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 - 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...
MADISON COUNTY — The Madison County Coroner's Office on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, confirmed the identity of two people who died following a head-on collision on Illinois State Route 162 in Pontoon Beach on the evening of Sept. 19, 2025. Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich identified the...
EDWARDSVILLE — The 2025 Edwardsville Arts Fair drew a strong crowd from Friday, Sept. 26, through Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, showcasing a wide array of artistic talent at the Edwardsville Arts Center. The event featured works in various mediums, including wood, painting, photography, ceramics,...
ALTON — Marquette Catholic recorded a significant girls tennis win over Highland 5-4 on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, in Alton. The victory was secured by the doubles team of Izzy Hough and Mia Lopez, who won a tight 9-7 match. The singles matches set the tone for the competition, with Maddie Waters...
SHILOH — Investigators with the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force attempted to apprehend a person of interest connected to a stolen U-Haul cargo van on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in the area of 3400 Greenmount Road, Shiloh. According to authorities, the individual entered the stolen vehicle...
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