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.
TROY, IL. - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, April 9, 2026, released the names of three victims killed in a house fire that followed multiple explosions in rural Troy, Illinois, on April 5. The victims were identified as Madeleine I. Maxeiner, 18, of Troy; Ayden R. Hendrickson,...
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial’s boys 4x200 relay team of Parker Walters, Ty Books, Reed Wallace and Grady Farrell set a new school record last week at the O'Fallon Relays, recording a time of 1:33.22 to break a mark that had stood since 1979. “The 4 x 200 relay record has been longstanding,”...
EAST ST. LOUIS - The East St. Louis Police Department responded to an incident involving a suicidal individual on the Eads Bridge in East St. Louis on Thursday, April 9, 2026, where officers found a person who had climbed over the railing on the westbound side of the bridge and threatened to jump....
CASEYVILLE - A semitruck strike that brought down a highway sign across Interstate 64 near the I-255 exit was snarling traffic in the Caseyville area as of late Thursday morning, April 9, 2026, as transportation crews worked to reopen the roadway. The crash happened on I-64 approaching the I-255...
SWANSEA — Federal authorities alerted Swansea Police to a social media post containing terrorist threats targeting Swansea Police Department officers, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of a 28-year-old man and a felony charge, police said. The FBI notified the Swansea Police...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County police are investigating a late-night shooting in a business drive-thru that left an adult woman dead and an adult man injured, authorities said. The double shooting happened about 11:35 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in the 11300 block of Bellefontaine Road,...
ROXANA — Roxana High School senior Ava Cherry, a multi-sport athlete and standout softball center fielder, has been named a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month, an honor recognizing achievements in athletics and academics in Roxana. Cherry, a triathlete throughout...
BUNKER HILL - Edinburg shut out Bunker Hill 6-0 on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, behind a complete-game pitching performance from Noah Clark as the Wildcats used timely hitting and aggressive baserunning to secure the win. Clark started for Edinburg and allowed only three hits and no runs over seven innings...
ALTON - Alton Main Street is seeking community-minded volunteers to join its team for the 2026 season. As historic Downtown Alton continues to experience a surge in economic development and cultural activity, the organization is inviting residents to lend their time and talents to a diverse lineup...
ROXANA - Roxana catcher Lilli Ray, a senior and one of two key team leaders alongside Ava Cherry, has emerged as a top contributor for the Shells’ highly successful 2026 girls softball team, according to coach Pat Brannon. Ray and Cherry are both signed to attend Lincoln Land Community...
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