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.
GRANITE CITY — Six rail cars derailed near Maryville Road and State Route 162 in Granite City early Friday morning, officials with Union Pacific said. The derailment occurred around 8 a.m. on Oct. 31, 2025, involving cars operated by the Alton & Southern Railway. Four of the rail cars were force...
GRANITE CITY — Edward Gordon, 55, of Granite City, was struck and dragged by a hit-and-run driver on the night of Sept. 22, 2025, while crossing a downtown street, leaving him with severe injuries that will require months of recovery. According to St. Louis Police, Gordon was crossing South...
JERSEYVILLE - This Veterans Day, the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps will mark 250 years of service, with celebrations hosted by the American Legion Worthy Post 492 in Jersey County. The event is scheduled for Nov. 11, 2025, and will include a parade and ceremony honoring the military branche...
ALTON - These are the results of the Alton Halloween Parade float competition: Commercial Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic P.C. Tarrant & Harman Real Estate Allied Pest Control, Inc. Organization U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Junior League of Greater Alton Alton Pride Family...
ALTON — Halloween festivities were in full swing Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, as neighborhoods across Alton saw a significant amount of trick-or-treating. The community engaged in a variety of activities leading up to the city’s legendary Halloween Parade sponsored by the East En...
BELLEVILLE — A 1948 Jackie Robinson baseball card valued at $9,000 was stolen from Collectors Corner at 116 E. Main Street in Belleville earlier this week, but was recovered Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, store management reported. The card, a prized collectible because it commemorates Robinson’s...
COLLINSVILLE - In a special Halloween edition of Fugitive Friday, Collinsville Police highlighted several individuals wanted on charges related to driving under the influence. The announcement was made to raise public awareness about these fugitives and encourage community assistance in their apprehension....
GREENFIELD/ROXANA - Calhoun secured the regional volleyball championship with a 2-1 (23-25, 25-17, 25-17) victory over Carrollton on Thursday night in the Greenfield Regional Championship, overcoming a first-set loss to claim the title. Both teams displayed strong performances. Calhoun Coach Melissa...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County police officers from the South County Precinct responded at 7:44 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, to a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male who had been struck by a vehicle. The victim was transported to...
GRANITE CITY - Quincy ended the 2025 volleyball run on Thursday night, Oct. 30, 2025, in the regional championship against Edwardsville. Edwardsville won the match 25-23, 18-25, 22-25. The match was highly contested and a nail-biter until the end. Quincy concluded a remarkable season with a 29-7...
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