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.
NORMAL— Marquette Catholic High School's Blue Crew was awarded the 2025 IHSA Best Student Section Champions for Class 1A and 2A over the weekend during the girls basketball state tournament at Illinois State University. This achievement marks the third time Marquette has claimed this title, previousl...
BELLEVILLE — Local first responders will face off in a basketball game from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Belleville West High School in an event dubbed the "Battle of the Badges." The game features the Belleville Police Department and the Belleville Fire Department competing for...
GREENFIELD — Talon Albrecht delivered a standout performance when it mattered most, scoring 22 points to propel the Greenfield-Northwestern Tigers to a 59-53 victory over the Metro East Lutheran Knights in the sectional championship on Friday night, March 7, 2025, at North Greene High School....
EAST ST. LOUIS - On Friday, March 7, 2025, Mason-Clark Middle School in East St. Louis hosted its Guys, Dads, and Grub event, bringing together fathers, father figures, and positive male role models for a morning of breakfast and meaningful dialogue. The event also featured Illinois Stat...
EDWARDSVILLE — Fire crews responded to a fire detected in a swampy area behind the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) soccer field on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at approximately 4:40 p.m. The fire was reportedly sparked by an unattended campfire and affected multiple areas of the low-lying,...
EAST ST. LOUIS — The body of a 19-year-old man was discovered in an alley in East St. Louis on Sunday, March 9, 2025, prompting an investigation by Illinois State Police. The victim, identified as Byron E. Gettis Jr., was found in the 1700 block of Gay Avenue and had sustained multiple gunshot...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police Department officers and staff recently took part in the 2025 Polar Plunge, an event aimed at raising funds for Special Olympics. Officers Eric Klumpp, Nick Zambito, Elliott Brinkmeyer, and Telecommunicator Beth Garrison represented the department during...
JERSEY COUNTY — The Jersey County Sheriff's Office is investigating a motorcycle crash on Illinois Route 3 and Newbern Road near Grafton on Sunday, March 9, 2025. According to Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns, the incident involved two motorcycles. As a result of the collision, he said two...
EAST ST. LOUIS - In recognition of National School Social Workers Appreciation Week, the Gordon Bush Alternative Center in East St. Louis celebrated the contributions of its School Social Worker, Catrice Johnson. The event featured cake and ice cream, bringing together students and staff to honor...
WHITE HALL – Talon Albrecht led three Greenfield Northwestern players in double figures with 22 points, including key threes when Metro-East Lutheran fought back to tie the game at 32-32 in the third quarter, as the Tigers eliminated the Knights 59-53 to win the IHSA Class 1A White Hall North...
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