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.
COLLINSVILLE — Taylor Dawson, a standout wrestler at Collinsville High School, has been named Athlete of the Month following her remarkable victory at the Illinois State Girls Wrestling Tournament. Competing in the 140-pound weight class, Dawson made history by becoming the first female wrestler...
JERSEY COUNTY — Two motorcyclists were involved in a crash on State Highway 100 Westbound near Pere Marquette State Park on Sunday, April 13, 2025, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns reported that the two men were traveling together when they wen...
BELLEVILLE - Local boys' track athletes shined at the Norm Armstrong Invitational, the first big meet of the season, on Saturday morning and afternoon at Bob Goalby Field on the campus of Belleville West High School. Edwardsville won the team title with a narrow win over both Belleville...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville’s boys volleyball team pulled away to take the first set, then rallied back from a 6-2 deficit to take the lead and win the set and the match over Father McGivney Catholic 25-14, 25-18 in a match played Thursday evening at Joe E. Lucco Gym at Lincoln Middle School...
O'FALLON - This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis (MCS), a task force established in 1965 that plays a crucial role in investigating homicides and other violent crimes in the region. The MCS comprises nearly 600 investigators from 120 agencies throughout...
BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department has initiated an investigation into the death of a 38-year-old male detainee who was found unresponsive in a holding cell. The Illinois State Police are conducting the investigation at the request of the Sheriff's Department. The incident...
GLEN CARBON - Justin Terhaar and Mason Holmes had two hits each, while Scott Phelps drove home two runs, and Issac Wendler struck out nine in five innings of work on the mound as Father McGivney Catholic's baseball team defeated Waterloo Gibault Catholic 5-3 in a game played Friday afternoon...
GLEN CARBON - Morgan Zobrist came up with four hits and a RBI, while Maddy Callovini had three hits and three RBIs, and Avery Grenzenbach struck out six while inside the circle, as Father McGivney Catholic defeated Waterloo Gibault Catholic 17-7 in a softball game on Friday afternoon at Griffins...
GODFREY - James "Jimmy" Militello, a Godfrey resident known for his kindness and warmth, was involved in a fatal automobile accident in Moro Township on Monday, April 7, 2025. The Godfrey Meat Market announced it will close its doors at noon on Saturday, April 12, to allow staff to pay their respects...
MADISON COUNTY - Authorities are investigating a two-vehicle crash that resulted in serious injuries and one fatality at approximately 5:35 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025. The incident occurred at the intersection of Illinois Route 159 and Renken Road. According to preliminary information from the...
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