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.
EAST ST. LOUIS - An intense fire on Thursday afternoon, Dec. 4, 2025, created serious flames, smoke, and destruction in Downtown East St. Louis. The fire broke out in a multi-level brick building in the 400 block of Missouri Avenue. Missouri Avenue remained closed as firefighters continued to work...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Detectives are investigating a double homicide after two adult males were found shot in a vehicle Wednesday night, Dec. 3, 2025, in the 12400 block of Horizon Village Drive. St. Louis County Police officers from the North County Precinct responded at 10:25 p.m. Dec....
COLUMBIA - At the Columbia City Council meeting this week, emergency medical personnel from Columbia and Dupo were recognized for their successful resuscitation of a patient in cardiac arrest. Columbia EMS Paramedics Jason Nonn and Brandon Layton, along with Dupo EMS Captain Melissa Schertz...
SMITHTON - An East St. Louis woman died in a two-vehicle crash in Smithton Wednesday night, Dec. 3, 2025, authorities said. Estelle Stamps, 34, of the 600 block of South 42nd Street, was identified as the victim by the St. Clair County Coroner's Office. Illinois State Police said the crash occurred...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School announced its students selected for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Conference, scheduled for Jan. 29-31, 2026, in Peoria. The list, released Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, includes band, choir, and orchestra participants who earned spots...
ALTON — The Alton Police Department announced this week that Officer Bill Reed has been named Officer of the Month for October 2025 and promoted to the rank of sergeant. In October, Reed led a complex investigation involving violations of an Order of Protection. Recognizing the victim’s...
WOOD RIVER — On Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, the Wood River Police Department’s Telecommunications Center faced a challenging day managing multiple critical incidents simultaneously, including a serious morning crash on Illinois 143 and a major house fire in Roxana . The dispatch center,...
MARYVILLE - Maryville Christmas School is spearheading a series of holiday giving projects aimed at supporting children in need this season. The efforts include preparing Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoeboxes, collecting toys and warm clothing, and organizing a fundraising event through the...
PIASA — Southwestern secured a 43-36 victory over rival Carrollton on Tuesday night, Dec. 2, 2025, marking the team’s first win of the season. Southwestern improved its record to 1-3. Cason Robinson led the Piasa Birds with 18 points, while teammate Trenton Brackett contributed 11 point...
WOOD RIVER — A two-vehicle crash on Illinois Route 143 near Enviroway left one critically injured Wednesday morning, Dec. 3, 2025, Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said. The accident occurred shortly before 8:48 a.m. on Wednesday when a small passenger vehicle, driven by a woman, attempted...
Did you know Riverbender.com is free for you thanks to our awesome advertisers? We noticed you're using an ad block software. Please give our sponsors some exposure by disabling your ad blocking service for Riverbender.com.
