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.
HIGHLAND - Brittany Horrell is organizing a fundraiser for a Highland family to support them after they lost their home in a fire. The family, described as "one of our own," experienced a devastating loss when their house was destroyed. Horrell emphasized the urgency of the situation and said, "We...
ALTON — Human remains found in a wooded area near 7th and Market Street in Alton, Illinois, have been identified as Angela M. Coyle, a 50-year-old unhoused white female, Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich announced Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The remains were discovered on July 13, 2025....
EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police Department reported a recent increase in vehicle break-ins and thefts in the area and urged residents to take precautions to protect their property. The department advised vehicle owners to lock their cars both at home and in public places, especially whe...
BELLEVILLE — Anz Edmundson, a rising junior at Belleville East High School, had an art piece accepted into the 2025 Annual High School Ceramics Exhibition hosted in May 2025 by the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA). The exhibition featured 53 students from 32 high schools across 15 states,...
WOOD RIVER - Malachi Carter of East Alton-Wood River High School is being recognized for his achievements in football as he prepares to enter his senior year. Carter, who has played football since his freshman year, attributes his success to rigorous training, lifting, practice, attending camps,...
EDWARDSVILLE - Caroline Gates is organizing a fundraiser to provide newly diagnosed children with Type One Diabetes a Barbie doll equipped with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an insulin pump. The initiative aims to help normalize the condition and offer comfort to young patients in hospitals....
EDWARDSVILLE - This is another in a series of artists featured who will be showcased at the Edwardsville Arts Fair on Sept. 26-28 at Edwardsville City Park. Artist #1 Artist Name: Suphattra Pollack Medium: Sculpture Artist Statement: "I sculpt, paint, and arrange my clay flowers...
EAST ST. LOUIS - The East Saint Louis Police Department will host its annual National Night Out event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in the Edgemont area at 8206 State Street. The community-building campaign, held each year on the first Tuesday of August, aims to strengthen...
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — A 12-year-old child was injured Monday night, July 14, 2025, after a bullet passed through an apartment at Greystone Apartments in Cahokia Heights, police said. The shooting occurred just after 6 p.m. Monday, according to the Cahokia Heights Police Department. The bullet struck...
ROXANA — The Roxana Street Department announced it would close Old Edwardsville Road from West Thomas Street south to South Central Avenue at around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, due to heavy rainfall and flooding. The Roxana Police said the closure was effective immediately and...
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