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.
BELLEVILLE - Father McGivney Catholic's girls track team ran away with the Gateway Metro Conference championship in the conference meet, held Wednesday at Belleville Althoff Catholic. The Griffins won with a total of 184 points, outdistancing the host Crusaders, who were second at 132 points, with...
EAST ST. LOUIS — During Teacher Appreciation Week, East St. Louis School District 189 has recognized Imani Dyson, an 11th-grade English teacher at East St. Louis Senior High School, for her dedication to student learning and instructional excellence. The district highlighted Ms. Dyson...
O’FALLON, Ill. — Nathan T. Smith was sentenced Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to 40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Ivan J. Marshall. The conviction stems from the May 22, 2022, shooting death of Marshall, ...
ROXANA - Roxana's Gianna Stassi, East Alton-Wood River's Milia LeGette and Roxana freshman Leah Newton emerged Cahokia Conference champions in a meet held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Roxana High School. Area Results In Cahokia Conference Meet Roxana's sophomore Gianna Stassi was the champion...
COLLINSVILLE — Officer Stuart Patterson of the Collinsville Police Department was named the department’s Officer of the Month for March 2025, recognizing his contributions during his second year of service. Officer Patterson marked his two-year anniversary with the department in March...
Justice Department announces results of Operation Restore Justice 205 child sex abuse offenders arrested in FBI-led nationwide crackdown, four facing charges in the Southern District of Illinois EAST ST. LOUIS — The Department of Justice announced Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the results of...
PIASA — Matthew Ready, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound offensive lineman for the Piasa Birds, has signed a scholarship to play football at Greenville University. Ready, a two-year starter for the Piasa Birds, was recently named the Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for...
SWANSEA — Commissioner Dennis Blick retired Monday night, May 5, 2025, after 44 years of service to the Swansea community, the Swansea Police Department announced. At the Swansea board meeting, outgoing Mayor Mike Leopold honored Blick with a special award recognizing his leadership, dedication,...
EDWARDSVILLE - Although Riley Nelson dominated in the circle in a girls' softball game against Belleville West at Edwardsville on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, West pitcher Kara Kramer pitched well herself, at one point, retiring six in a row in the middle innings, and was able to keep battling throughout...
TUESDAY, MAY 6 PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS SCOREBOARD BASEBALL Trenton Wesclin 4, Carlyle 3 Collinsville 4, Alton 3 Piasa Southwestern 8, Vandalia 4 Edwardsville 10, Belleville West 3 Breese Central 16, East Alton-Wood River 1 Jersey 2, Waterloo 1 O’Fallon 15-11, East St. Louis 0-0 Civic...
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