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.
GRAFTON — The City of Grafton is moving forward with plans to operate a new ferry service connecting Missouri and Illinois, with payments coming from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in a grant. Godfrey Mayor Mike Morrow described IDOT District 8 as a “fantastic partner”...
EDWARDSVILLE — Edwardsville High School’s Performing Arts Department raised $1,944.22 during its Dec. 3, 2025, holiday concert, marking the largest donation collection in the event’s history. The funds will be split evenly between the Main Street Community Center and the performing...
MADISON COUNTY — A vehicle traveling northbound on Montclair Avenue swerved into the southbound lanes and struck a ditch Tuesday evening, Dec. 16, 2025, causing the vehicle to roll over, Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido reported on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. The incident occurred...
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — One adult and one child were shot Wednesday morning, Dec. 17, 2025, at an apartment complex in Cahokia Heights, authorities said. The shooting occurred around 10:15 a.m. Dec. 17 at a complex in the 200 block of Miller Court in Cahokia Heights. Preliminary findings from polic...
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — Authorities have taken a person of interest into custody in connection with two homicides that occurred on the 3900 block of Walnut Street in Cahokia Heights. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis announced the arrest on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, as part of an ongoing...
ALTON - Laila Davis, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, is being recognized for her achievements in basketball and her leadership with the 2025-2026 girls' group. Davis is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. Over the course of her high school...
ALTON — Police responded to a report of a woman allegedly shooting at a residence Tuesday night in Alton, but found no evidence of gunfire at the scene. At approximately 9:31 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, the Alton Police Department received a 911 call from a resident in the 3200 block...
ROXANA — Roxana High School is well-known for its approach to theater, with many outstanding productions over the years. Roxana Thespian Troupe 556 will perform its fall play, A Monster Calls , at the 2026 Illinois High School Theatre Festival in January at Illinois State University. This...
EAST ST. LOUIS — A federal judge has extended the prison sentence of Raekwon M. Patton, 27, by 24 months after he pleaded guilty to possessing a makeshift weapon at the Federal Correctional Institution in Greenville, Illinois. On June 29, 2024, a correctional officer at FCI-Greenville conducted...
PIASA — Southwestern High School freshman Chase Kallal concluded a notable cross country season by competing at the Class 1A state championships in Peoria. Kallal finished 140th at the state meet with a time of 16 minutes, 22 seconds. Before the state competition, he posted a personal record...
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