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.
ALTON — Chris Kusnerick, athletic director at Alton High School, announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year, ending a 38-year career in education marked by leadership and service to students. Kusnerick’s tenure at Alton has been defined by his role as a teacher...
CAHOKIA - Jersey’s girls basketball team delivered a commanding 74-15 victory over Cahokia on Wednesday night, Jan. 21, 2026, at Cahokia’s gym. The Panthers took control early, leading 22-7 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 38-10 by halftime. Jersey maintained its...
ST. LOUIS - A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2026, confirmed that a winter storm warning and cold weather advisory are both items that should be taken seriously over the next three days. Mark Fuchs, a meteorologist with the National Weather...
ST. LOUIS — A winter storm shifting northward has increased the likelihood of snowfall in the St. Louis area this weekend, according to local officials and weather forecasts. The upcoming winter storm’s track has shifted in the past day, prompting heightened preparations by transportation...
EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police Department responded for a second time in two weeks to a reported burglary in progress at a vacant former medical building at 1261 University Drive in Edwardsville, taking two suspects into custody Tuesday morning, Jan. 20, 2026. Officers arrived just...
ROXANA — Grace Huch and Raegan Martin were named all-Cahokia Conference selections after helping the Roxana High School varsity cheer team secure third place at the conference competition last weekend. The Shells finished third overall, with Huch and Martin playing key roles in the team’s...
ALTON — Sheila Goins, wife of Alton Mayor David Goins, led a tribute Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at Tabernacle Baptist Church honoring Jesse Prather Jr. during the NAACP’s Dr. King Salute event. The gathering on Jan. 18, 2026, recognized Prather, a self-taught musician and longtime member...
EAST ST. LOUIS — A former airman stationed at Scott Air Force Base pleaded guilty Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, to federal charges of sexually exploiting minors and distributing child sexual abuse material. Michael E. McCay, 32, admitted to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count...
ROXANA — Jaylin Roach has been named a 2025-2026 all-state competitive cheer athlete, recognizing her advanced skills and dedication to the sport. The honor highlights her expertise in Level 4 jumps, stunts, and tumbling, and she will be recognized at the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State...
EDWARDSVILLE - Metro East Lutheran senior Jack Shank delivered a standout performance in the 2025 cross country postseason, highlighted by a personal record at the IHSA 1A State Cross Country Meet. Shank, who is set to graduate following the spring track and field season, placed 65th at the state...
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