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 COUNTY, Mo. — St. Louis County Police are investigating a homicide after an adult male was found fatally shot in the 10800 block of Glen Garry Road on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 7, 2026. The deceased has been identified as Johnathan Brown, 34 years of age, of the 10800 block of Gle...
ALTON - Alton High School’s girls bowling teams delivered strong performances against Edwardsville at Bowl Haven in Alton on Wednesday afternoon, January 7, 2026, at their home lanes. The Alton High School varsity girls showcased notable skill, led by junior Chloe McIntyre, who posted a 60...
CARROLLTON - Carrollton defeated rival Jersey in a girls' basketball game Wednesday night, Jan. 7, 2026, in Carrollton, 45-29. Blake Driskill and Hayden McMurtie led Carrollton with 13 points apiece. Chloe McAdams had 8 points, Tessa Price had 6 points, and Brooklyn Eilerman had 5 points for the...
JERSEY - Jersey Community Middle School girls volleyball hosted Carrollton on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in their first home opener of the season, delivering strong performances across both the seventh- and eighth-grade teams. The seventh-grade squad secured a straight-set victory, winning 25–18...
ALTON - Marquette Catholic dominated Hillsboro 72-38 in a boys contest on Tuesday night, Jan. 6, 2026, at Marquette. Cam Golike was the leading scorer in the game for the Explorers with 21 points. Chase Jones added 14 points, Cam Jones had 12 points, and Carson Jones finished with 10 points. Noah...
TROY - Triad High School’s basketball team secured a crushing 75-39 boys basketball victory over visiting Taylorville on Tuesday night, Jan. 6, 2026, at Rich Mason Gym, with seniors Nolan Keller and Tyler Thompson both surpassing the 1,000-point milestone in their careers. The Knights maintained...
EAST ST. LOUIS — A Georgia man was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for leading a bank fraud and identity theft scheme that targeted financial institutions across central and southern Illinois, federal officials announced Wednesday. Traveon H. Reese, 31, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty...
GODFREY — A two-vehicle crash occurred Wednesday morning, Jan. 7, 2026, in front of Alton High School in Godfrey and caused significant damage to the vehicles involved, the Madison County Sheriff's Office said. The collision happened Jan. 7, 2026, when one vehicle was traveling south on Humbert...
ST. LOUIS - Following a missed December 2025 payment from Main Street Sports Group (operator of FanDuel Sports Network), the St. Louis Cardinals released a statement on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, confirming that they are working with Major League Baseball and the network on local broadcast alternatives...
WOOD RIVER - Canaan Cook, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for his participation in wrestling. Under the guidance of coach Tim Donohoo, Cook has been involved in the sport for four years. He describes wrestling as a unique experience that fosters a strong sense of...
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