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.
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...
ALTON - Marquette Catholic's baseball team romped past Althoff Catholic 8-1 on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Marquette exploded for six runs in the first to take control of the game, then added runs in the third and fifth innings. Althoff scored a run in the fifth inning. The Explorers' Jack Rea had an...
ALTON - Madison County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man after a standoff that followed a reported domestic disturbance Thursday morning, April 2, 2026, at a home in Alton, authorities said. Henson remains in custody at the Madison County Jail, the Madison County Sheriff's Office...
EDWARDSVILLE/CARROLLTON - Callie Field arrived at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville this year with a sprinting résumé that includes multiple school records and state meet finishes. Field is a freshman on scholarship with the SIUE track and field team. She is from Carrollton...
ALTON - The Alton Police Department will assign officers throughout all operating hours at the Luehrs’ Ideal Rides Alton First Responders Springfest, scheduled for April 10 through April 19, 2026, at the Alton Amphitheater. Alton Police also announced on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, that it will...
BELLEVILLE - The National Weather Service has declared an elevated fire danger for a large portion of St. Clair County on Wednesday afternoon, April 8, 2026, citing gusty south winds and low relative humidity that could contribute to erratic fire behavior, according to the St. Clair County Emergency...
St. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — St. Louis County Police have identified a 20-year-old man who died after a double shooting near the intersection of North Hanley Road and Chorman Avenue, as detectives continue to investigate with no suspects in custody. The deceased was identified as Cardiar Brown,...
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