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.
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville School District 7 Board of Education recognized four administrative retirees during its May 2026 meeting, honoring more than a century of combined service to students, staff, and families. Those recognized were Dr. Cornelia Smith, director of diversity,...
SWANSEA - Illinois State Police arrested a 23-year-old Swansea woman on a first-degree murder charge Friday in connection with the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old St. Louis woman at an East St. Louis intersection earlier this week. The arrest of Brion D. Bess was announced on Friday, June 5, 2026,...
CHICAGO - The Chicago Bears said Friday, June 5, 2026, that their board has voted to advance a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, marking the latest shift in the team’s long-running search for a new home as Illinois officials continued efforts to keep the franchise in the state...
JERSEY - For four years, Cameron Judkins has been a key contributor to Jersey’s track and field program, and this season the senior added a milestone performance by breaking 11 seconds in the 100 meters while also contributing in relays and being top-notch in the 200 meters, according to...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police on Thursday, June 4, 2026, released a critical incident briefing video in the April 22, 2026, officer-involved shooting in Wildwood, Mo., while saying there are no further updates in the investigation. The Critical Incident Briefing video for the officer-involve...
WOOD RIVER - The Wood River History Museum has extended its Clint Walker Exhibit through June 2026 at 40 W. Ferguson St. in Wood River, giving visitors additional time to view the tribute ahead of what would have been the actor’s 100th birthday on May 30, 2026. The exhibit is open free...
COLLINSVILLE — Illinois State Police announced the results of roadside safety checks conducted in Madison and St. Clair counties in May, reporting 65 total citations and arrests, including three DUI citations, as part of an effort aimed at improving roadway safety. ISP Troop 8 Commander Capt....
O'FALLON - Officers with the O’Fallon Police Department responded about 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026, to the 100 block of North Vine Street in O’Fallon after a shooting that left a 36-year-old woman wounded and led to the arrest of a Fairview Heights man, authorities said....
THURSDAY, JUNE 4 PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS SCOREBOARD GIRLS SOCCER IHSA PLAYOFFS --- STATE FINALS AT NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE, NAPERVILLE STATE SEMIFINALS CLASS 1A Father McGivney Catholic 4, Elmhurst Timothy Christian 0 Pleasant Plains 5, Johnsburg 1 SOFTBALL IHSA PLAYOFFS --- STATE...
EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis Senior High School student Carl Hill has been selected to serve on the Illinois Education and Career Success Network Student Advisory Council for the 2026-27 school year, a role that will allow him to provide feedback on student experiences with education initiatives...
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