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.
O'FALLON, IL. - The O'Fallon Marching Band and Drill Team capped off a spirited homecoming week with a memorable halftime performance at the Panthers-Alton Redbirds football game on Friday night, Sept. 26, 2025, showcasing their talent and school pride. Throughout Homecoming Week, the band...
BELLEVILLE — A student was taken into custody Tuesday morning, Sept. 30, 2025, after being found with a firearm at Belleville East High School, authorities said. At approximately 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, a Belleville Police Department School Resource Officer and school staff were alerted b...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 34-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle early Saturday morning, Sept. 27, 2025, near the intersection of West Florissant Avenue and Northport Hills Drive, according to St. Louis County Police. Officers from the North County Precinct responded at 2:37...
EAST ST. LOUIS — A 26-year-old East St. Louis man has been charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery following a multi-year investigation into a deadly 2021 robbery, Illinois State Police announced Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Montel Harkins faces a Class M felony charge for first-degree...
ALTON - Alton’s Marquette High School tennis team defeated Civic Memorial 7-2 in a match held Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in Alton. Marquette secured the victory by winning five of six singles matches and one of three doubles matches. In singles, Izzy Hough, Sarah Moehn, Mia Lopez, Adelaide Bryson,...
EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis Senior High School’s Beta Club has qualified for the national competition in the Collaboration Connections category, the East St. Louis School District 189 announced. The competition tests teams on teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and leadership throug...
ALTON — Marquette’s girls volleyball team rallied to a 2-1 victory over Carlinville on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at home, improving its season record to 9-12. After dropping the first set 12-25, Marquette bounced back to win the next two sets 25-22, 25-22. Ella Tesson led Marquette with...
STAUNTON - Jessica Korunka’s father, Larry, lost all of his belongings in a recent Staunton house fire, leaving him without basic necessities and critical medical equipment. The fire occurred at their residence, where Larry was fortunately able to escape unharmed. Larry, who lives with chronic...
O'FALLON - O'Fallon's football team recorded a big win over Alton on Friday night, Sept. 26, 2025, at O'Fallon. The victory evened O'Fallon's overall season mark at 2-3, and Alton dropped to 0-5. O'Fallon plays at Belleville West on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, and Alton hosts Belleville East. Both contests...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville High School Chamber Orchestra recorded a captivating performance at the annual Edwardsville Art Fair on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, showcasing the talents of its student musicians. The event took place at Edwardsville City Park, drawing attendees to enjoy a blend of...
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