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.
GLEN CARBON - Lucas Roedl and Owen Weissert each scored in the first half, leading Father McGivney Catholic to a 2-0 victory over Granite City on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. The Griffins secured the win with strong defensive play throughout the match. Goalkeeper Patrick Gierer recorded two saves and...
MADISON COUNTY - Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is intensifying his campaign across Illinois as he seeks the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin. With five months remaining before the primary election, Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat representing a district near Chicago,...
MADISON COUNTY - Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified Joseph Wayne Sands, 63, of Cottage Hills, as the male victim who died following a two-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 2025, on Interstate 55. The crash occurred at approximately 4:25 a.m. Oct. 5 near Mile Marker...
MADISON - Timeka Shaunail, a professional gospel artist, accomplished drummer and aspiring actress, has built a diverse career spanning music, theater and film. Known for her dynamic performances, Shaunail has appeared in Broadway productions and local theater plays. Shaunail is a Madison High...
WOOD RIVER - Brooke Moran, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for her achievements in cheerleading. Moran has been part of the cheer program since seventh grade and credits her confidence, self-awareness, respect, and empathy as key qualities that contributed to her...
MARYVILLE, IL. — Maryville Christian School inducted 25 new members into its National Honor Society chapter during a ceremony held Wednesday evening at the school. The students were recognized for their achievements in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. The induction ceremony...
WOOD RIVER - Keaton Magurany, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School (EAWR), has been recognized for his outstanding performance in soccer, currently holding a high spot across the region for saves. Magurany has been playing soccer since elementary school and credits his perseverance and dedicatio...
COLLINSVILLE — A collision between a pickup truck and a semi-truck on Interstate 55 northbound south of Fairmont Avenue early Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 2025, resulted in one fatality and one injury, according to the Illinois State Police. The crash occurred at approximately 3:01 a.m. Oct. 5...
JERSEYVILLE — Junior Kaden Strohbeck is making a notable impact in boys' cross country this season for Jersey Community High School, earning recognition as the Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Strohbeck has posted several personal records and strong finishes in recent...
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has three major programs for the month of October. The 2025 Illinois Heartland Library System Library Crawl encourages people to visit different libraries across the state. Similarly, Hayner’s Adult Fall Scavenger Hunt aims to bring...
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