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.
ROXANA - Marquette girls volleyball split two matches Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at the Roxana Tournament, falling to Greenfield before defeating Valmeyer. Isabelle Bassett earned All-Tournament Team honors. The Marquette team lost to Greenfield in straight sets, 25-8 and 26-24. Reese Bechtold contributed...
BELLEVILLE — Belleville Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. Officers were dispatched at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Saturday after a 19-year-old Belleville man arrived at Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound. The victim was later transferred...
SAUGET — Margaret Rall has been named the Frontier League Athletic Trainer of the Year for 2025, recognizing her efforts in maintaining the health and physical condition of the Gateway Grizzlies throughout the season. Rall, now in her second year with the Grizzlies, has played a key role i...
EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 held its first Mobile Pantry event of the 2025-2026 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at Gordon Bush Elementary School, providing food and essential items to 100 families in the community. The mobile pantry event featured participation...
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville High School Latin teacher James Stark has been named the recipient of the Charles Humphreys Award for Innovative Pedagogy by the American Classical League, the organization announced recently. The American Classical League, a professional group dedicated to promoting the...
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski this week urged the United States Postal Service to halt plans to downsize the Springfield Processing and Distribution Center and consolidate its operations with the St. Louis facility, citing concerns over delivery delays and job losses. Budzinsk...
EDWARDSVILLE – Quarterback Coleten Knoedler threw for three touchdown passes in the first half, while running back Grady Mueller ran for three more scores, including two key touchdowns in the second half, as Chatham Glenwood defeated Edwardsville 39-31 in the IHSA football season opener...
O'FALLON, IL., - The Illinois State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the 600 block of West Madison on Friday evening. Authorities said the incident involved an O’Fallon Police officer, who was not injured. Authorities said there is no danger to the public,...
WOOD RIVER - The East Alton-Wood River Oilers varsity boys soccer team faced a challenging matchup against Carlyle on Thursday night, Aug. 28, 2025, during the John Martin Kickoff tournament at Soccer Park in Wood River. The Oilers played Carlyle a solid match until the end. The Oilers trailed 1-0...
WOOD RIVER - Jersey Community High School’s boys soccer team advanced to the championship game of the John Martin East Alton-Wood River High Kickoff Tournament on Thursday night, Aug. 28, 2025, after a decisive 10-2 victory over the Roxana Shells. Jersey will compete in the championship game...
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