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.
EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis Senior High School hosted its annual Poetry Slam recently, featuring the theme “Words That Breathe and Transform.” The event, sponsored by English Language Arts teacher Melanie Davis, showcased the talents of students as they expressed themselves...
O'FALLON, Ill. — A community is coming together to support David Lang, who is facing the challenges of raising two daughters alone following the sudden death of his wife, Maria Lang, on March 27, 2025. Maria died shortly after giving birth to their newborn daughter, Adelynn, leaving behind he...
ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School has announced it will not renew the contract of Boys Head Basketball Coach Cody Best, a decision that comes after three seasons at the helm of the Explorers. “We are thankful to Coach Best for his service to our program the last three years. We have mad...
ST. LOUIS - A tornado watch is in effect until 4 p.m. for the Metro East area, National Weather Service in St. Louis meteorologist Chris Kimble said on Wednesday morning, April 2, 2025. He said the tornado watch means the region is under the threat of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes,...
ST. LOUIS — Due to severe weather conditions, the Savannah Bananas have rescheduled their highly anticipated games at Busch Stadium in St. Louis this weekend. Originally slated for Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5, 2025, the matches will now take place on July 18 and 19, 2025. The decision...
ALTON - Incumbent David Goins prevailed in the competitive Alton Mayor race, with 1,656 votes for 39.39 percent of all votes cast on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Alderman Ray Strebel was second with 1,348 votes or 32.06 percent of the vote and Brant Walker finished with 1,200 votes or 28.54 percent of...
GODFREY - Mike McCormick emerged victorious in the Village of Godfrey mayoral race, securing 2,219 votes, or 59.28 percent of the total, in the election held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Craig Lombardi received 1,104 votes for Godfrey mayor, accounting for 29.50 percent of the vote tally, while Beth...
ALTON — Bubby and Sissy's, a long-standing establishment in Alton, is undergoing a transition in ownership as Michael Paynic steps back after 23.5 years of running the business. The new owners, Mike Klasner and his wife Mikey, who are cousins of Paynic, have acquired the restaurant located a...
ALTON - Alton High held off a late CM rally for a 5-3 win with a run in the bottom of the fifth after the Eagles scored twice in the top of the inning to pull within 4-3. Jackson Dorris had two hits for the Redbirds, while Donovan Ducey had a hit and RBI, both Ayden Calvert and Anderson Kaufmann...
BELLEVILLE - Five art students from Belleville East High School were selected to showcase their work at the 2025 Regional High School Juried Art Exhibition at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). This annual event, organized by the Department of Art and Design, invites junior and senior...
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