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 - The Alton High School girls bowling team returned to competition Monday night, Jan. 5, 2026, defeating Belleville West Maroons at Bowl Haven Lanes. The varsity squad won decisively, 37-3, while the junior varsity team secured a 7-0 victory. During the varsity match, several Redbirds...
GODFREY — The Godfrey Fire Protection District welcomed a new member on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, adding Probationary Firefighter John Kloss to its team. Kloss, who joined the department on his first day, comes from Gillespie ambulance service. He is a resident of the village, married,...
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School’s Marching Tigers traveled to London over winter break to perform in the London New Year’s Day Parade, showcasing their talents on an international stage. The trip, which took place during the holiday break, included visits to several...
PIASA - Southwestern senior Bram Buettel has distinguished himself both on the soccer field and in cross country, while maintaining strong academic performance, according to Coach Steve Mitchell. Buettel, a senior and team captain, played a versatile role in soccer, serving as a center midfielder...
PIASA - Southwestern High School’s girls volleyball team is looking ahead to the 2025 season with optimism, and one of the leaders next year will be junior outside hitter Briann Anderson and fellow outside hitter Vivian Zurheide. Anderson, standing 5-foot-9, also plays forward on the Piasa Bird...
ROXANA — The Roxana Shells cheerleading squad secured fourth place in the Small Varsity Division at a competition held Saturday, earning a spot in the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association (ICCA) State Competition scheduled for January 2026 in Springfield. The Roxana girls...
WOOD RIVER - Hailey Handler, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for her dedication and resilience in basketball. Handler, who has played the sport since fourth grade, credits her persistence through numerous injuries and her competitive nature for earning this acknowledgment....
EDWARDSVILLE — David A. Murray of Bethalto has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to failure to report an accident resulting in death, a Class 1 felony, in Madison County. Murray entered his guilty plea on April 28, 2025, to the charge stemming from a Dec. 29, 2024,...
EAST ST. LOUIS — The Illinois State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that left a 40-year-old woman dead near a convenience store in East St. Louis on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. The incident occurred around 10:08 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, near the 4500 block of South...
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police are investigating a homicide that occurred early Monday morning, Jan. 5, 2026, in the 2000 block of Switzer Avenue in Jennings. Officers from the City of Jennings Precinct responded at 2:27 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, to a shooting report, where they found...
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