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.
ALTON — Brant Walker, who served as the Mayor of Alton from 2013 to 2021, is campaigning to return to office in the upcoming municipal election on April 1, 2025. Walker is focusing his campaign on economic development, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. Walker, who founded Lighthouse...
DUPO — The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has made significant progress in the investigation of the Feb. 3, 2025, homicide of 37-year-old Cody Rhodes, resulting in the arrest of three suspects. The investigation, which exemplifies the Squad’s effective bi-state collaboration, involved...
EAST ST. LOUIS - Kenneth Taylor, a senior at East St. Louis Senior High School, was honored Thursday afternoon, Feb. 6, 2025, with the SIUC Chancellor’s Scholarship, a prestigious award valued at $107,000. The announcement came during a surprise gathering attended by his family and several staf...
O'FALLON, Ill. — Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) has partnered with East St. Louis High School to sponsor a Healthcare Day for students in the Certified Nurses Assistant class of the Career Technical Education program. The event took place this week at HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital, providing...
ALTON — Two juveniles were taken into custody on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, after an Alton Police officer observed them fleeing at the sight of a marked police vehicle in a known area of recent criminal activity. At approximately 9:48 p.m., Alton Police Lt. Jim Siatos was patrolling the vicinity...
BUNKER HILL – Carrollton girls basketball player Lauren Flowers set a new single-game scoring record on Wednesday night, Feb. 5, 2025, netting 45 points as she guided her team to a decisive Hawks' 90-29 victory over Bunker Hill. Flowers surpassed the previous record of 42 points, established...
BELLEVILLE — A 17-year-old from East St. Louis has been charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree murder, in connection with the shooting death of Dirico V. Washington. Joseph P. Flagg was taken into custody by Belleville detectives on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, following an investigation...
GRANITE CITY - Monica Cooper, of Granite City, a beloved mother and friend, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, after a brief battle with pneumonia. She was 42 years old. Cooper is remembered for her vibrant personality and infectious laughter. Described as a dynamic and fun-loving individual,...
COLLINSVILLE - Senior Taylor Dawson has signed a letter of intent to join Lindenwood University’s wrestling team, marking an exciting step in her athletic career. Dawson has been a nationally acclaimed wrestler in her high school career and is favored to once again advance to the IHSA State...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Chick-fil-A restaurant located at 2319 Troy Road, Edwardsville, temporarily closed due to a boil order on Thursday morning, Feb. 6, 2025. However, at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, the restaurant reopened, initially with drive-thru only. In a statement, Chick-fil-A expressed its commitment...
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