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. — Thomas Bailey, 53, of the 100 block of Upton Street in St. Louis, was identified as the pedestrian who died after being struck by a vehicle on the 7400 block of South Lindbergh Boulevard on Oct. 30, 2025. The St. Louis County Police Department responded to the crash...
JERSEYVILLE - Students from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 participated in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District IV Festival, showcasing their musical talents at the event held recently. Jersey 100 had strong representation across multiple ensembles. In the...
ST. CLAIR COUNTY - The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD), in collaboration with Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP Missouri, and Metro, has unveiled benches six and seven with plans to install two more by the end of the year. The initiative aims to place five benches in the first year...
ST. CLAIR COUNTY — Emergency crews responded Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 5, 2025, to a reported pedestrian crash near the MetroLink’s Emerson Park station in St. Clair County. First responders from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies arrived at the scene to assist....
WOOD RIVER - Taylor Minner, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for her dedication and leadership in cheerleading. Having been a member of the varsity cheer team all four years, Minner has demonstrated resilience and encouragement, qualities that have contributed to he...
EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 recently spotlighted Dr. Craige Edwards, the new principal of Mason/Clark Middle School, in recognition of Principal Appreciation Month. Dr. Edwards, who joined the district last month, brings extensive leadership experience to his...
TROY — The Troy Police Department is honoring veterans throughout November by wearing Veterans Day appreciation bracelets, the department announced. The Troy Police Department said the initiative is intended to show support and gratitude to all who have served in the military. Troy...
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in the 1900 block of Lebanon Avenue, resulting in a juvenile suspect being taken into custody the following day. Officers responded at approximately 4:20 p.m. Tuesday after...
ST. LOUIS - A male detainee in the custody of the Division of Corrections was pronounced dead at a local hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. The incident occurred in St. Louis, and the circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation by the Force Investigation Unit of the St. Louis Metropolitan...
WOOD RIVER — Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells provided an update at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, on a crash that occurred earlier in the afternoon at the intersection of Illinois Route 111 and Memorial Lane in Wood River. Chief Wells said the crash involved two vehicles. He said...
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