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 - Kyleigh Fisher has launched a GoFundMe campaign to fulfill the final wish of her mother, Helena, before her health deteriorates further. Helena was diagnosed in March 2024 with stage 4 breast cancer that has since spread to her bones, liver, lungs, and brain, her daughter said. She...
PEORIA — Sean Grayson was found guilty of second-degree murder on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey during a police encounter in Springfield. The verdict came after an eight-day trial. The incident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. on July 6, 2024, when Sangamon...
ALTON — OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center celebrated 100 years of service to the Riverbend community with an Open House event on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. The free event invited the public to tour the hospital, meet staff, and explore more than 20 departments offering a wide...
EDWARDSVILLE - Although the Warriors ended their season at 5-19-1, the record doesn't indicate the progress the team and its players made throughout the season, according to head coach Grace Hurst. "I'm pretty frustrated with how our record didn't show our girls' performance throughout the year,"...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Three officers with the St. Louis County Police Department received a Chief’s Commendation for their roles in apprehending suspects involved in an armed carjacking this week. At 3 a.m. on Jan. 13, 2025, St. Louis County Officers Pilla, Montes, and Silver responded...
BELLEVILLE — Senior Paige Trudt of Belleville East High School has an essay published in the October 2025 edition of the National English Honor Society Museletter, an international online publication for chapters worldwide. Trudt’s essay, titled “Redemption in The Count of Monte...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The Fairview Heights Food Pantry is seeking increased community support amid the ongoing government shutdown, which has left many government employees, military personnel, and families facing financial uncertainty. Fairview Heights Mayor Mark Kupsy issued the appeal, highlighting...
EDWARDSVILLE – Senior Olivia Hogan (Dyersville, Iowa) from women's volleyball has received Prairie Farms Cougar of the Week Honors after her performance against Lindenwood last night. Hogan tallied 16 digs in the match against the Lions contributing to an even 200 total digs in Ohio Valley...
BETHALTO - Kristie Ochs, head coach of the Civic Memorial girls volleyball team, highlighted the achievements of senior athlete Keagan Thomas, who was recently honored on senior night for the Eagles. She has also been named a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month. Coach Ochs sai...
GLEN CARBON — Triad and Father McGivney Catholic high schools secured top-10 finishes at the Illinois High School Association Class 1A State Girls Tennis Tournament held Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Deerfield claimed the championship with 36 points, followed by Dunlap with 28 points. Lake Forest...
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
