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.
ST. LOUIS — A minor earthquake measuring 2.4 in magnitude occurred near the Missouri-Illinois border on Saturday evening, Feb. 1, 2025. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the seismic event occurred at approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday Central Time. The epicenter of the earthquake was located...
DUPO - A double-shooting took place around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in the 100 block of North Second Street in Dupo. Police said that two were shot in the incident and that two suspects were in custody after the shooting. Police had not yet released the conditions of the two victims....
JERSEY - Joey Kiel of Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 achieved a notable milestone by finishing 30th at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Bowling Tournament held recently. Kiel recorded a series total of 2,515, averaging 209.6 pins per game. Kiel's performance...
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Township Supervisor Derrick Cox has released information in response to some questions and concerns raised recently about real estate tax exemptions for vulnerable residents in the township. In his information release, Cox clarified that he had recently discovered ...
MOUNT VERNON – U.S. Representative Mike Bost has nominated 17 local students for admission to various U.S. Service Academies, a move that highlights the commitment of Southern Illinois youth to military service. Several nominated students hail from several high schools in the region. O'Fallon...
FAIRMONT CITY — Marleen Menendez Suarez, a local attorney, has seen a surge of clients seeking legal assistance since she offered to prepare guardianship and power of attorney documents for free in response to fears of deportation. Her Facebook post on Jan. 20, 2025, has drawn several individuals...
BELLEVILLE - On Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, the St. Clair County Drug Tactical Unit, with support from the Belleville Police Code Enforcement Unit, executed multiple search warrants as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. The operation targeted a residence in Swansea and Twinzo’s Smoke Shop...
EAST ST. LOUIS – An 18-year-old from O’Fallon, Illinois, has been charged with First Degree Murder in connection with a homicide that took place in December 2024. Ricky T. Clayton was arrested by the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation’s Public Safety...
MADISON COUNTY – A collision involving a student and a school bus occurred Thursday afternoon, Jan. 30, 2025, near the entrance of Alton High School. The incident occurred when a student driving an SUV pulled out in front of the bus. The student sustained minor injuries and was transported t...
FREEBURG - A Freeburg man who was killed Tuesday night, Jan. 28, 2025, after stepping onto the roadway in the 4900 block of Illinois 13 and being struck by an oncoming vehicle has been identified. Illinois State Police identified the man as 35-year-old Dale Blanford. The incident occurred at approximately...
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