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.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Michael Cole Jr., 21, of the 5300 block of Wells Avenue in St. Louis, Mo., with first-degree robbery and armed criminal action on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Cole is being held on a $200,000 cash-only bond with no 10% option....
BELLEVILLE — An 18-year-old man died Monday evening, Jan. 19, 2026, after being shot outside a residence on the 600 block of State Street in Belleville, Belleville Police said on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. The Belleville Police Department responded around 8:19 p.m. Monday to reports of a shooting....
ALTON — The Alton Police Department officially welcomed Officer Daniel Huffman as its newest lateral hire. The hire of Huffman was made on January 5, 2026. Chief Jarrett Ford administered the oath of office during a ceremony at the department. Officer Huffman has already begun...
HARDIN - Calhoun won a tight, defensive girls' battle over Marquette Catholic 38-34 on Monday night, Jan. 19, 2026, at Hardin. Anna Eberlin led the Warriors to the win with 15 points. Marquette's Allie Weiner had 12 points to lead her team, followed by Chayse Strickland with 10 points and Laila...
WHITE HALL — Carrollton’s girls basketball team secured its 16th win of the season Monday night, Jan. 19, with a 61-27 victory over North Greene at White Hall. The Hawks improved their record to 16-6. Hayden McMurtie led Carrollton with 24 points, followed by Blake Driskill with 19 and...
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Monday evening, Jan. 19, 2026, on the 600 block of State Street. At approximately 8:19 p.m., officers responded to reports of a shooting near the entrance of a residence. Upon arrival, they found a...
ST. LOUIS - Tyler “Tai” Davis, a multifaceted artist and chef known for his contributions to the St. Louis arts and culinary scenes, died suddenly on Jan. 9, 2026, at age 41. Davis was widely recognized for his diverse talents as a chef, painter, photographer, cellist, fashion designer,...
OHLMAN, IL. — A magnitude 3.8 earthquake struck near Ohlman, Illinois, in central Illinois early Tuesday morning, Jan. 20, 2026, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake occurred at 1:27 a.m. Central Time about 3 miles north-northeast of Ohlman at a shallow depth of approximately...
BELLEVILLE — Woodland Elementary School in Edwarsville Assistant Principal Ali Hiller has been named the Illinois Principals Association Southwest Region Assistant Principal of the Year. The recognition was presented Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2026, at the...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School graduate Chase Reeves is committing to NCAA Division I Liberty University. Liberty competes at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level as a member of Conference USA (CUSA). Reeves earned 2025 First-Team All-GLVC kicker honors at McKendree University...
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