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.
CARROLLTON - West Central slipped past Carrollton 42-36 in a girls' semifinal contest on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in the Carrollton Invitational. Ali Little led West Central with a game-high 21 points in the 42-36 win over Carrollton. The game was a semifinal contest on Thursday evening, Jan. 29,...
EDWARDSVILLE — Scout, a local dog from Edwardsville, is competing in the nationwide America’s Favorite Dog competition, highlighting beloved pets and the communities that support them. The contest, which aims to celebrate the bond between pets and their owners, also benefits a charitable...
CASEYVILLE — Authorities arrested Anthony D. Mays less than three hours after an armed robbery at a BP service station on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, the Caseyville Police Department reported. Caseyville Police officers responded to the BP station located at 2 Rauckman Drive in Caseyville...
BUNKER HILL — The Bunker Hill Fire Department responded quickly to a camper fire on the 500 block of North Washington Street around 10 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, preventing the blaze from spreading to nearby campers and buildings. Firefighters launched an offensive fire attack upo...
GRANITE CITY — The Granite City girls basketball team has made a notable turnaround in the 2025-2026 season under head coach Ron Twichell, winning 16 of their first 22 games. The team members who are Stillwater Senior Living Female Athletes of the Month are aiming to reach the 20-win mark by...
ALTON – Local businesses in Alton have launched a food drive to restock the Salvation Army’s food pantry, running from Feb. 9 to Feb. 20, 2026. Donations can be dropped off at participating locations, including Freer Auto Body, Arrow Signs and Outdoor Advertising, the Alton Memorial...
SULLIVAN, Mo. — A helicopter carrying four people crashed into powerlines and plunged into the Meramec River near Meramec State Park Thursday afternoon, Jan. 29, 2026, officials said. The crash occurred around 1 p.m. on Jan. 29, 2026, while a group of state park team members and the pilot were...
ALTON - Alton Steel Inc. announced earlier this week it will cease operations after this week, ending 25 years of business in Alton. The closure affects 253 employees, as well as contractors and vendors connected to the company. To assist those affected, a Rapid Response Workshop will be held from...
BELLEVILLE — Belleville Township High School District 201 officials addressed concerns Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, about reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence at district schools this week, following social media posts linked to a naturalization ceremony scheduled for...
BELLEVILLE — Sgt. Jacquelyn Laminack of the Belleville Police Department received the Life Saving Award at the 33rd Annual SILEC/SIPCA Awards Banquet last week for her prompt response to a medical emergency in July 2025. Sgt. Laminack was dispatched to assist a 10-year-old juvenile...
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