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 - The Belleville Police Department is investigating the death of a 22-year-old man who was fatally shot following an altercation inside an apartment complex Sunday night, April 20, 2025. Officers responded around 11 p.m. April 20 to a report of a gunshot victim in the parking lot of an...
RED BUD — Fifteen-month-old Reece, born with arthrogryposis and gastroschisis, underwent an amputation recently above his right elbow following complications from surgeries intended to improve his arm function. The surgeries took place in March, and the complication was discovered during a...
CHATHAM — Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly said at a press conference on Thursday, May 1, 2025, that early evidence suggests the recent Chatham crash may have developed because of some type of medical emergency involving the driver. Kelly said at this time, ISP can report initial...
ALTON — Mike Parsons, director of public works for the City of Alton, and Alton Mayor David Goins recently appeared on C.J. Nasello's Our Daily Show! and outlined ongoing infrastructure projects and challenges facing the city, highlighting the critical role of funding and collaboration in addressing...
ALTON — Alton Police Officer Luke Atkinson graduated from the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy on Tuesday, marking a significant step in his law enforcement career. The Alton Police Department announced his accomplishment and welcomed him as he starts the Field Training Program unde...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School hosted a First Responders Career Fair recently, in the Annex Gym, featuring representatives from 17 different agencies. The event provided students with an opportunity to explore various career paths in emergency services and learn about the daily responsibilities...
GLEN CARBON – Devin Ellis headed in a perfectly placed corner from Rachel Kretzer in the 79th minute to the far post, and the goal was enough to give Father McGivney Catholic a dramatic 1-0 win over Edwardsville in a girls' soccer match played Wednesday evening, April 30, 2025, at McGivney....
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville freshman Parker Owens has captured international attention over the past year by clearing a pole vault height of 16 feet, 3 inches in 2024, the highest ever recorded for a 14-year-old worldwide. Owens continues to impress this season in boys' track and field events, competing...
TROY — Zane Meier of Triad cleared 4.30 meters to win the Madison County Large Schools Track and Field pole vault competition on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Meier’s performance edged out Edwardsville’s Parker Owens , who cleared 4.15 meters in the county meet held in Troy. Meier has...
BETHALTO — Sophomore Glenn Collins is making a significant impact this track and field season for the Civic Memorial Eagles, earning recognition as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month. Collins has posted impressive personal records in multiple events. On April 14, 2025,...
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