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.
EDWARDSVILLE — Two Triad High School swimmers posted personal bests at the Sectional meet held Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center in Edwardsville. Sophomore Kyla Calvin finished fourth overall in the 50-yard freestyle with a lifetime best time of 24.56 seconds....
WASHINGTON — The longest government shutdown in U.S. history appeared poised to end Wednesday night, Nov. 12, 2025, after 43 days, as the House of Representatives reconvened to take up a bill passed by the Senate to reopen federal agencies and programs. House Speaker Mike Johnson called members...
ALTON - The most recent Remarkable Redbird, senior Angel Young, thinks of herself as a quiet type but as a face that fellow students like seeing around. Angel was nominated for the Remarkable Redbird Award for November 2025 by teacher Ms. Bridget Heck for everything she has done as a student...
CARROLLTON — Dr. Eric Cunningham of Carrollton will present a program about his mother, Eileen Cunningham, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. The event, titled "Mom, More Than a Mother," will take place in the Fellowship Hall of the Carrollton United Methodist Church following a brief business...
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The Fairview Heights Police Department recently celebrated the graduation of its latest Citizens Police Academy class after a 10-week program designed to educate participants about law enforcement operations. The academy provided attendees with hands-on experiences,...
ALTON — A resolution to eliminate late-night liquor licenses in Alton has moved forward to the City Council for consideration following a contentious Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 . The proposal, which would end liquor sales past 1 a.m. in downtown Alton, was met...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City resident Sheena Williamson described witnessing the Northern Lights from her home near Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) on Tuesday night as one of the “most beautiful experiences” of her life. Williamson, who lives on Morrison Road in Granite City, said...
GODFREY - Alton’s Antonia Phillips, an Overnight Stocker Associate at the Godfrey Walmart Supercenter, was honored with a send-off celebration Sunday morning, Nov. 9, 2025, as she prepares to represent Team USA in the 68kg Women’s Freestyle Wrestling competition at the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics....
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville American Legion Post 365 hosted its annual Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, drawing community members to Main Street to honor local veterans. The parade began at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, winding through the heart of Collinsville. Organizers...
MARYVILLE — Timothy Vaughan, a 2022 graduate of Maryville Christian School, is currently serving in the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division in Alaska, where he participates in airborne operations. He is saluted on Veterans Day for his service to his country in the Army. After completing...
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