Officer...
ALTON - On Thursday morning, May 15, 2025, St. Mary's Catholic School Principal Mary Rivera and Father Jorge of St. Mary’s School fulfilled a lighthearted bet made during the school’s annual eighth-grade volleyball game. The bet, which began when each took a side in the game, stipulated...
GRANITE CITY — A Granite City family is facing a challenging journey after their 1-year-old daughter, Laiana Witt, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer. Laiana is currently receiving intra-arterial chemotherapy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis,...
COLLINSVILLE – Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 has announced Hank Mathews will be the next head basketball coach of the Kahok Boys Basketball team. Mathews’ hiring was approved by the board of education at their regular monthly meeting on May 19, 2025. "I’m excited...
EAST ST. LOUIS/O'FALLON, IL. — Andrew P. Blassie, the former executive vice president of the Bank of O’Fallon, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to charges of bank fraud and interstate transportation of funds obtained by fraud after admitting to a scheme that swindled nearly $2 millio...
TROY - Daniel Winfield of Triad High School achieved a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, the school announced recently. Triad High School officials expressed pride in Winfield’s achievement and anticipation for the opportunities that may follow. "Only a fraction of our students ever achieve...
GLEN CARBON – Father McGivney Catholic head girls soccer coach Matt McVicar is definitely hopeful of a big run for his team this postseason. The Griffins soared to a 9-0 triumph over Metro East Lutheran on Friday, May 16, 2025. Grace Welser had a double brace (four goals), while Sofia Rossett...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with a shooting that injured three Fairview Heights police officers on May 17, 2025. Elijah Thompson of Belleville faces four counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery, and one count of resisting arrest,...
JERSEYVILLE - Junior Morgan Allen of Jersey Community Unit School captured the IHSA Sectional Championship in high jump at the Williamsville Sectional Meet last week, securing her place at the upcoming IHSA State Meet. Allen won the sectional high jump by clearing 5 feet, 0.5 inches. Allen is a...
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