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.
Photos by Kayla Howland and Janina Vomund-Roberts. ALTON — Mayor David Goins read a proclamation on Jan. 8, 2026, saluting Sara McGibany Day in Alton during Alton Main Street’s Annual Appreciation Party held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Post-Commons/Good News Brewing in Alton. The proclamation...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 15-year-old male was arrested Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in connection with the shooting death of a 34-year-old man in St. Louis County, authorities said. The suspect was taken into custody on Jan. 11 and remanded to the St. Louis County Family Court on charges of second-degree...
EDWARDSVILLE — Edwardsville High School’s varsity and junior varsity cheer teams delivered standout performances at the Illinois Cheerleading Association Coaches Cheer Championships (ICCA) on Jan. 10-11, 2026, securing top honors and individual accolades. On Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026,...
CARLYLE - Carlyle, Illinois, has been named one of the 12 Best Boating Cities in the United States for 2026 by BoatBooker, a leading platform for booking boat tours worldwide. The announcement, released as travelers plan their upcoming water-based vacations, recognizes Carlyle for its calm lake setting,...
ALTON - An impactful Alton High School organization has made a huge impression on our most recent Remarkable Redbird, junior Husna Shihadeh. While participating in soccer and cheerleading as a freshman at Alton High, Husna became interested in Upward Bound, a group of over 50 members that focuses...
SPRINGFIELD, IL., - Jersey Community High School and Jersey Community Middle School cheer squads traveled to Springfield this past weekend to compete in the Illinois Cheerleaders Coaches Association (ICCA) State Competition at the Bank of Springfield Center. The varsity competition took place Saturday,...
BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office has released some additional information on the officer-involved shooting on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. The sheriff's office said at 7:13 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11th, 2026, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department received a 911 call reporting an active...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School students and staff were recognized during the 50th Illinois High School Theater Festival, held this past weekend at Illinois State University, for their outstanding contributions to the performing arts. Quinn Krewson, Katelyn Long, Alyssa Sayuk, and Serenity...
JACKSONVILLE - Jersey Community Middle School Wrestling team placed fourth out of 22 teams at the recent tournament held in Jacksonville. The competition featured top middle school wrestling teams from the region. Jersey’s standout performers included Wade Ball at 119 pounds and Brody Olano...
ALTON — SCI Engineering has made significant progress this week in draining a sinkhole that formed beneath the soccer field at Gordon Moore Park, officials said. The collapse, which began on June 26, 2024, occurred above a mine operated by New Frontier Materials beneath the field. Doug Booten...
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