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 SAINT LOUIS — The East Saint Louis Police Department welcomed six new police officers on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, marking a significant step in bolstering the city’s law enforcement team. The recruits will begin a 16-week training program at the Southwestern Illinois College Police...
PIASA — A group of education pathway students from Southwestern High School spent Tuesday exploring the teaching profession during Future Teacher Day at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). The event, held Nov. 18, 2025, gathered aspiring educators from across the region for a day...
WOOD RIVER — Two were injured in a near head-on collision Wednesday morning, Dec. 3, 2025, at the intersection of Illinois Route 143 and Enviro Way, authorities said. The Wood River Fire Department responded to the crash at 8:41 a.m. on Dec. 3. Upon arrival, one patient was found unresponsive,...
EDWARDSVILLE – Brady Niemi got the roll on a game-winning three with 33.5 seconds left in regulation, then was Johnny on the spot to steal a pass with 21.7 seconds to go, and it helped make the difference as Edwardsville won its boys basketball home opener Tuesday night, Dec. 2, 2025, over...
ALTON - Jon Podner, who works in technology systems at Marquette Catholic High School, captured a captivating drone photo of the school during a snowstorm on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. Podner said he believed the image was one many in the area would appreciate. The snowfall and preliminary ice event made...
MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO. — Jacob Mercer, 23, of St. Peters, Mo., has been identified as the person fatally shot by police at a Walgreens on Dorsett Road on Sunday evening, Nov. 30, 2025, after St. Louis County Police authorities say he fired at officers. The incident unfolded around 6 p.m. Sunday...
GODFREY - The Village Garden in Godfrey has unveiled a new bridge, enhancing the community space for visitors. The project was completed with the support of several local organizations and individuals, including Tom Bechtold, Cindy Gelsthorpe, First Fruits, Alton Community Service League, and Hamilton...
ALTON - Nicole Rhoades is seeking community support following the tragic death of her father, John Rhoades, who died in a recent house fire. The family is coping with the sudden loss and the financial burden of the funeral and final expenses. John Rhoades was described by his daughter as a loving...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police continue to investigate a homicide that resulted in the death of a 52-year-old man following a domestic disturbance in the 300 block of Greycliff Bluff Drive. Officers from the South County Precinct responded to a call at 11:18 p.m. on Nov. 18, 2025....
ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE/BELLEVILLE - Illinois Department of Transportation engineer Joe Monroe commended his crews for their efforts overnight to manage state roads during the morning commute on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, amid challenging winter weather conditions. The area was hit with sleet and 4-6 inches...
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