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 - Gordon Moore Park in Alton features state-of-the-art pickleball courts that have become a central hub for local players since their official opening on May 3, 2024. Funded primarily by Alton Township, the courts offer modern amenities, including newly installed shade structures over picnic...
( These are artists that will be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Art Fair. The art fair is set for Sept. 25-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park). EDWARDSVILLE - The artists featured on Wednesday are Rhonda Gurgone, Ian Koller and Randall McDermit. Artist #1 Artist Name: Rhonda Gurgone...
ALTON - Four players came up with two hits each, while Jayce Steinkuehler drove in three runs as Alton Post 126's under-17 navy junior American Legion baseball team won big again, this time defeating Maryville, Mo., Post 100 18-0 in a game played Tuesday evening, July 1, 2025, at Lloyd Hopkins Field...
TORONTO, CANADA — Defenseman Dakota Mermis, an Alton native, signed a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $1.625 million on July 1, 2025, the team announced Tuesday. The deal carries an average annual cap hit of $812,500 and will keep Mermis with the Maple Leafs through the en...
GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School has appointed Brett Schubert as the new head coach for its boys soccer team, the school announced Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Father McGivney Catholic Athletic Director Jeff Oller expressed enthusiasm about Schubert’s promotion, highlighting his...
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department has released the identification of the victim involved in the fatal vehicle-motorcycle collision at the intersection of Troy Road and Goshen Road in Edwardsville on the evening of Monday, June 23, 2025. The Edwardsville Police Department has identified...
TROY, Ill. — The body of a woman found in a field near the intersection of Lebanon and Troy O’Fallon Road on July 20, 1990, has been identified as Wynona Nadine Michel, nearly 35 years after her death. Madison County Sheriff’s Office detectives initially responded to the scene,...
WOOD RIVER - Isaiah Smith, a rising senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for his dedication and performance in football, basketball, and baseball. Smith credits his work ethic and the support of his coaches for his athletic achievements. Smith is a Midwest Members Credit...
GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District #9 recognized two Coolidge Junior High School students recently for their achievements in track and field, qualifying for the 2025 Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) State Track Meet and placing among the top five competitors. Payton Petrillo...
COLLINSVILLE — The U.S. District Court and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois will participate in a naturalization ceremony on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, to welcome 61 new citizens from 27 countries. The event is set to begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Gateway...
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