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 - Alton authorities are investigating the defacement of the "Welcome to Alton" sign on the city’s northern entrance, where graffiti containing a derogatory message targeting a resident was painted sometime between Friday night and early Saturday morning, July 19, 2025. Cory Davenport i...
JERSEY COUNTY - A man who fled from police during an investigation at Pere Marquette State Park on Sunday, July 20, 2025, has been captured and is now in custody at the Jersey County Jail, authorities said. The incident began around 8 a.m. Sunday, July 20, 2025, when a Jersey County sheriff’s...
EAST ST. LOUIS — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois, along with law enforcement agencies and community partners, will host a National Night Out event aimed at strengthening relationships between residents and police. The free event is scheduled for Tuesday,...
ST. LOUIS — A 31-year-old detainee died Saturday night, July 19, 2025, following an altercation at the City Justice Center, prompting an investigation by St. Louis police and statements from city officials emphasizing accountability and jail reform. Samuel Hayes Jr. was involved in a fight wit...
BETHALTO — The Mail Box Store has joined U-Haul Co. of Illinois, Inc. as a neighborhood dealer to provide moving and storage services to the Bethalto community. Located at 333 W. Bethalto Drive, Suite C, The Mail Box Store will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, and moving supplies....
GODFREY — Freer Auto Body hosted its annual Christmas in July fundraiser on Friday, July 18, 2025, raising $74,000 to support community initiatives in the holiday season in December. Once again, Christmas in July was an enormous success and will help many who need it in the holiday season....
BELLEVILLE — On July 17, 2025, Belleville Police Department detectives presented the case to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office, which filed charges against both - Kathy M. Bledsoe and Tynika R. McKinzie - after a recent dispute at McDonald's in Belleville. Belleville...
EAST ST. LOUIS — A Chinese national has been federally charged for allegedly impersonating a federal agent and defrauding a Belleville senior of more than $70,000, according to authorities. Zhigang Lian, 42, a lawful resident of La Puente, Calif., was indicted by a federal grand jury on one...
COLLINSVILLE — Dustin Osborn and Kaitlin Hatcher are currently wanted by the Collinsville Police Department on charges of forgery and theft over $500. Authorities allege the two individuals took advantage of older family members, resulting in warrants. The Collinsville Police Department...
PIKE COUNTY - The Pike County Sheriff’s Department is seeking information about the theft of four off-road vehicles reported over the past two months in Pike County, Illinois. Pike County is adjacent to Calhoun County and the Calhoun Sheriff's Office released this information in its social media....
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