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.
ALTON — Charges have been filed against three individuals in connection with a shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, the Alton Police Department announced on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. Following an extensive and fast-moving investigation, Madison County...
GRAFTON — Pere Marquette State Park hosted a well-attended Fishing and Owl Night program recently, combining outdoor education and nighttime exploration for families and children. The event, which has been running for about 35 years, offers participants the opportunity to learn about fishing,...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — St. Louis County Police Department detectives are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred Thursday afternoon, Oct. 16, 2025, at the intersection of St. Charles Rock Road and North Hanley Road. Officers from the Central County Precinct responded at 1:43...
O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a man who they say is connected to recent fraud investigations. Authorities have released an image of the individual and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Police have not provided...
O'FALLON - The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office charged 60-year-old Keith Burton of O’Fallon with three counts of possession of child pornography on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. The charges follow an investigation that began in June 2025 after a report was made to the...
ALTON - Antonia Phillips, a two-time Illinois High School Association (IHSA) All-State wrestler and 2022 state champion, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Medal of Courage by the Illinois Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Phillips, who is deaf, has been recognized for her trailblazing...
BELLEVILLE - Friends and family of Dalton Vonderheide, a 17-year-old from Belleville who died in a car accident on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, are rallying to provide financial help to cover funeral expenses and related costs. Dalton, described as a vibrant and kind young man, passed away suddenly in th...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS SCOREBOARD BOYS SOCCER Belleville Althoff Catholic 3, Belleville West 2 Columbia 1, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin Catholic 1 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Triad 25-25, Civic Memorial 20-22 Okawville 19-25-25, Father McGivney Catholic 25-16-19...
EDWARDSVILLE — A juvenile was taken into custody following a stabbing on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2025, in the 100 block of Pleasant Ridge Drive, Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback confirmed. The incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. Oct. 15, was related to a domestic issue, Fillback...
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A human skull was discovered in a creek near the 6200 block of Winterberry Lane in Springfield on Sept. 20, 2025, according to the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office. The skull was found around 1 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2025, and the coroner’s office responded to the...
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.
