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.
EDWARDSVILLE — Ivy Hall Cannabis Dispensary opened its doors on Saturday, March 22, 2025, welcoming a significant crowd and marking a new chapter in the local cannabis market. Located at 6197 Old Alton Edwardsville Road in Edwardsville, the dispensary aims to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere...
MEDORA — The Medora Cemetery Association is launching a fundraising campaign to support the maintenance and upkeep of the Medora Cemetery, a vital community space that has served as a place of remembrance for generations. The campaign aims to address essential needs such as lawn care, tree trimming...
EAST ST. LOUIS – A 36-year-old Chilean national, Maryorie Fernandez-Ormeno, also known as Guadalupe Maldanado Salinas, is facing multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, after allegedly using a stolen credit card to purchase...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City police initiated a traffic stop at 2:20 a.m. early Saturday morning, March 24, 2025, that escalated into a pursuit ending in St. Louis City. Granite City Police Major Charles Bremer said officers attempted to pull over a vehicle on Iowa Street at 14th Street in Granite...
EDWARDSVILLE — EXO Lounge hosted a car show on Saturday, March 22, 2025, that attracted a diverse crowd and showcased 42 vehicles, including some rare models. Gina Gamblin, the owner of EXO Lounge, described the event as having "a fantastic turnout," and said the show brought together both...
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police and Fire Departments faced off in a spirited basketball game at Belleville West High School, all in support of the Special Olympics Unified Schools program. The event, known as the Battle of the Badges, drew community members and local first responders together...
EDWARDSVILLE/ALTON – Madison County recorded an unemployment rate of 4.0 percent in January 2025 from 4.7 percent a year ago in stats released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Jersey also dropped from 4.8 percent to 4.1 percent,...
BELLEVILLE – Unemployment stats for Collinsville, Belleville, O’Fallon and Granite City remained low for January 2025 compared to 2024 in stats released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). O’Fallon had a rate of...
FAIRMONT CITY – The Fairmont City Police Department recently welcomed Officer Jonathon Smelser to its team. Smelser, a graduate of the SWIC Police Academy, previously served with the Venice Police Department and has a background in public service as a volunteer firefighter with the...
ALTON - Sergeant Michael “Mike” Morelli of the Alton Police Department has been recognized with the 2024 TNT Outstanding Achievement Award for his extensive contributions to law enforcement and the community. The announcement was made this week by Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford, who highlighte...
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