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.
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Four Fairview Heights police officers were wounded in a shooting Saturday night, prompting a statement from the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge President Chris Southwood. The incident occurred as the officers were carrying out their duties in the city....
TROY, Mo. — Ellie Sitton has been named the recipient of the inaugural Troy Fire Association Scholarship, the Troy Fire Protection District announced May 17. The district recognized Sitton for her commitment to helping others and extended best wishes for her future endeavors. The scholarship...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Multiple Fairview Heights Police officers were shot Saturday night during an encounter with a suspicious individual on Potomac Drive, authorities said. At 9:44 p.m., May 17, 2025, officers were dispatched to the neighborhood after a report of someone prowling near a residence...
BELLEVILLE - The Belleville Police Department announced the addition of three new officers to its ranks on this week. Officers Poole, Jackson, and Hernandez are set to begin their training at the police academy next week. The Police Department expressed optimism about the new officers' future...
GRANITE CITY — The Prather Pre-K/Kindergarten Center sustained damage during a severe storm Friday afternoon, May 16, 2025. District officials communicated with families early Friday evening. In a message sent at 7 p.m., Chris Mitchell, manager of district communications and transportation Schoo...
Video submitted by Pat Harper. GRANITE CITY - Granite City was hit hard during a storm that the National Weather Service in St. Louis said struck just before 3 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025. Granite City School District's Manager of Communications and Transportation, Chris Mitchell, issued this...
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Police posted information on Friday, May 16, 2025, as part of its Fugitive Friday feature, and this time it was about a warrant for Desiree Mitchell. The Collinsville Police Department said: "Desiree has an active felony warrant after stealing over $10,000 from her employer...
GRANITE CITY — The family of Kevin Arthur Ring, a Granite City fast-food worker who was fatally shot on May 16, 2025, is seeking financial assistance to cover burial and funeral costs. Ring, who was employed at the Hardee’s restaurant in Granite City, had recently moved in with his brother....
BLOOMINGTON - These are the results for the Bloomington IHSA Class 3A Girls Track and Field Sectional on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Edwardsville's Sophie Shapiro and Alton's Rayna Raglin both emerged as double winners - Shapiro in the 100 and 300 hurdles, Raglin in the 100 and 200 meters. Belleville...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — The St. Louis County Police Department identified Keshon Parker, 21, of Florissant, Mo., as the victim in a homicide that occurred May 14, 2025, in the 1100 block of Rio Street. Police responded at 1:20 p.m. on May 14 to a report of a shooting in the area. Officers...
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