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.
MADISON COUNTY - Mitchell Fire Department crews responded Wednesday afternoon, May 20, 2026, to a three-vehicle crash with reported entrapment on southbound Interstate 255 south of Interstate 270 near mile marker 30, where an overturned semi-truck tractor-trailer was leaking fuel, and...
JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community Unit School's Bradley Tueth and Colby Goetten qualified for the IHSA State Meet at the Triad IHSA Class 2A Sectional on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The state meet is next weekend in Charleston. Tueth advanced in the 200 meters and 400 meters, while Goetten moved...
ALTON - Alton's Joe Ventimiglia, a fourth-year senior on the Redbirds' boys tennis squad, provided leadership throughout the season for the team, Coach Jesse Macias said. Ventimiglia was highlighted for his performance in the recent Southwestern Conference Tournament. Coach Jesse Macias said Ventimiglia...
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sgt. Jason Sandidge and Deputy Jordan Felax from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office traveled to Washington, D.C., this past week to take part in National Police Week, joining officers from across the country in honoring law enforcement officers who died in th...
GRANITE CITY - Three members of the Granite City Police Department attended National Police Week in Washington last week, where they joined events honoring fallen officers, met House Speaker Mike Johnson at the U.S. Capitol, and escorted families during a memorial ceremony. Sgt. Eric...
GRANITE CITY/EDWARDSVILLE - A Granite City man was sentenced Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to 15 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of breaking into an ex-girlfriend’s home in Granite City and attacking a police officer who responded, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced...
ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Cardinals said Wednesday, May 20, 2026, that they have created an official “Tarps Off” fan section in the upper right-field bleachers at Busch Stadium, formalizing a high-energy cheering area inspired by a shirtless-fan movement that emerged at recen...
EDWARDSVILLE - Lisa Allen, a Title I reading teacher at Leclaire School in Edwardsville, was named the winner of the Equity Advocate Award at the 2026 District #7 Awards Banquet, according to award information and comments from colleagues and students. The award recognizes Allen for her work to...
O’FALLON, IL. – A man who started his career in law enforcement at the Belleville Police Department – David P. Jordan – was identified as the person who died after being struck by a vehicle late Tuesday night, March 19, 2026, in the 200 block of Wesclin Road, near Trenton. Jord...
NEW FLORENCE, MO. - Google announced Wednesday, May 20, 2026, a $15 billion investment to build a data center in New Florence, Mo., a project state officials said will create thousands of jobs, expand local infrastructure capacity, and support energy affordability programs in Montgomery County and...
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