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.
BELLEVILLE - Edwardsville High School senior Clayton Lakatos blazed to two Southwestern Conference Boys Track and Field records in the 100 and 200 meters to guide the Tigers to a dominant team win. Edwardsville glided to the SWC boys team win with 162 points, followed by Belleville West (105 points),...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville pitcher Riley Nelson helped her own cause with a two-run homer over the left field fence, which landed on the junior varsity field next door, to climax a five-run sixth inning that turned out to be the difference, as the Tigers took an 8-6 win over Columbia in a softbal...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Fairview Heights Police detained a murder suspect during a traffic stop for expired vehicle registration on May 14, 2025. At approximately 3:30 p.m., on Wednesday, May 14, Fairview Heights Police Officer Jacob Marino was on patrol when he observed a silver 2012 Chevrolet Traverse...
ALTON - Brittany Best, BSN RN and Stroke Navigator at OSF Healthcare in Alton, discussed the significance of Stroke Awareness Month on C.J. Nasello's Our Daily Show! and the critical need for recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking immediate care. Best, who recently transitioned to her current...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Cedric Gerald, a 48-year-old former principal at Westview Middle School in St. Louis County, faces nine criminal charges related to sexual misconduct involving minors, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Gerald,...
WOOD RIVER - A fight broke out in the parking lot near East Alton-Wood River High School after graduation on Wednesday night, May 14, 2025, Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said late in the evening. "A fight broke out between two females in the parking lot after graduation," Chief Wells said. "They...
ALTON — Alton High’s tennis team edged Civic Memorial 5-4 Tuesday night, May 13, 2025, in a closely contested match on senior night for the Eagles. The Redbirds and Eagles split singles matches evenly at 3-3, but Alton secured victory by winning two of three doubles matches. The win,...
EDWARDSVILLE – Gabby Thompson and Blakely Hockett each had a brace (two goals each), as Edwardsville clinched at least a tie for the Southwestern Conference championship with an 8-0 win over Alton in the annual Senior Night girls soccer match Tuesday evening, May 13, 2025, at Tiger Stadium...
ALTON - Marquette Catholic softball coach Dan Wiedman reached a significant milestone last week, earning his 600th career win with an 8-6 victory over Granite City. Wiedman, who has led the Explorers since 1995, is now ranked 24th in Illinois for all-time coaching wins and is a member of the Illinois...
WOOD RIVER - Billy Sullivan has been named the new head coach of the East Alton-Wood River High School boys basketball program, the Athletic Director Mark Beatty announced on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Sullivan, who has served as the Highland High School junior varsity boys basketball coach for the...
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