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 — The St. Louis Cardinals completed a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday, acquiring right-handed pitcher Jack Martinez in exchange for third baseman Nolan Arenado and cash considerations. Martinez, who played college baseball at Trinity University and the University o...
GODFREY — Nine student musicians from Alton High School and six from Alton Middle School have been selected to participate in the 2026 Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) All-State Festival, scheduled for January 29-31 in Peoria. The Alton High School students named to the All-State...
GLEN CARBON - Fifth-grader Lindley Weiss of Cassens Elementary School in Glen Carbon took on a unique role at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in St. Louis, serving as a sweeper during the Monday and Tuesday sessions. Weiss, of Glen Carbon, a member of the River’s Edge Figure Skating...
Homicide Investigation in the 3700 block of Av De Paris Drive ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — St. Louis County Police are investigating a homicide after an adult female was fatally shot Monday night, Jan. 12, 2026, in the 3700 block of Av De Paris Drive. Officers from the North County Precinct...
EAST ALTON - Joe’s Pizza and Pasta at 17 Eastgate Plaza in East Alton has announced it will be closing soon after many years of serving the community. The exact date of closure has not yet been determined, but the restaurant has encouraged customers to visit this week as it winds...
SPRINGFIELD, IL. - The Civic Memorial High School girls cheerleading team claimed second place at the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association (ICCA) 2A Varsity State competition held this past weekend in Springfield. The Eagles finished just behind Highland and ahead of Jacksonville...
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,...
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